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Original poster

Pilates or yoga?

43 replies

HouseHuntingShenanigans · 11/06/2023 09:18

Background - I'm an active 55 year old. Run regularly. Several half marathons done. Walk everywhere. Have a physically active job.
2 years ago had breast cancer. Now on hormone blocker drugs which make me feel so old. I'm stiff and often achy, starting each day feeling like I've done a really long run the day before. This is a common side effect of the drugs but it's so miserable. I can't come off them (I've tried a couple of variations with minimal difference).
I know this is a small price to pay to be free of cancer. However I think some other exercise could be beneficial.

So there's my question. Pilates? Yoga? Something else?

Thanks for any help 😊

OP posts:
wankerseverywhere · 21/06/2023 23:46

Verite1 · 21/06/2023 23:34

I suffer from painful lower back ever since my first pregnancy. Pilates helps keep pain in check, yoga exacerbates the pain. For me anyway.

Me too. I actually have scoliosis, which is notoriously incompatible with yoga, and I stick to Pilates.

willahelmina · 21/06/2023 23:42

I would add that I find the benefits of yoga more meditative, and possibly a bit of help with flexibility and balance, rather than any great physical benefits.

Pilates (and incorporating weights) has helped more with strength and toning.

Just my opinion

lakesummer · 21/06/2023 23:40

I've done both at different times and am debating restarting yoga.
I have done a couple of hours of Pilates weekly for five years now. It is great for core strength and resistance training. I think that yoga is better for flexibility although Pilates isn't bad for that I don't find it as effective as yoga was.

willahelmina · 21/06/2023 23:39

I do both. Though I prefer to do Pilates at home nowadays rather than pay for a class. There's so much out there.

Verite1 · 21/06/2023 23:34

I suffer from painful lower back ever since my first pregnancy. Pilates helps keep pain in check, yoga exacerbates the pain. For me anyway.

MissDollyMix · 20/06/2023 19:28

I find people are either in the yoga or pilates camp - it's rare you find someone who likes both <awaits hoards of people now coming on to contradict that>

Personally I love pilates. Done it for 15+ years. I enjoy the science based approach the and more dynamic exercises. I find it's really improved my figure and posture. I have a very strong core. I can't get on with yoga but that's me. It's a personal thing so try both and see what you like. I think so much can depend on the teacher and their style too.

FabFitFifties · 20/06/2023 19:23

Late to the party, but it's Pilates all the way for me. Yoga made my bad back worse, where as Pilates has cured what 35 years of nursing caused. It's also helped my osteoarthritic hips enormously. I have a fantastic, experienced, teacher. Just realised I sound like a right old crock 🤣

Mistyskiestrains · 19/06/2023 18:46

I'd do yoga plus strength training. You could get what you want from Pilates but teachers and intensity are so variable.

Currently I do strength/weights, and am looking to restart yoga. At some point I will take a break from strength/weights and do a stint/incorporate Reformer Pilates.

Original poster
HouseHuntingShenanigans · 11/06/2023 16:44

Thanks all.
It sounds very much like down to preference and the teaching.

I might put out some feelers locally, see if I can get any trial sessions

OP posts:
VeronicaBeccabunga · 11/06/2023 16:43

Personally I prefer Pilates and find the teachers better at making the link to other forms of exercise. I also dislike the 'spiritual' aspect of yoga off-putting, I want to stretch and get stronger, not align my chakras or whatever.

I would totally agree though that the teacher matters most and I'd rather do a good yoga class than a crap Pilates one.
Hope you find a class you enjoy!

Lucia574 · 11/06/2023 16:38

Do you have a Reformer Pilates studio near you? The Reformer machine supports your body as well as providing resistance through springs, so I think it would be ideal for you.

Cornishmumofone · 11/06/2023 16:32

I think it depends on the teacher and the style. Find out whether you can try a class. I've never found a Pilates class that suited me, whereas I love yoga.

ThePoshUns · 11/06/2023 16:29

I have been doing yoga for a few years, it's given me strength and flexibility. I'm 52 and I still ache every morning though, sorry!

IglesiasPiggl · 11/06/2023 16:27

I find yoga has helped enormously with my flexibility especially in the hip area. I also like barre classes for core strength. I haven't done much pilates so would be interested to hear if people find it more effective than yoga for strength and flexibility.

kelsaycobbles · 11/06/2023 16:24

I love yoga as an all round flexibility and core thing and I feel
It really helps prevent injury and niggles

( despite current injury )

Original poster
HouseHuntingShenanigans · 11/06/2023 16:22

Thanks for the replies.

Yes I am doing exercise. Plenty of running, plenty of walking, my job involves lifting etc so not sedentary. I don't feel worse after these things. Just mornings and getting up if I've sat on floor or loafed around for too long
I know I need to improve core/flexibility/strength so just wondering what might be useful.

OP posts:
lljkk · 11/06/2023 12:44

What exercise are you doing now.

If you are aching on no exercise, does exercise make you ache more or does it make no difference, so then may as well get lots of exercise.

Onewildandpreciouslife · 11/06/2023 10:53

I’ve always been a fan of Pilates since ante- natal days (I’m a few months younger than you, and did my first half marathon in April). Great for strength and flexibility, and benefits other exercises well as you become more aware of alignment and posture. A strong core will also help the running.

Do you do any strength training? Highly recommended for ladies of our age! I love body pump, although it may make you ache more in the early days (but in a good way!)

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