\u201cThere are a lot of overlaps with some of the exercises and key benefits,\u201d Traina tells Fit&Well. \u201cAnd I wouldn’t necessarily steer someone towards one or the other, I would try to incorporate both disciplines in your training.\u201d<\/p>\n
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However, she adds, there are a few points of difference worth understanding before you sign up to one or the other.<\/p>\n
1. Yoga promotes greater mind-body connection <\/p>\n
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Part of yoga involves forging a closer bond between your mind and body by harnessing your breath.<\/p>\n
(Image credit: Jordi Salas \/ Getty Images)<\/p>\n
With its centuries-old origins, yoga is a holistic system that incorporates spiritual practices too. Yoga asana (postures)\u2014the movement side of yoga\u2014is just one element.<\/p>\n
\u201cYoga definitely taps into more of the spiritual aspect and the mind-body connection thanks to the inclusion of periods of meditation,\u201d says Traina.<\/p>\n
This, she admits, can put some people off, but the principle is to forge a closer bond between your mind and body by harnessing your breath.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn yoga, the breath is mainly used for focus, so you\u2019re using the breath to relax the mind and to focus your energy,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
2. Pilates will teach you to engage your core<\/p>\n
In Pilates there is also a heavy emphasis on controlling your breathing, but it\u2019s primarily used to engage the core. \u201cThe breath is into the ribs and the focus is on diaphragmatic breathing, breathing to engage the core muscles,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Mastering diaphragmatic breathing will help you learn how to subconsciously activate your core muscles to support your spine when performing strength exercises and lifting weights.<\/p>\n
3. Yoga tends to involve more full-body movements <\/p>\n
With an extensive collection of postures for teachers to draw from, it\u2019s rare that you won’t engage your whole body when practising yoga.<\/p>\n
Pilates, by contrast, \u201ctends to involve higher repetitions of individual movements focused on body alignment\u201d that will target individual muscles.<\/p>\n
This can make Pilates a safer option if you need to manage a lingering injury, allowing you to precisely target muscle groups and avoid vulnerable joints, although both Pilates and yoga teachers will be able to adjust a class to suit existing injuries\u2014just make sure you speak up and let them know.<\/p>\n
4. Pilates drills more precise body alignment <\/p>\n
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(Image credit: Catherine Delahaye \/ Getty Images)<\/p>\n
While both yoga and Pilates are typically low-impact, making them a wise choice for beginners and older adults, the pace and tempo of each can vary wildly.<\/p>\n
\u201cDepending on the type of class, a yoga flow might follow a slower, more restorative tempo, or be more dynamic and fast-paced, which is usually an Ashtanga style,\u201d says Traina.<\/p>\n
Greater emphasis is also placed on listening to your body and being free in the movement, she adds, while Pilates instructors tend to encourage a more precise body alignment with each pose to promote better posture.<\/p>\n
5. Pilates is safer if you are hypermobile <\/p>\n
One of the most commonly assumed points of difference is that yoga improves flexibility, whereas Pilates builds strength. In reality, both disciplines can build strength and flexibility, but some bodies might respond better to one.<\/p>\n