Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Exercise

Chat to other fitness enthusiasts on our Exercise forum.

Original poster

Pilates and/or Yoga? Interested in the pros and cons of each

36 replies

Thingsarel00kingup · 11/08/2020 17:10

Just that really, please. Are they similar or very different? What does each aim to achieve? Is one 'better'?

I'd like to do one, or both TBH, with a general aim of toning up and feeling less 'stiff' as I age. Would be very interested to hear from people who favour one over the other to help me choose which might suit me best.

Thanks 😊

OP posts:
Duchessofealing · 12/08/2020 13:19

Done both, much prefer yoga. I am hyper mobile and always thought that yoga gave you a stretch and flexibility and Pilates put your skeleton back where it should be. I find I get less back and shoulder pain with yoga - and it is easier to come to as a novice whereas Pilates I found you needed one to one to start to make sure you do it right. OH prefers Pilates and won’t touch yoga as his osteo recommended it.

Original poster
Thingsarel00kingup · 12/08/2020 13:11

Thank you all, some really great advice and interesting views of both, and Les Mills sounds great! Haha, it's far too hot for anything right now though (not moaning!)

OP posts:
Daisy03 · 11/08/2020 23:37

Much prefer yoga as there’s much more variety.
Find Pilates dull

Redbirds · 11/08/2020 23:15

I prefer yoga as it’s gentler on the body I find. Pilates is slower and more intense holds. Yoga is a full body and mind workout; I love it.

colouringindoors · 11/08/2020 23:06

Done both, both good, but prefer yoga as in my experience it's more holistic - mind and body, helps me relax and calm down as well as v good for strength, tone and flexibility.

EasterIssland · 11/08/2020 23:00

I’ve started doing wild stretch which I like. Cuz it’s not the typical yoga routine. There are loads of yoga now comparing when I used to go years ago. Wild core. Wild flow. Asthabga yin vinayasa.

LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett · 11/08/2020 22:56

Yoga is definitely better for flexibility. Pilates is more about strengthening and conditioning certain muscle groups. Both good for pelvic floor if you do it right... And having done both by class and video, I found yoga much easier to pick up by watching YouTube, Pilates movements are very specific and small and I feel you need an instructor to get started off on the right foot.

Campervan69 · 11/08/2020 22:44

I have done both but by far my favourite is Les Mills body balance. It's a combination of tai Chi yoga and pilates done to music and through lock down have been doing it every day. Would very much recommend.

MNnicknameforCVthreads · 11/08/2020 22:43

@Youngatheart00

I’m by no means an expert but in my limited experience I have much preferred yoga to Pilates. I find it much more relaxing and flowing. With Pilates you seem to hold your muscles tense and I just find it boring (and painful....which probably means it works but....I’ve never stuck with it)

There is yoga for all abilities and so many different types, it doesn’t get dull and I seem to leave classes feeing a good mixture of energised and calm

Ditto for me, much prefer yoga, although I think Pilates is excellent for pelvic floor/abdomen
Youngatheart00 · 11/08/2020 22:41

I’m by no means an expert but in my limited experience I have much preferred yoga to Pilates. I find it much more relaxing and flowing. With Pilates you seem to hold your muscles tense and I just find it boring (and painful....which probably means it works but....I’ve never stuck with it)

There is yoga for all abilities and so many different types, it doesn’t get dull and I seem to leave classes feeing a good mixture of energised and calm

Original poster
Thingsarel00kingup · 11/08/2020 22:39

Anyone....please Grin

OP posts:
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.

Join Mumsnet Log In

This thread is closed and is no longer accepting replies. Click here to start a new thread.