pilates or yoga before trying for a baby??

[mad4mybaby]

I want to start either pilates or yoga. Firstly what is the difference between the 2? I find excercise quite boring so yoga im not really sure on..

Also i plan to start trying for number 2 next year and want to start one of them now so that i can do through out pregnancy in the hope to recover better and quicker than last time!

I would always say yoga especially something like iyengar or ashtanga which are far more physical in a sense.
Its funny that when people mention yoga a lot of people imagine just relaxing and kind of falling asleep..... the two types above are certainly not that. you can certainly continue right up until the birth and gently after as long as your teacher is aware when you are pregnant. Try Yoga its fab

As yoga will focus on union of the mind body and spirit I think it is better than pilates from a whole wellbeing aspect. Classes will vary greatly so it will be just trying some different styles. I would choose iyengar over ashtanga though as iyengar teachers are very good at teaching alignment and you are less likely to hurt yourself if you haven't done it before. Astanga is very physical.

ok what is the actual difference between them?

pilates works on your core stability. Yoga works on your whole body, and includes breathwork and relaxation.

To expand on the previous post, in Yoga the "whole body" is taken to consist not only of the physical body which Pilates works on.

It has methods/practices that can influence your physical body, your energy levels, and also your intellectual, emotional and spiritual mind.

For TTC (trying to conceive) Yoga would have the advantage (IMHO) that it can directly influence the mind-body connection. Often the effects of stress hormones on the body can make it difficult to conceive, and the relaxation response that a balanced and personalised Yoga practice can use the mind-body connection positively to influence your whole wellbeing enough to make it more likely to become pregnant.

Note the word MAY before ye doubters leap in complaining - it really depends on how much work you are willing to put in to change your mind and body.

As for the "actual difference" my fave answer is 5000 years - being how much longer Yoga has been evolving compared to Pilates

'Core stability' means the exercises in pilates concentrate on working the back and tummy areas.

Yoga classes vary a lot depending on the style and the teacher. If you are worried about getting bored, you might want to try a dynamic or flowing class where you move through a series of postures. In Iyengar classes you stay in the postures for a longer time, it's more precise and imo the teachers want you to work harder.