Pilates vs Yoga

[Anonymous]

I want to take a class of either Pilates or Yoga. I like to sweat and burn a lot of calories during the exercise, but I want to do something that would teach me how to relax and bring in a moment of peace into my mind....I don't know which one is good for me. I'm 32 and have 7 years old son. I am very healthy and am slender/petite. Any suggestions?

[Anonymous]

Why not take one of each and decide? I've only taken 1 pilates class, so I am by no means an expert. But it was more of a workout than a relaxing yoga session. I loved it, but haven't gotten it worked into my schedule yet.

There are some studios that offer both (Balance in Bethesda is one). You could do a drop in session of yoga and pilates there.

[Anonymous]

Pilates doesn't really have a "mind/body" aspect to it the way that yoga does. I'm definitely more of a yoga person: I find pilates hard on my back and a little less mentally engaging than yoga. Just my own experience, though, obviously.

[zumbamama]

PP is correct. I am certifying in both...but I prefer yoga. Yoga is good for EVERYTHING. You get to stretch, and tone (if it is a good teacher that explains how to do that in holding the poses), build muscle energy, relax, work on proper breathing, alignment, and how to clear you mind and let go of stress.

Pilates is based on yoga but uses other principles of gymnastics, acrobatics, ballet and martial arts. It is less stretchy than yoga, alot more toning of deep, deep layer muscles. It has certainly helped trim my waistline. Pilates generally uses low reps on deep toning exercises, with focus on keeping your core stable. I also come out with back/neck pain sometimes...because the classes I've been too don't too much stretching to counter all the strain you put on your neck (warm up)...I have to add it in myself.

If you are a beginner, I would start with yoga first...but not power yoga! Start with beginners...Hatha/Vinyasa if you want a good workout, restorative if you want to relax. You will do better in Pilates if you know how to stretch before you get there.