Are you thinking of starting a workout regimen in Khobar? If yes, then you’re in the right place, and you’re certainly not alone.

While many women often find themselves torn between various exercise programs, and Yoga vs Pilates usually is a common comparison.

Read on to learn more about Pilates and yoga and which one you should choose.

Pilates

Pilates is a method that relies on focused breathing and specific exercises to strengthen, stretch, and balance the body. It was developed by Joseph Pilates, an anatomist, to rehabilitate bedridden soldiers and primarily focuses on the core.

As you start a pilates session, you’ll need to control your breathing for core muscles to contract. From there, you’ll have to execute small movements targeting key stabilizing muscles on your back and core.

While you can perform Pilates on a mat, there’s also specialized equipment you can use. These include springs and levers in conjunction with your body weight. 

How Will Pilates Benefit You?

Given that Pilates is a non-strenuous exercise, it requires discipline for you to enjoy its benefits. These include

  • Boosts spine stability and posture
  • Improves flexibility
  • Better muscle balance on both sides of the body
  • Improves muscle strength and tone of core muscles (Lower back, buttocks, hips, and abdominal muscles)
  • Improves physical coordination and balance
  • Deep breathing boosts circulation and increases lung capacity
  • It helps prevent musculoskeletal injuries

With such a wide range of benefits, evidence shows that Pilates can help people with:

  • Respiratory conditions
  • Arthritis
  • Joint injuries and back pains
  • Urinary incontinence

Yoga

While Pilates has only been around for about a century, yoga dates back several millennia. It’s an Indian philosophy designed as a gateway to spiritual enlightenment. However, it is the physical benefits of yoga that make the practice popular today.

There are five core beliefs upon which yoga is centered:

  • Positive thinking and meditation
  • Proper relaxation
  • Breathing
  • Exercise
  • Diet

While there are different forms of yoga, they all share key characteristics and deliver similar results. For instance, all involve specific movements and poses combined with deep breathing.

Yoga is fairly regarded as a body and mind fitness program as it combines mindful focus and physical activity.

How Will Yoga Benefit You?

As with Pilates, yogis enjoy plenty of benefits. These include:

  • Improved flexibility
  • Mindfulness and deep breathing help improve mental and emotional health
  • Increases muscle strength and tone
  • Weight reduction
  • Improves athletic performance
  • Protection from injuries
  • Improves circulation and cardiovascular fitness
  • Reduces musculoskeletal issues
  • It soothes the nervous system

Moreover, yoga has been proven to provide key health benefits as it helps with:

  • Arthritis
  • Depression
  • High blood pressure
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Chronic pain
  • Respiratory conditions
  • Anxiety

Differences Between Pilates and Yoga

As you’ve seen, Pilates and yoga are fairly similar. However, they also have some differences. For example, while deep breathing in yoga is aimed at relaxation, with Pilates, it’s primarily for reenergizing muscles. Also, Pilates focuses on strengthening the core, while yoga does not have a specific area of focus on the body.

Moreover, both exercises call for extreme focus and mindfulness. However, focus during Pilates is channeled towards the physical body, while with yoga, it’s directed inward.

Pilates Vs. Yoga | Which One Should You Choose

When it comes to Pilates vs. yoga, it’s not about which one is better, but the one you prefer or suits you better. Understandably, this may not make your choice any easier. That’s why it’s best to seek the guidance of a professional.

At Align, we offer both Pilates and yoga classes in Khobar. We have a team of experts in both fields who will guide you through your journey toward physical fitness. Contact us today to begin your journey toward health and wellness through yoga or Pilates.