Pilates yoga or both?

Yoga is at an all-time height of popularity. Pilates, too, is rising in popularity. The good news is that you don't have to choose between the two.

The Breakdown: Yoga Vs. Pilates

Joseph Pilates developed his method alongside specialized equipment he called "apparatus." Both yoga and Pilates have adopted supportive tools like straps, blocks, and bolsters. Pilates studied yoga and aimed to "unify mind, body, and spirit," resulting in overlapping benefits between the disciplines.

Both practices deliver stress relief, flexibility, strength, control, and endurance. The primary distinction involves spirituality — yoga classes typically emphasize this element, while most Pilates classes focus purely on physical benefits. However, Pilates' meditative pace can complement a yoga practice.

Pilates: Pilates classes focus on strength, muscle toning, body control, and flexibility, with the main emphasis being core strength. It suits those preferring organized workouts without cardiovascular intensity or spiritual components.

Yoga: Yoga focuses on flexibility and broad muscle groups. It offers balance, endurance, strength, spirituality, and some really physical movement. Class intensity ranges from gentle to challenging, accommodating various preferences and fitness levels.

The Perfect Combo

Rather than choosing one, you can combine both disciplines — for example practicing yoga daily while incorporating one or two weekly Pilates sessions for ab work and core attention. The advice: pick a practice that you enjoy and that you can do on a regular basis, whether that's calorie-burning Vinyasa yoga or runner-specific core strengthening through Pilates.