Pilates vs. Yoga - Which one's for you?

Yoga and Pilates

Yoga is more well-known than Pilates.

Unlike yoga, Pilates is not quite as well known in mainstream fitness culture. Although Pilates has been around for nearly a century and has seen its popularity soar in recent years, it hasn't quite achieved the same level of notoriety as yoga. One reason for this might be because yoga is primarily focused on stretching, which is relatively easier to learn and can be done by anyone, whereas Pilates is an exercise system that requires more instruction and practice to become proficient. Additionally, some of the Pilates exercises can be more intense or difficult than yoga poses, making it less accessible to those who are just starting out with their fitness journey. It’s also worth noting that while yoga focuses on the mind-body connection, Pilates emphasizes building strength and control. Therefore, many people might find them less satisfying than yoga, as they don’t provide the same inner peace or relaxation that the latter provides.

What's the Difference between Yoga and Pilates?

The main difference between yoga and Pilates lies in their purpose and focus. Yoga is an ancient practice focused on the spiritual and mental side of well-being that explores poses or asanas and the connection between mind, body, and spirit. Typically, yoga classes are slower-paced, emphasizing breath control and meditation. It can also be used as a form of physical activity, as it focuses on stretching, relaxation and mindfulness.

Pilates, on the other hand, is a more modern system of exercises created by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. It was originally developed to aid recovery from injury or illness and focuses mainly on strength, flexibility and body awareness. Pilates exercises are designed to target specific areas of the body, and the emphasis is on strengthening the deeper, smaller muscle groups to increase stabilization. Unlike yoga, the main goal of Pilates is to strengthen the body for integrated control and movement rather than relaxation and meditation.

Yoga and Pilates can both provide great exercise and health benefits, so it really comes down to personal preference. That said, those looking for a relaxing and calming experience might prefer yoga, while those looking for a more intense and challenging workout might prefer Pilates.

Which burns more calories?

The calorie burn from Pilates and yoga depends on the intensity of the session and the type of exercises being performed. Generally speaking, Pilates is usually more strenuous than yoga and can result in a higher caloric burn. However, vigorous or advanced forms of yoga can be just as intense as pilates, and can result in a similar calorie burn as well. Ultimately, while Pilates may burn more calories on average, the type and intensity of exercises used in each of these activities are highly individualized and can vary greatly depending on the practitioner's experience, skill level, and goals.