Pilates vs. Yoga

by: AndreaDow
Total views: 2060
Word Count: 534

Thursday, April 19th

Everyone wants to maximize their workout time, right? Right! We all feel stretched to fit in work, friends, family, errands, travel and oh yeah, that trip to the gym. In an effort to be efficient with workouts, clients often ask me whether Pilates or Yoga is a "better" workout. There really is no better or worse when it comes to these excellent forms of exercise. I often explain to clients that Pilates and yoga provide two different ways to climb the mountain. The top of the mountain holding the benefits of increased strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, body awareness, improved posture and better breathing. My best advice is try them both, chose what speaks to you and enjoy your workout time. You are more likely to stick to your exercise routine if you like what you are doing!

Naomi Barr from O Magazine took a closer look at specific health benefits and addressed how Pilates and Yoga affect each benefit.

Heart Health:
Pilates- A beginner level class will provide a mild aerobic challenge (slow walk) while an advanced level class will kick your heart-rate up to the level of a speed walk.
Yoga- Hatha yoga does not provide the same heart benefits as a brisk walk, but going to a power yoga class would be equivalent to a brisk stroll.

Weight Loss:
Pilates- A 50 minute beginner workout burns about 175 calories while an advanced class burns 255-375 calories (yahoo...this is equivalent to walking/jogging 3 miles). Add advanced Pilates work to your weekly schedule 4-5 times per week to maintain or lose weight.
Yoga- A 50 minute hatha yoga lcass wil burn about 145 calories, while power yoga burns 250 calories. There have been a few studies showing that those maintaining a regular yoga practice will gain less weight in midlife compared to their non-yogi practicing peers.

If you are looking for more bang for your buck in terms of time, spend the 50 minutes jogging and you will burn up to 550 calories. All cardio and no core, is not the answer though. We need a strong core (especially developed during Pilates) to live efficient, pain-free and healthy lives.

Strength & Flexibilty:
Pilates- Yes! Research is showing that Pilates is more effective at strengthening abdominals than crunches. Please, skip that horrible seated ab curl machince at the gym! Pilates is 310% more effective at targeting the obliques, too. Flexibility in the back, hamstrings and hips should also improve.
Yoga- A recent study showed yogis that practiced three times a week for 8 weeks had increased their overall flexibility by 24%. Study participants were also able to perform more push-ups and curl-ups!

Bonus Benefits:
Pilates- By strengthening your back and abdominal muscles, you will improve your posture. This new stance will give you the appearance of a taller, leaner, longer body. A connection to your core makes a huge difference in your activities of daily living, too.
Yoga- A regular practice can greatly reduce stress, relieve back pain and improve arthritis.

Whether your chose to Om or scoop the abdominals in and up, your health will greatly improve. If you have time to do both, even better!

Rating: 4.25