Introduction
Yoga and Pilates can make your workout routine more well-rounded, which is a pretty important fact to consider for weight loss.
Yoga has probably taken around 5,000 years to evolve and reach its western form. But that still doesn’t beat the speed at which it has rapidly taken over in the 21st century.
In the United States, the number of people that have taken up yoga has doubled over the years.
Pilates can be described as a more modernized form of yoga in a certain sense. It has quickly grown, considering it was only devised about 100 years ago.
The increase in stress levels with a higher focus on physical well-being, many celebrities have endorsed these forms of exercise to cope with today’s hectic lifestyle.
What is the difference between Pilates and Yoga?
Let’s start by breaking down the simple difference between Pilates and Yoga.
Both Yoga and Pilates are great forms of workout. Before you try out either one of them, make sure to consider a health professional or an instructor to help you determine what is most suitable for you.
Yoga requires considerable flexibility of the body and smooth mobility of your joints. Poses can be modified too, but if you have too many limitations regarding what you can and cannot do, the advanced classes will be more challenging. Yoga has various forms, so make sure you determine what’s best for you.
Pilates is a low impact form of workout with more subtle movements. So, if you fall under the category of older adults or are recovering from an injury you suffered, Pilates is an excellent option for you!
The main difference between Pilates and Yoga comes because of the equipment each one uses. All you need to do yoga is an exercise mat or a yoga mat, and you’re good to go.
Pilates, too can be done with just a mat, but it could be a more challenging task for all those that have less mobility and a weak core.
Pilates helps achieve the same goals as yoga, but it might involve the use of various machines in addition to mat work. Therefore, it works the entire body along with the mind.
The focus here is the core of the body, so the rest of your body can move freely, which helps make your body healthy on the inside and out.
Another difference between Yoga and Pilates is that yoga is a great way to improve your body flexibility, which eventually leads to an increase in flexibility of your joints as well.
Pilates, on the other hand, focuses on relieving muscles of tension and promoting muscle strength in several parts of the body.
How do Pilates and Yoga Contribute to Weight Loss?
Pilates and yoga are both considered to be rhythmic exercises. So, if you are planning to lose weight, both these forms of practice can help you achieve your goal.
Yoga and Pilates incorporate both, physical and mental effects on your body. According to various studies, yoga does not have any cardiovascular benefits, which is why calorie burning cannot be considered the point of motivation.
Even Pilates, for that matter, doesn’t have too much impact on the heart, so you might want to opt for something extra along with enjoying the benefits you attain from these.
Pilates vs Yoga for Weight Loss
So, let’s compare these two disciplines and see what might be best suited for you to get that body you have been dreaming of.
An hour’s session of yoga burns a significant number of calories. But we recommend you take up another activity along with yoga if you’re looking for good results regarding weight loss.
Interestingly enough, though, people that do yoga gain less weight making this to be an excellent option for you if you have a more long-term goal of wanting a healthier lifestyle. Yoga also increases flexibility and helps to treat conditions like back pain and arthritis.
An average session of Pilates burns more calories than an average yoga session. But it requires you to train regularly if you want to see a noteworthy change in your weight.
Pilates is the more effective way to go if you want that toned summer body. As it focuses on your core and your abdominal muscles, you will be toned and rock hard in hardly any time! It also helps gain structural alignment, which enhances your posture.
How to Choose Between Yoga and Pilates?
The only way to pick between these two is to figure out what your objective is first. For those of you that have back issues or participate in sports that require you to have a strong core, Pilates is for you.
Pilates focuses on increasing core strength and overall body stability. Therefore, if you’re looking for a low-intensity workout that still challenges your muscles, you’ve found your answer!
Yoga is the best option for people who want to work on their body flexibility and also work on achieving relaxation.
In conclusion, the success you achieve in your weight-loss journey largely depends on finding what you enjoy more. If you know you’re enjoying it, that increases the probability of you sticking to it and getting final results.
So, ask yourself. What would you want to incorporate into your lifestyle and spend hours doing?
The easiest way to decide whether you want to take up Pilates or if you want to practice yoga is to try both forms! Try going for a class or two for both.
The classes will help you figure which one will fulfill your needs and match your abilities better, especially if its long term.
In the end, both Pilates and Yoga are remarkable forms of exercise and a great way to work on your muscles and get a better body shape along with the relieving tension & stress and also helping you gain more flexibility.
