What are the differences between yoga and pilates?

[GreatGooglyMoogly]

Which one is more suitable for a complete beginner?

as far as i understand it (never done pilates) pilates focuses on building your core strength, whereas yoga (the physical side of it) develops overall flexibility. there are beginners classes in both.

but the main difference is that pilates is an exercise class, yoga is a several thousand year old system of physical, mental and spiritual health that encompasses much more than the physical side.

i don't mean to put you off! beginners classes are generally very light on anything other than the physical bits, some breathing, perhaps some meditation. you really can take what you want from yoga and leave the other bits, but it means that there's always something new to discover if you're open to it, it can be completely life changing (in a non-cultish way ).

Pilates is great. It's just a physical exercise, but done in a controlled way that does focus and relax your mind. A beginners class will lead you in from the basics. I had never done it before last September and am now in an intermediate class.