Consumption

Both yoga and Pilates offer mind-body exercises. You need little equipment or tools to practice both, and they’re gentle on your bones and joints, while exercises can be tailored to your own level. Both practices can help maintain bone density in women ages 45 to 78. But how do you choose between yoga and Pilates?

Yoga
Yoga originates from an Indian philosophy and means 'to connect'. Yoga harmonizes the breath and body. Exercises consist of specific postures and movements that are linked to breathing.

Most yoga classes end with relaxing poses where the lights are dimmed and you lie on your back on your mat. You can meditate, focus on soothing sounds or music, and consciously release any tension.

Yoga improves heart, circulatory, and metabolic health. It has a positive effect on blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol and blood fat levels in the blood.

Choose yoga if:
- you're looking for mindfulness or meditation exercises
- you want a flexible body
- you want to improve your breathing to feel at peace and feel less stress

Pilates
During a Pilates class, you activate your muscles while stretching them. This total body workout uses your own body weight as resistance. The difference with yoga is that in this practice, muscles and strength play a more important role.

That is why light weights, elastic bands or a ring are sometimes used. All movements make you work out: squats, planks, abs, ...
It's a complete body workout that promotes strength, balance and flexibility. After giving birth, it's also a good way for new mothers to regain a strong pelvic floor.

Choose Pilates if:
- you want to strengthen your entire body, with an emphasis on core stability
- you want to improve your mobility
- you want to work on muscular endurance

(MH with JaG with Skwadra/Illustration picture: Unsplash)