Both Pilates and Yoga are brilliant disciplines which are highly beneficial with regard to fitness. Because the two are similar in nature, it can often be confusing when trying to pick one or the other! For those of you trying to figure out whether an intermediate/beginner Pilates or Yoga class will better suit your needs, this blog should help explain what the two are about and which is best for you!
Pilates
This exercise form was developed towards the finish of the first world war. The idea was to help rehabilitate soldiers who had sustained injury. Joseph Pilates spent years perfecting his exercise form to give us the Pilates we know today.
Benefits of Pilates Include:
- Increasing muscle strength
- Increasing muscle endurance
- Improving flexibility
- Improving posture
- Improving balance
- Helps with joint pain
How does it work?
Pilates works by initiating movements that make use of various muscles associated with stability found both in the back as well as in the core. The method employs use of certain basic equipment but is largely about breathing and body weight.
Health Pros
Pilates is known to be helpful in addressing certain physical ailments as well as their symptoms. These include; arthritis and arthritic pain, joint damage or injury and discomfort in the back area among others.
Yoga
Yoga is an ancient discipline with its roots in meditation and spiritual enlightenment. This being said, yoga is also a highly effective way to tone your body and get the exercise you need. There are many different forms of yoga, each with its own unique additional benefits.
General Benefits of Yoga
- Calming
- Tones muscles
- Improves muscle endurance
- Benefits mental health
- Improves balance
- Improves circulation
How does it work?
Yoga involves mindful and controlled breathing as well as connecting with your inner balance. People practicing are required to hold various positions depending on the form practiced. Different positions are known to benefit different health aspects both physical and emotional.
Health Pros
Yoga is an effective way to deal with chronic pains, diabetes, high BP and a host of other physical ailments. It is also known to help with emotional regulation.
Comparison between the Two
Both these forms of exercise are brilliant regardless of if you’re old or young. Though some say Pilates is gentler and better suited to older folk, yoga can be modified to be as taxing or gentile as is needed!
The best way to go would be to take a trial class in both, connect with the instructor, express your expectations and work out what suits you best!
If you’re looking for the best yoga and Pilates classes in NYC, we’ve got you covered. Check out your options and come on over!
