Which is better, Pilates or Yoga?

Pilates and yoga are often lumped into the same category. In the West they share a similar demographic, emphasize the importance of breathing at different points of a movement, and use terms like “mindfulness.” Some yoga centers in the United States integrate Pilates-like exercises for yoga fitness classes, further blurring the boundaries between the two. However, they are distinctive practices with completely different origins and purposes. To understand which modality is right for you, let's take a deeper look into what they are.

Yoga

Yoga is an ancient physical, mental, and spiritual practice that originated in India, believed to be over 5,000 years old. At its core, yoga is about harmonizing the body with the mind and breath through various breathing exercises (pranayama), yoga postures (asanas), and meditation (dhyana). It is about far more than stretching and physical activity. Yoga offers mental clarity, spiritual connection and inner peace.

Different styles of yoga, from the gentle and meditative to the intensely physical, cater to a wide range of abilities and preferences. This versatility makes yoga accessible to a diverse population, offering benefits such as stress reduction, improved posture, and enhanced self-awareness.

Pilates

Pilates is a fitness modality that emphasizes core strength, flexibility, and proprioception. It was invented by Joseph Pilates in during WWI while he was being held at the the Knockaloe internment camp. He developed the method to rehabilitate his fellow internees. The practice involves a series of controlled movements that can be performed on a mat or using specialized equipment like the Pilates reformer. These exercises are performed as a fluid sequence of movements to increase balance, flexibility and build strength from the core outward. It is a holistic approach to health and well-being and is suitable for individuals at all fitness levels.

Both Pilates and Yoga have variations. Here’s a cheat sheet for both:

Yoga:

Hatha Yoga is often considered the foundation of yoga. It focuses on physical postures and breath control, and is ideal for beginners due to its slower pace.

Vinyasa Yoga is known for its fluidity. It links breath with movement in a dance-like sequence, offering a more dynamic experience.

Ashtanga Yoga is a rigorous style of yoga. It follows a specific sequence of postures and is great for building core strength and toning the body.

Iyengar Yoga emphasizes precision and alignment, using props like blocks and straps to aid practitioners.

Kundalini Yoga combines postures, breathing, and chanting to awaken spiritual energy and increase self-awareness.

Bikram Yoga is performed in a heated room and consists of a series of 26 challenging poses.

Yin Yoga is a more meditative approach involving holding poses for longer periods to stretch connective tissues.

Restorative Yoga focuses on relaxation, using props to support the body in passive poses.

Power Yoga, an offshoot of Ashtanga, is fitness-focused and often practiced in gyms.

Anusara Yoga is a newer form of yoga. It is heart-centered and spiritually inspiring while focusing on body alignment.

Pilates:

Classical Pilates: Also known as traditional Pilates, this style adheres closely to Joseph Pilates' original work, including the sequence and form of exercises. It emphasizes a strong foundation in Pilates principles and often uses equipment like the reformer, cadillac, and wunda chair.

Contemporary Pilates: This approach integrates modern exercise principles and biomechanics, blending the original Pilates method with new research and adaptations. It often includes modified exercises to accommodate different body types and abilities, making it more flexible and inclusive.

Mat Pilates: Focused solely on floor exercises using a mat, this style doesn't require special equipment. It's accessible and emphasizes the use of the body's own resistance in exercises, making it suitable for home practice.

Reformer Pilates: Centered around the Pilates reformer machine, this style uses the resistance of springs to provide a challenging workout. It's excellent for building strength, flexibility, and coordination.

Clinical Pilates: Tailored for rehabilitation, this type is often used by physiotherapists and focuses on individual needs. It helps in recovery from injuries, improving posture, and addressing specific medical conditions.

Stott Pilates: A variation of classical Pilates, Stott focuses more on the natural curvature of the spine and is often considered more ergonomic. It modifies some traditional exercises and includes more preparatory exercises and modifications.

Winsor Pilates: Popularized by Mari Winsor, it's a dynamic sequence of exercises aimed at weight loss and body sculpting. It often involves faster-paced movements for a more intense workout.

Fletcher Pilates: Developed by Ron Fletcher, a student of Joseph Pilates, this style emphasizes breathwork, movement quality, and percussive breathing techniques. It's known for its "Fletcher Towelwork," "Floorwork," and "Barrework."

Power Pilates: A high-octane, sweat-inducing class that takes you through demanding Pilates exercises at a faster clip than Contemporary Pilates. It’s often accompanied by fun music to keep you motivated and energized.

Both Pilates and yoga offer opportunities for full-body movement, mindfulness, breathwork, and even (in the case of Ashtanga) strengthening.

If your overall goal is to improve your physical fitness and mind-body connection, and you enjoy both modalities, you should do both! You can do Burnlates on high-energy days and Hatha Yoga on rest and recovery days (or whatever combination works for you). But if you’re choosing between a Club Pilates and CorePower Yoga membership, your problem is more understandable. Paying for two monthly memberships is a lot. Our best advice is to supplement or switch entirely to an app like Somato, where you can find both Pilates and Yoga in all their forms.