One of the common workout routines people can do is yoga. It is different from other types of exercise wherein you move actively or aggressively making you catch your breath after some few movements. Yoga is primarily composed of postures and breathing, which then focuses on flexibility, particularly the muscles around the joints, and aids in the improvement of both physical and mental health through controlled breathing. Hatha, ashtanga, bikram, Iyengar, kundalini, restorative, and yin yoga are popular types of yoga. Is yoga, however, the only option for exercising in a more relaxed and light manner?
Have you ever heard of pilates? Some may be familiar with this type of exercise, but for others, this may be a new term. Some people also get confused between yoga and pilates, believing that they are the same thing. However, there are some distinctions between the two.
To give you a quick overview of pilates, it is a low-impact workout that helps strengthen and relax tense muscles. It’s similar to yoga, but the way it’s done and what each aims for or focuses on are different. Pilates, like yoga, is classified into several types, including classical, mat, reformer, clinical, and contemporary.
Here are some differences between yoga and pilates.
· In yoga, when you make a specific position, you hold it for a certain amount of time before changing the flow into a new position. In pilates, on the other hand, you stay in a position and challenge your core by sustaining it before moving your arms or legs in motions.
· There is a strong emphasis in pilates on starting each exercise with a controlled breath that stimulates a contraction of the core muscles. Yoga integrates physical activity with mindful focus, creating awareness of one’s breathing and energy levels.
· Pilates exercises are a lot more intense and results may be noticed much quicker than yoga.
· Pilates may have exercise machines involve.
After knowing some differences, you should now think what you will choose between the two. When it comes to choosing the suitable one for you, things you should consider are your body and fitness goals, preferences, and current health condition.
Knowing what your body lacks or requires, you should examine the various benefits that each workout provides. Choosing between yoga and pilates, each with their own set of benefits, should greatly benefit your overall well-being and goals. The advantages of the two are listed below.
For Yoga:
1. Improve breathing, flexibility, and balance
2. Helps ease lower back pain and neck pain
3. Enhance sleep
4. Helps in stress management
5. Weight loss
For Pilates:
1. Improve posture and flexibility
2. Reduces tensed muscles
3. Ease back and muscle pains
4. Helps in some conditions such as scoliosis and multiple sclerosis
5. Increase core strength and stability
If you have problems with your spinal cord, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, balance problems, or any other medical issue, you should first seek permission from your doctor because some poses or activities may not be suitable for you. Yoga and pilates are both safe for children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
Knowing what is most suitable for you can be hard as both yoga and pilates are not hardly different from each other. Here are some tips to consider when deciding which option is best for you.
· If you want to focus on strengthening your muscles while being flexible, you might want to consider pilates.
· If your goal is to improve your overall wellness, which includes being both physically and mentally fit, you should choose yoga.
· If you want to choose something helpful to your depression and/or anxiety, yoga is the best option.
· If you want your muscles to feel more relaxed, choose pilates.
· If you want to see or achieve faster results from your workout, opt for pilates.
· If you want to have firmer and flatter stomach, pilates is a better pick.
If you are still having a hard time choosing, you can try both of it and try to experience it for yourself! You can try enrolling to classes offered by gyms who do pilates and/or yoga. Even during this time of pandemic, you can still perform it as there are online classes. You will undoubtedly enjoy both of them and achieve your objectives in a timely manner.
