Yoga Vs Pilates: Which One Is Better For You?

Yoga, Pilates, yogalates — you're bound to have heard of one of them! What you may not have heard, though, is whether or not one is better than the other. Ultimately, you need to evaluate your health and fitness goals to determine which is best for you. But a good way to get a better understanding of the two (and work out what your body will benefit from the most) is to look at their differences.

According to Professor Greg Whyte, a former Olympian and now leading authority on sports science, "The simple answer is that they're both low intensity, low impact and inclusive, unlike many other forms of exercise." Speaking to The Guardian, he continued, "Generally speaking, yoga is much more about flexibility and stability, Pilates is strength and stability." Much of yoga focuses on spirituality and relaxation while Pilates focuses on your building your core; however, both forms of exercise are accessible to all, no matter your current fitness levels.

When deciding if Pilates or yoga is better for you, it's also worth considering your personality type. "People who are more logical tend to like Pilates and creative people like yoga, as yoga gives you more freedom," Gaby Noble, a leading Pilates expert, teacher, and educator told Cosmopolitan, adding, "A client once said to me that no one tells you to empty your brain in Pilates, you have to think! Unlike yoga which often has meditation weaved throughout." Think about what keeps you engaged and motivated when you exercise to help you decide.

It's also worth noting that if you're looking to burn calories, Pilates is probably your best bet. "You're going to get slightly more of a caloric burn with Pilates than you do with yoga — about 15–20 [more] calories per session," exercise physiologist Marco Borges told Well+Good. "You're not getting the cardio benefits of a 5k or a sprint, but you're definitely getting some cardiovascular benefit."