Yoga Vs Pilates?

Question

Which did you prefer? Which do you think is best for flexibility?
Here is my plan. I do 20 minutes cardio and a full body workout on Mon, Wed and Fri at the gym. On tue and thus however I want something that works a different muscle group and I am sooo not felxible and want to be.

Answer 1

I personally prefer Yoga, because all you really need is a mat and you're good to go. It tones, stretches, relaxes and some poses even get your heart racing and you can see a noticable difference in your body within a month. You gain a higher sense of awareness within your body and your movement..you know where everything is and you can sense your body's positioning.

Pilates is also great though..I think if you want to tone muscles faster, then Pilates definitely will get faster results, but Yoga's so meditative and in our world you really need something to ground you. Another great thing about Yoga is that you're not bound to one place, you can do it almost anywhere...even when travelling. It's inexpensive.

Though you can do Pilates without machines, a lot of the method is based using machines. Yoga only requires a mat, but beware the fact that when performed incorrectly, both exercises can lead to serious injuries. While DVDs and books are great, it's vital that you seek instructors first. I read someone recommending you find an instructor at the local gym, but you be honest, I would prefer you search for specialised Yoga centres and make sure they're certified within their form of Yoga. Because now anyone can become a Yoga instructor in just a year and it's all BS cos they're still learning themselves. So make sure you find a reputable instructor, because you shouldn't take the risk.

Another thing with the Yoga, there are many different forms and the one you choose depends on your own preference. For example, Hatha Yoga is the relaxing, gently kind of Yoga, whereas Iyengar and Asthanga are intense and very physical. There are many more, but I do Iyengar so I'll just explain the speciality of this form: It was developed by BKS Iyengar, 'the world's foremost authority on Hatha Yoga' and it focuses on spinal extension and places great emphasis on physical alignment. It's quite strict and doesnt' accomodate to sloppiness, but it's all worth it in the end. Iyengar also introduced Yoga props so that his students can stay longer in poses. It's a great method and though it's physical, it's amazing how focusing on postures can clear your mind.

All in all, I think you should try both Pilates and Yoga and see which one you like best, though I prefer Yoga.

Good Luck and remember to always seek a qualified, reputable instructor no matter what you pursue.

Rame_Dean.

Answer 2

Hi. Been over 200 lbs. Now 143. Never EVER thought I could do it! Magic answer? Try it all. Don't bet on one horse. Make your health a priority in your life. It will come off gradually Pilates and/or Yoga or something else as long as you decide it's not a temporary diet but the way you want to live your life. PS: 1 to 2 pounds a week is the only healthy weight loss rate.

Answer 3

I do tae bo and i have become so flexible its scary. Yoga is very good for flexibility, but, be careful because the wrong technique can damage your body and your workouts you do for cardio will be 6 monhs later after recovery. Pilates is also very good, its not as much rules when it comes to breathing etc, etc... Though between yoga and pilates i would pratice both. I however do yoga, if you consider doing yoga, go to a local gym and ask an instrucor to talk you through the techniques etc, or get a book or DVD program.

Good luck

Answer 4

Both yoga and pilates address flexibility so you can't go wrong with either.

I do both and absolutely LOVE both.

Depending on what type of yoga you do, you can achieve different goals. Some styles are just meditative and relaxing, while some are very intense and require athletic skill, really getting you to sweat. But all types involve a mind/body spiritual connection.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoga


Pilates focuses on the breath and body alignment, targeting the muscles of the core- abs, back, glutes, legs, strengthening, toning, and elongating them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilates

Answer 5

I prefer yoga, and it is great for strength and flexibility. I know pilates is too, so it is a matter of person preference for you! I recommend going to a couple classes of both to see which you like better.

Answer 6

yoga is for flexibility, balance and strength and
pilates is for core strength. Most of yoga is done
standing, and all of pilates is done on the mat.
Both are good, so try to take both.

Answer 7

Yoga is much more centering and meditative.

Pilates is more aerobic and more of a "cardio" workout.

If you seek balance in your life, body, and mind.. do Yoga.

If you want to sweat and get a high-impact "cardio" workout that will have better short-term effects on your weight... do Pilates.

Answer 8

pilates - i love how it works my core muscles and challenges me, and at the same time i get a really get stretch. it's a great work out. pilates changed my body completely. yoga just puts me to sleep its too boring for me. its personal.. try both out and see which fits better.

Answer 9

Yoga is really good for toning and losing weight, and PILATES is great for flexibility!

Answer 10

I do a combo of both -
Yoga improves flexibility - but both tone muscles!