Yoga vs. Pilates: Which is best for YOUR body?
I love Yoga. I also love Pilates.
And while I could easily explain to you the premise of each one, if you asked me to explain how they effect your body differently, I’m going to look at you like this:
They both tone your muscles. They both help with flexibility and strength. They both focus on breath during the movements.
But which muscles does Yoga work and which muscles does Pilates work? Which is a better cardio burn and which is going to make your abs rock hard? Which is better when it comes to specific goals?
I realized recently that I had no idea, and I needed to get to the bottom of it.
I mentioned before that my dad used to be a professional athlete. Even after he stopped playing as a career, he continued to participate in athletics for fun and exercise.
Well, his lifetime of competitive sports did a number on his 6’7″ stature and has had him in and out of the hospital for various back and knee surgeries for years now. Despite it all — and much to the family’s dismay — he continues to play sports that irritate his fragile structure (golf and handball specifically).
Anyway, after his last run in with the operating table, several of his doctors suggested he take up yoga or pilates to help with the rehab process and strengthen his muscles to prevent further injury.
Knowing I do both, he asked me which I recommend. Picturing my dad in Crow Pose or doing hundreds on a Reformer gave me quite the case of the giggles.
Humor aside, given what I do know about each, I assumed they’d both have positive benefits for his recovery.
I needed to be sure though. So I turned to the most knowledgable people I have in my iPhone for some answers: Jake Ferree of Aura Yoga and Heather Dorak of Pilates Platinum.
Their candid answers on everything and anything about each practice should help guide my dad, and any of you guys looking to try out a new sport, in the right direction.
First up, Yoga.
***Stay tuned to the very end of this post for a fabulous giveaway!***
Pam S @ Nuts for Nutrition says:
I’ve actually never taken a class in either. I think I’d be more suited towards Pilates though, I really like to feel the burn!
Whitney English says:
You should try both!!! I’m seriously addicted to each :) And I guarantee you’ll feel the burn from Yoga if you find the right teacher!
Pam S @ Nuts for Nutrition says:
That’s probably why I haven’t cause I’m too scared I’ll find the wrong teacher and never go again!
Davida @ The Healthy Maven says:
I’m a big yoga fan but not so much pilates. For some reason pilates really irritates my hip but I find yoga to be a bit less intense on it. Not entirely sure why! But my mom is addicted to pilates and I could never get her to do yoga even if I tried!
Whitney English says:
That’s good that you listen to your body. And you’re right, what works for one person doesn’t always work for another!
Emma @ Life's A Runner says:
To be honest, I find myself getting bored during pilates. At least in yoga I can try to stay calm and serene, but pilates just makes me want to go running!
Whitney English says:
I think I would get bored if I ONLY did either, but like Heather suggested in her info about Pilates, mixing it up with an outdoor activity keeps things exciting!
Maria @ The Good Life says:
This is a very timely post because I gave yoga a try this weekend for the first time and while I can see the benefits I may need an actual class to help me with proper form.
Whitney English says:
DId you try it on your own? I definitely recommend finding a good Power Yoga, Vinyasa based class in your area!
Julie says:
I love yoga. I don’t do Pilates much – I’ve tried the regular and reformer classes and just couldn’t get into it. I like the calmness and bodyweight work of yoga much more. I also think this is because I’ve encountered great yoga instructors – there are also so many more of them it seems!
Whitney English says:
I didn’t like Pilates the first time I tried it, and that was for a regular mat class. I LOVE the Megaformer classes though that they offer at PP. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever tried before and it really kills your muscles, especially the butt! I highly recommend trying it out before you write off Pilates for good!
Kristina @ Damn Ten Pounds says:
I’ve done both but I have to claim allegiance to Team Pilates. I feel like I’m getting more of a workout and can see results faster. But when I’m stressed and need to clear my head, there’s nothing like a bikram class to purge the day away :)
Whitney English says:
I’m all for a combined attack on the bod from both :)
Gillian @ That's G says:
I think I prefer yoga (only because I do it way more). I wish I could get my Dad into either yoga or pilates — it would SO help his running and general fitness!!
Whitney English says:
Maybe if you do it with him he’ll try!
Ashley @ Broc Blog says:
I try my best to do yoga once a week and Ive never actually tried pilates even though it looks amazing and I know Id love it. I definitely plan on checking out that pilates anytime dvd workout!
Whitney English says:
I haven’t tried the DVD, so let me know what you think!
Kim says:
I’ve never done either one in a class or studio setting – just with DVDs. I would have thought that yoga would have a higher strength ratio – holding some of those poses isn’t easy (at least for me!!).
Whitney English says:
I think it’s probably very class dependent. So one day may have more of a strength aspect than another day. And I’m with you about holding the poses, some of them can be real butt/thigh burners!
Jody - Fit at 56 says:
I think both have their benefits & for different reasons for different people.. I would lean toward yoga for me for flexibility, calming & all that.. I do so much other core work & stuff at the gym BUT I have always wanted to do both! :)
Whitney English says:
I totally agree! You should definitely try Pilates if you’re curious. It’s a great workout!
Katy says:
This is a GREAT post! I have seriously always wondered what the difference is between the two. I’ve actually never tried pilates, but would love to! Fingers crossed I win the giveaway ;)
Whitney English says:
I think you would really like it! Even if you don’t win, we’ll have to go sometime :)
Dr. J says:
My best friend is 6′ 7′!! He is a skier and biker which has caused him to have both knees operated and some more serious stuff from a bike accident in the mountains! He’s back on the bike, however :-)
I would lean towards yoga first because you do not need an apparatus to do it.
Thanks for the educational post!
Whitney English says:
Thanks Dr. J! Maybe my Dad should actually give both a try and see which works best for him.
Paula Porter says:
Love this picture of you and your Dad. Praying he gets physical relief soon so he can live pain free.
Whitney English says:
Thanks Paula! Me too :)
Suzanne Gibson says:
Whitney, thanks for a most informative article. I never thought about “push” and “pull” muscles before but it makes a lot of sense. I started yoga at age 60 after recovering from three major surgeries, and found it to be the greatest thing I can do for myself. Pain relief, better body movement, stress relief, I could go on and on. Love your column.
Whitney English says:
So glad to hear it’s worked for you! I found the push and pull information very interesting too. I never thought of that either. I did yoga on Monday though so this morning I hit my biceps (aka pull muscles) a little harder :)
PS: You need to get Cristina into Yoga!
Tonya@Healthy, Fit, and Frugal says:
I think they both are great and there is room for both, although I do find in general pilates (reformer style) can be a lot more expensive. But if money were no object I’d do both. I think pilates always make me feel leaner and stronger, where yoga made me feel more open, calmer, and more flexible. I did have a hard time moving in and out of those contraptions quickly though. ha ha. Awkward!
Whitney English says:
Haha, I still look like a huge spaz on the Megaformer! But nothing can be more embarrassing than falling on the treadmill in the middle of a busy gym (which has also happened to me).
Melissa @ Nourish By Melissa says:
Yoga and Pilates are my two favorite ways to be active :)
Whitney English says:
Awesome!
Coco says:
I’m all about low impact exercises. Yoga I’ve tried in the past but I just can’t get the hand of it. Pilates is probably my favorite type of workout to do. I started when I was in high school to try and improve my posture & relieve stress…. I definitely need to get back on the wagon!
xoxoxo
Whitney English says:
Well if you need a workout buddy….:)
Erin @ The Almond Eater says:
I definitely love yoga but haven’t given pilates a try in awhileeeee. However, since my hip flexors get tight pretty easily I’m kinda weary to try it anytime soon…I know there are a lot of poses that could bother hip flexors (are they called poses or moves in pilates? I have no idea!). I wannnnt to try it but for now I’m sticking to yoga.
Whitney English says:
Haha I’m not sure!! I would call your local PIlates studio and check with the instructors before trying it out again. I’m sure they have modifications so you can work around those tight hip flexors!
Natalie @ lovenataliemarie says:
I love Pilates. It’s such a challenge sometimes, but definitely so beneficial! It’s fun to learn new moves and be so interactive. :)
Whitney English says:
It IS a challenge! Which is what I love about it. When I go to Pilates, I know I’m guaranteed to get a good workout.
Bethann says:
Okay so I used to teach Pilates and it did great things for my thighs, but I find myself yawning through hundreds and I can’t seem to stop! I recently tried to pick it back up after a few years off of the reformer and realized it is still not for me.
I love yoga and all that it does for me mentally and physically…actually just completed a class so maybe I am still full of endorphins. :) Thank you for the super informative article!
Whitney English says:
I didn’t know you taught Pilates! Do you teach any other group fitness?
And I totally know what you mean about the post Yoga bliss :)
The vegan 8 says:
Thanks for this awesome post Whitney! I LOVE yoga , very highly tough yoga and can do it very well. I love the poses and how it makes me feel… It’s probably my favorite form of exercise out of everything I’ve done and do, which is a lot. The only thing I haven’t tried is Pilates! I’m now anxious to try it.
Whitney English says:
Yay! So happy I could inspire you to try it out. Let me know how it goes!!
Melanie @ Nutritious Eats says:
It’s harder to find Pilates for me, but I need to! Both are amazing!
Whitney English says:
I agree ;)
Andee says:
Pilates all the way! It has changed my running so much, helped me achieve core strength while toning and strengthening the entire body. It’s the best workout!
Whitney English says:
Running and Pilates are a great combo!
GiGi Eats Celebrities says:
OMG BOO!!! I was so confused by your post but I JUST REALIZED that there are multiple PAGES TO THIS!!! All I saw was “Stay Tuned For The Giveaway”! GROAR!!! :( Now I am sad. Alright, I guess I am heading over to Groupon! ;)
Whitney English says:
Aw sad! I was wondering why you didn’t apply! I know how much you love your pilates!!
Jyo says:
This is such a wonderful write-up! I have been doing Yoga for 4 years now, and have been planning to try a Pilates class. I kind of figured in my head that Pilates would be the right addition to shake things up in my workout regime, and now your blog reinforced my perception. I am going to try my first class and tell you how it goes. Thanks :)
Amanda Howard says:
I love, love, love YOGA! I also did pre-natal yoga during pregnancy and swear by it! I know 100% it made all the difference on delivery day and helped me to go drug free through 2.5 days of labour!
Whitney English says:
Wow, that’s impressive!! I’ll have to up my practice when I get pregnant…one day :)