Oh the age old question of "which one is better - Pilates or Yoga?" Or the equally occurring "how do I to choose between Yoga and Pilates?"
To me there is no either-or, one-or-another, one-and-only decision to be made. They are both wonderful forms of exercise that allow an individual to strengthen their bodies while their minds debuzz from everyday life.
To me there is no either-or, one-or-another, one-and-only decision to be made. They are both wonderful forms of exercise that allow an individual to strengthen their bodies while their minds debuzz from everyday life.
As mentioned in Canadian Living, the greatest difference is philosophy. Yoga looks to the flow of energy through one's body while Pilates intends to increase body awareness through looking to the smaller, often over-looked, muscles of the lower abdomen.
Many people I have spoken to feel Yoga is certainly the Spiritual option that allows an individual to focus on their breath and flow through movements. However it is my experience that Pilates also allows me such mental freedom. While doing both forms of exercise I cannot worry about what is happening around me, nor plan for what is to come as I simply focus on the movements occurring through my body.
My suggestion, if you were looking at starting either of them, is to try both. Start a beginners block course and figure out for yourself, you may end up loving each style of exercise.
Many people I have spoken to feel Yoga is certainly the Spiritual option that allows an individual to focus on their breath and flow through movements. However it is my experience that Pilates also allows me such mental freedom. While doing both forms of exercise I cannot worry about what is happening around me, nor plan for what is to come as I simply focus on the movements occurring through my body.
My suggestion, if you were looking at starting either of them, is to try both. Start a beginners block course and figure out for yourself, you may end up loving each style of exercise.