Is Pilates Better than Yoga?

Oftentimes, Pilates and yoga get lumped in the same category.  And that’s understandable—they’re both mind-body practices, offering a low-impact way to cross-train.  And you can even find combos of the two training methods, like PiYo and Yogilates.  But if you’ve ever wondered what the differences are between the two workouts—because there are major differences—and which one is right for you, we’ve got your ultimate guide to both Pilates and yoga.  

PiYo:

PiYo is a hybrid, athletic workout, which combines the mind / body practices of yoga and Pilates, as well as the principles of stretching, strength training, conditioning and dynamic movement.  During a PiYo class, you will find yourself standing in a yoga pose one minute, and down on the floor in a Pilates pose the next.  It is a pre-designed class that will really get your heart rate going as it features various styles of yoga and Pilates in continuous movement and flow from one exercise to another.  Some describe PiYo as a hyper version of yoga, but with the benefits of deep breathing, balance, stretching, strengthening and relaxation.  All fitness levels welcome!

Yogalates:

Yogalates is a form of fall prevention practice. It centers on the core muscles which helps strengthen the lower back muscles and assists with better posture and balance.  It also increases flexibility and mobility and improves confidence and body awareness.  Added bonus is offers learning to breathe properly and centering and clearing of the mind.  The great thing about yoga and Pilates is that you can make your workout as easy or as challenging as you choose.  Both increase your flexibility.  To improve your flexibility, be sure to practice several poses every day and over time you will see improvement.  Be sure not to over-exert yourself when you begin and take your time.  Wellness and flexibility are marathons, not sprints.

Eased Symptoms of Arthritis:

As we mentioned, this exercise is great for your joints.  This is because the gentle movements have been known to alleviate some discomfort in tender or swollen joints, according to John Hopkins.

Heart Health:

Regularly participating in low-impact exercise, like yogalates, can reduce stress and inflammation which contributes to having a healthier heart.  Additionally, several contributing factors to heart disease, like high blood pressure, can be helped with exercise.

Boosted Mood:

According to the National Institutes of Health, this exercise supports stress management, mental health, quality sleep, and much more.  All these things contribute to an improved mood.

Come Check Out the ChaiseFitness Pilates Studio in Upper Manhattan Today!

At ChaiseFitness, we believe that anyone can be fit—no matter what skill level or body type. This belief inspired the creation of our patented Reinvention Method, which is for everyone—the athlete, the dancer, the beginner, the advanced, the rebuilder. We blend Pilates, ballet, and strength training and equip you with a chair and overhead bungees so that you work out all your muscles every time. We are located in the Upper East Side in Manhattan. For more information, you can contact us at (973)996-2063, or visit our website.

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