Both yoga and pilates are low-impact workouts and are great for all ages and gentle on your joints. They reduce the risk of injury, increase awareness of your body, and work on your breathing. But what are the differences between these two routines?
The Differences
While breath work is important in both yoga and pilates the way you breathe in yoga is opposite to how you breathe in pilates. In yoga, you engage your core to inhale and in pilates, you engage the core on the exhale.
Yoga has more variety than pilates, with vinyasa and Hatha, and it is down to the various flows and speeds. In most yoga classes you will flow through poses and use your body weight as resistance, focusing on balance and flexibility. Whereas pilates, in general, is more fast-paced and you can use resistance bands, an exercise ball, a roller, or the reformer bed.
The Benefits
Yoga is good for the mind and body and supports more body awareness, strength and flexibility. Yoga breathing can help you to manage stress and can help to decrease inflammation in the body.
Pilates engages all your muscles and strengthens the core like no other workout. With a stronger core, you will improve your posture and start to sit straighter, and feel less tension in the neck and shoulders. You will feel stronger all over and will help you to feel more relaxed in your day-to-day life.
