Most of us are acquainted with pilates and yoga, as these are two prominent workouts in Singapore. Yoga and pilates are frequently compared and confused, yet they have several critical differences despite their superficial similarities.
Many still, particularly the working class, suffer from physical disorders or mental health problems resulting from daily life. It is challenging to prevent falling sick or feeling faint now and then. Yet, because our obligations are critical, all does not excuse us from prioritizing our health and well-being.
To physically perform correctly, it is best to put your health first. Luckily, there are a variety of strategies to lower the risk of developing diseases, such as working out.
Yoga and pilates are two workouts crossed off the list for a great workout. Each has become well-known for their health advantages and are widely practised. The real question, however, is which activity is the right one for you?
Understanding Yoga and Pilates
Yoga and pilates feature a series of postures that develop the body’s flexibility and muscle strength. Both exercises necessitate specific movements that culminate in a better and more robust physical form. In addition to employing exercise equipment like a mat, yoga and pilates have a great deal in common.
Both workouts have a strong connection, but they mostly do have distinctions. If you’re not sure which is best for you, start scrolling.
What Is Pilates?
Pilates has a bad reputation for being difficult, yet this is a low-impact step towards building your core muscles. It is an active and conscious overall body training approach developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s that stresses strength, muscle coordination, and stability.
Frequent pilates exercises emphasize minor actions that demand back and core support to complete. Slow and precise motions are used in this moderate workout, which does not necessitate the use of equipment.
Benefits of Pilates
- Control of the Core Muscles. Generally, pilates can help people strengthen their abdominal muscles and be more conscious of their vital core muscles.
- Rehabilitation. It is no wonder that pilates effectively recovers injuries, considering their medical origins. The classes are generally slow enough for students to pay more attention to what they’re performing, and exercises may readily be adapted to match the needs of the students.
- Secured Mobility. Practising pilates incorporates a great deal of proactive and reactive stretching that improves joint mobility and flexibility. Also, its moderate strengthening activities protect the joints.
- Enhances Posture. Core muscle awareness and activation can also help with posture. After regular pilates exercise, many students can find themselves walking and sitting straighter than before.
What Is Yoga?
Yoga, originated from India, is a meditative form of workout wherein you must do various poses. It aims to strengthen flexibility while also strengthening the body muscles. Yoga also assists in the development of the psychological state by encouraging one to be mindful and live a healthier lifestyle.
As you perform the various poses in yoga, proper breathing is essential. Yoga, on the other hand, isn’t merely for physical health. It also emphasizes the value of meditation and mindfulness in cultivating a clear outlook and a positive attitude.
There is an array of yoga classes to choose from. Since each class includes various poses, movements, or elements depending on the yoga teacher, it will mostly depend on the body’s training. Unless you’re not sure which yoga class is suitable for you, consult a yoga instructor to serve as a guide.
Here are a few of the most renowned yoga classes:
- Hot Yoga
- Ashtanga Yoga
- Hatha Yoga
- Vinyasa Yoga
- Bikram Yoga
- Kundalini Yoga
- Yin Yoga
- Restorative Yoga
Benefits of Yoga
- Improved Flexibility. Yoga can help people become more flexible by allowing them to stretch extensively.
- Promotes a Better Mental Health. Yoga emphasizes concentration, and breathing exercises can assist yoga students to enhance their mental and emotional wellness. As per research, this practice is effective for anxiety and depression.
- Helps With Sleeping Problems. Yoga practitioners claim that spending time on their mats helps them sleep better. Over 55% of yogis report improved sleep, and over 85% say they are less anxious, as shown in a national poll done by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
What Are The Similarities Between Yoga And Pilates Class?
As previously said, these activities are beneficial to your health, but one favours the mind, whereas the other focuses on the body.
Utilization of Equipment and Props
Props and equipment are used in both sorts of exercises. Props such as yoga and pilates mats, blocks, bolsters, and rings assist certain motions or postures. These objects are necessary for some of the poses to be performed.
Breathing Techniques
Another element that both pilates and yoga have in common is good breathing techniques. Other than keeping us alive, breathing helps improve our health a lot. Diaphragmatic breathing or deep breathing is needed in the workouts mentioned above.
Mental Focus And Concentration
Practising yoga and pilates requires your complete mental focus. These two exercises are different from others because of their ability to help improve our psychological being. You often find people exercising calmly and concentrated in yoga and pilates classes.
How to Choose Between Pilates and Yoga
Depending on your Preferences, Consider the Various Aspects of Each Exercise
The option you select becomes a part of daily life, and your choice will be based on the outcomes you desire.
If You Are Suffering From Anxiety or Depression, Yoga Is the Way
Breathing techniques are used in yoga to help you relax. Since it focuses on both the mind and the body, it may be the most effective workout for combating the illness. It is critical to focus on how the breath is used throughout each yoga practice. Directing your breath to specific muscle parts in your body that are strained can assist in relaxing them.
Both Serve a Range of Poses Good for Toning the Abdominal Muscles, but Pilates Works Best
Pilates exercises are far more rigorous, and benefits can be obtained much faster than yoga. A flatter and tighter stomach can be accomplished by doing pilates exercises regularly.
When It Comes to Losing Weight, Pilates Is the Better Choice
If you’re attempting to lose some weight, consider pilates exercises with different equipment that will help shed pounds by adding a cardio and fitness factor to your pilates forms.
The Best Deciding Factor Is Trying Both Workouts
You can try one class of each to evaluate which one best suits your needs and abilities. Both pilates and yoga are efficient ways to build muscle, get in better shape, release stress, and increase flexibility.
Which One Is Better: Yoga Or Pilates?
There is no apparent victor between pilates and yoga when maintaining a mentally and physically fit. They may differ in specific ways, but they deliver similar benefits to the human body for the most part. They assist us in building our attitudes while improving our physical strength and flexibility and alleviating stress and anxiety.
It is impossible to state which type of training is best as it all depends on what you need to improve. If you are having trouble determining which exercise is best for you, consult with one of the best yoga studio Singapore. Settle the never-ending debate with Sweatbox Yoga!
About the Author​
Lynette is fully dedicated to the support and empowerment of the growing community of committed yoga students and teachers. As one of the Lead Instructors for Yoga Teacher Training, she is here to share tips on how to grow your profile as a yoga teacher or build a yoga business either physically or digitally.