I like yoga and pilates reformer, but not pilates mat. I have never felt challenged by a pilates mat class (the attendees of pilates mat all look the same, without body changes over time).

In my opinion, a vinyasa yoga class is a better strength building workout than a pilates mat class.

I love yoga, and do a pretty intense vinyasa class at least once a week.

I wanted to love pilates, but I have scoliosis, and every pilates class I've tried has killed my back.

Overweight people can absolutely do both. I've done yoga for years and love it for the stretch and the centered feeling I get. If you go to a class where they hold the poses for a while, you can absolutely build strength and increase flexibility. The flow style classes I find great for being in the moment can be soothing to move through the postures quickly.

I do a super intense version of pilates that I *love* and think would be great for almost anyone (solidcore: not traditional pilates, but with a foundation there, and way, way harder). I tried a less intense version and was completely underwhelmed. It was so boring. The intense version offers different benefits from yoga, and both have their place.

tl;dr: I prefer intense pilates for the workout, and yoga for stretching out and calming myself. Less intense pilates, not a fan.

For beginners I like Simon Says. Non-judgey atmosphere, regular classes especially daytime are pretty easy going.

Anonymous wrote:NP. Sorry to digress but what are some good yoga and Pilates places around Silver Spring, Rockville, Bethesda? Beginner level.

If you include takoma park there are 2 good places there : willow street yoga/Pilates (they also have a studio in SSP) and yoga heights (has Pilates and barre classes)

NP. Sorry to digress but what are some good yoga and Pilates places around Silver Spring, Rockville, Bethesda? Beginner level.

I like pilates and feel meh about yoga. I like a pilates studio in DC that is more high-energy than classic pilates (Fuse Pilates), even in their mat classes. If you're near Foxhall they just opened a studio there, and they also have one on 14th Street. I've taken yoga classes here and there but have never gotten very into it. I'm not into the whole spiritual aspect.

Thanks all. I think I will get over my fear and sign up for intro class at my gym this week. I believe it’s on the machines.

I like both, for different reasons. Yoga for stretching and the mindfulness/meditation aspect. I feel so calm yet energized after a great yoga class. Pilates for the toning and core strengthening. My posture is better after class and I’ve worked muscles I didn’t even know I had.

I disagree with PPs who say mat is easier than the machines. It really depends on the teacher and the machine. I’ve taken some tough mat classes.

Love Pilates mat classes. No problem with any body type. Like the counting and short reps since none of it lasts too long to be boring or painful. Always feel taller when I leave. No weird breathing or self-examination, either.

I love Pilates, but agree with pp that it's much better on equipment. I don't like mat classes either, except as in addition to equipment work.

Don't like Pilates, love yoga. Anybody can do Pilates on a mat. Pilates on a reformer is much harder and more interesting. I find most mat Pilates classes boring, non-energetic and I hate the emphasis on counting that reminds me of high school gym class. YMMV.

I am very overweight and 4 months postpartum. While I am a little over 40 lbs down, I still have a quite a ways to go. Yesterday I went back to yoga and it was amazing. I feel so stretched out. I have never done Pilates before but I would like to try. Can an overweight person do this? If you’ve done both, is there one you like better?