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Dear FitSugar,
I am interested in doing Pilates or yoga. Which do you think is better? What is Pilates better for? And what is yoga better for?
extra chica12
Well for starters I love both practices and honestly couldn't function without either. Yoga and Pilates have a lot in common and both are great forms of strength training and build long lean muscles. In fact Joseph Pilates looked to the ancient practice of yoga for inspiration when creating his exercise method. Both practices are considered mind / body exercises since they both focus on the connection between the two entities, which much of western ideology has attempted to split over the centuries. Yogic philosophy includes a spiritual aspect that is not present in the Pilates method.
Yoga is considerably more static than Pilates since yoga poses are generally held for a number of breaths, except the flowing vinyasa that connects poses in Ashtanga and other forms of yoga too. Pilates focuses a lot on torso stability, using the deep abs and pelvic floor – similar to the uddiyana and mula bandhas of yoga, while the limbs move 3 dimensionally in space. While there is a large repertory of movement in the Pilates mat work that requires no props or machinery, a vast amount of exercises have been created for the Pilates machines which are vastly more intricate than the props you would use in yoga. Breath and breathing patterns are essential to both practices. Both practices will work your flexibility, but yoga more so than Pilates.
Yoga classes tend to be 90 minutes and Pilates mat classes are generally an hour and are roughly the same price. I have found the two practices enrich each other greatly and the more anatomically specific elements taught in Pilates enhance the more abstract images used in yoga.
I can't really choose between the two as a favorite - Pilates got my abs in shape after having my 2 kids, and yoga (because it lengthens and strengthens the muscles of my legs and opens my hips) makes running 3 times a week possible! So I say try them both if you can since I think they are both absolutely great!
Argos
Velvet
Vsct Jeans
Good answers to a common question.
However, I'd be quick to point out that, no matter what we're told about Pilates and yoga, NO form of exercise can actually "lengthen" your muscles. I think people are easily confused about that, and even instructors buy into it. Muscles are the length that they are--they never shorten or lengthen in response to training. They're a certain length, and contracting them momentarily shortens them, but then they go back to their same length at rest. Training can change the size of a muscle, but not its length.
1I have always wanted to take a yoga class but I already work full-time, am finishing up school, run and take pole lessons so my schedule is very packed. I do know the very basics of yoga but was wondering if you can learn and incorporate yoga with only a instructional DVD??? Any thoughts Fit?
2Hi Hottpink (love your name), just putting my 2 cents in. I began learning Yoga with instructional DVDs and started taking classes after that. Personally, I love both, but if I think the best would be to take it in a class at least in the beginning, so the teacher can correct your poses. With your free time, you can use the instructional DVDs as a supplement.
On the subject of yoga and pilates, I take a class called yogalates (or piyo), which combines yoga and pilates into the class. It is great if you do not have time to take too many classes, but want the benefits of both. Like fitsugar, I love both too much to give up either. =)
3Thanks winniebaby! I want to learn the correct poses with the right form, so I might take a class or two to get me into it. Which DVD's do you recommend or like?
4I enjoy pilates more so than yoga but they are both very good exercises.
5In terms of muscle, when it's said that these things create long, lean muscles it is in contrast to other activities. For instance lifting weights and strength training generally bulks up the muscle in the middle (width), pilates and yoga tend to strengthen the length of the muscle creating a difference in the appearance of the muscle. So while Niko is 100% correct that you can't actually lengthen the muscle, you can build muscle and create a different appearance depending on what method you work it. This would be more of a 'toned' effect with pilates and yoga, as opposed to a 'ripped' effect with strength training and weight lifting. Make sense?
6I love both! Yoga for the strength after and pilates for bringing my core back to life!
7i think yoga is the platform for pilates.
8I'm more of a pilates fan (does wonders for the core), but I'd love to be able to do those difficult yoga poses which rely mostly on the strength of your arms...
9My friend started a workout plan that includes 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of yoga/pilates (alternates each day) five days a week. I'm thinking of trying this, too. How does this plan sound? I'm just now becoming very interested in exercise. Can anyone recommend any great 30 minute cardio, yoga, and pilates DVD's?
10I think that the practices are completely complementary- both build strength, but in different ways. Practicing both yoga and pilates also give you the chance to excell faster in your skill.
11I love bikram yoga ( aka *hot* yoga) for the combination of flexibility and strength training that it offers, along with the relaxational qualities. The 110 degree/ 50% humidity in room also loosens up your muscles like you've never known, and it's great for my tight hip flexors- i can run again!
I've always been into yoga, but recently began taking classes and I'm just loving it...I haven't tried pilates yet, but I'm considering trying that as well. I like yoga for the serenity and relaxation it brings me...I think I would like to try pilates to increase my strength and tone up a little bit.
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