What's best for flexibility yoga or Pilates?

[whataboutbob]

Ask approach 50 I find my joints are getting stiffer. A long time ago ( in my 20s) I did yoga and enjoyed it. Then I left town and never found a good class again. More recently I ve done Pilates. I m looking to be less stiff, tone up and de stressing too would be good. Any advice? Can only manage 2 weekly classes.

I prefer yoga but there is a certain amount of overlap and blending of the two, both can be practised at home and there's lots of youtube vids that will help

Hi Suzanne can I ask how long you have been practicing yoga, and what you feel it can offer? Thanks. Just asking because it seems to me it does require quite a commitment.

about 31 years Bob
Yoga can be adapted to various ends, from flexibility to strength/balance, I use it to stay flexible and manage/prevent injuries from other activities.

As for time commitment, well I think daily is optimal but twice a week for half an hour or even less would make a difference.
You've practised it previously so presumably know the ropes to some extent?

I don't know much about Pilates, but yoga would help. Two weekly classes would be great; I think the key is for you to find "a good class" so you enjoy it, then it will feel like less of a commitment!

Yoga has physical benefits (flexibility, strength, stamina) but also mental benefits (concentration, calm, confidence). Unless you are going to go for it with a really strong, powerful practice every day then it won't help you tone up; but you should find over time greater flexibility, and it should help you to switch off from the stressful outside world for at least the period of the class.

I would suggest a class to start with, at least, rather than purely practising from a book or DVD (I am a teacher so I would ) because then you have a teacher looking at you, who can correct you and help you to progress. A weekly class, supplemented with practice at home, would be a good starting point - but as I say, you need to find a class and teacher you like otherwise it will feel like a chore.

I practise Iyengar yoga, so of course would recommend that. A good teacher will ensure they adapt the pose to your level of stiffness and help you to work in the way that will alleviate it.

Thanks very much that is really useful. LordEmsworth you are not in south London are you? The calmness and switching off from the outside world is a good aspect, it has been a stressful few years with my dad being diagnosed with Alzheimers and my brother with schizophrenia, i am still very involved in supporting both (plus job and kids). I would definitely look for a class, not start off with DVDs. Thanks again.

I'm nowhere near London, but there are some great teachers in south London - I know a number around Brixton/Clapham/Peckham, but London generally is well served for yoga! If you go to iyengaryoga.org.uk there's a "find a class/teacher" search on the right hand side of the page. I would say a lot is about finding the right teacher - don't stick with someone you don't really like for the sake of it. Good luck!

Thanks have checked the website- very useful.