Pilates or Yoga, which to choose?

I have always been aware of the importance of core stability, right back when I was training to be a Physiotherapist at university in 2006. Ever since then I developed an understanding of Pilates and the important role it plays within the rehabilitation sector. It wasn't until 2012 when Stu became injured, when I really saw first hand the true life changing role it played in his ability to walk again, both when he had his legs and when he had to learn to walk with a prosthetic.

Yoga was something that came a little later. It wasn't until I moved to London in 2011, a place where its available on every corner, that I truly gained experience of the benefits Yoga could provide. It was most integral whilst I was training for the London marathon to help me stretch out between training, but this is really where my understanding of the practice stopped. How little did I know. Over the last couple of years I have under taken a number of in depth Yoga training courses to get me to the 500 hour qualification I have today. These have helped me to understand Yoga Philosophy, varying practices and applications of Yoga including Ashtanga, Iyengar, Sivananda, Hatha, Rocket, Yin, Vinyasa & Fluidus. It’s also helped me to truly understand the physical and mental health benefits gained through Yoga practice and how to implement these in the work I do with clients.

So which one do you choose? Well I always give this analogy to my clients. Imagine you’re a house, Pilates essentially focuses on strengthening the 'foundations' and Yoga focuses more on the 'brickwork and central electrics'. Without the foundations the house won't stay upright, and if the bricks or central electrics are broken, the house cannot provide its day to day functions. 

This is exactly the same for you. Pilates plays a vital role in strengthening our postural/deep core muscles, those which keep us upright all day along with our joints and structural parts. Yoga develops flexibility, full body strength and a strong focus on strengthening our mental health, which are essential for overall health and wellbeing.

So both play an equally important role but for very different reasons. As a starting point if you want a mental release, time to focus on you and a session that will truly challenge mind and body, start with Yoga. If you are struggling with specific aches and pains, sit a lot for your job, have issues with your back, are going through pregnancy or want to improve your performance in a specific sport then I recommend starting with Pilates. 

If you’re looking to get into Pilates or Yoga, maybe never tried them before or want access to classes from the comfort of your own home. Then head over to our members area ‘The Movement Room’, where you can sign up for a 14 day trial to all things Yoga, Pilates & Low impact HIIT. If you enjoy what’s on offer the monthly membership is just £14 with new content being added every few weeks. If you have any questions prior to starting then feel free to get in touch.