Updated May 6, 2024 at 5:49 p.m. Yoga or Pilates: how to know which one is right for me – © macniak / Istock
Want a low-impact physical activity? Pilates and yoga can be good options! If your heart is torn between the two, here’s how to know which discipline is right for you.
In recent years, the trend among athletes has been Pilates and yoga. And for good reason: in addition to subtly building muscle, these two activities have the power to relax, clear the mind and carry a low risk of injury. “With either, you are more connected to your body, to your breath and throughout the session you are encouraged to focus on breathing techniques to stay focused and grounded,” explains Jacqui Kingswell , a Pilates teacher, to the American magazine “ Women’s Health “. “In Pilates you engage your abs when you exhale, with yoga it’s the opposite,” she explains. In addition, yoga has more variations and adapts depending on the level of intensity you want. Pilates, on the other hand, tends to be more intense than yoga and generally doesn’t place as much emphasis on mindfulness. “Pilates uses both body weight and external resistance devices like the reformer, while yoga generally uses body weight only,” adds Jacqui Kingswell. But then how do you choose which discipline to turn to? Well quite simply, depending on your objectives. Indeed, although these two activities have many points in common, they do not provide the same physical benefits.
The benefits of yoga
Budding yogis will confirm: yoga is excellent for back pain, arthritis but also for “teaching people to breathe with their diaphragm, which increases vagal tone (your connection to your parasympathetic nervous system, which ‘that is to say rest and digestion!),’ explains Gabby DeLorenze, yoga instructor, also at ‘Women’s Health’. If you are looking to practice a mindful activity while developing strength, balance, flexibility and mobility, then yoga is for you!
But that’s not all: according to a Harvard Health study, yoga helps develop body awareness, “it leads practitioners to have a better image of themselves and to have confidence in their abilities. »
Also read: Are the French still crazy about yoga?
The benefits of Pilates
Pilates has already attracted many stars. At the top of the list? Jennifer Aniston, Miley Cyrus, Kaia Gerber and even Jenna Dewan. And it’s not for nothing: it engages all the muscles through movements that also help work on balance and flexibility. The little extra? Pilates is excellent for correcting poor body postures. Just like yoga, it helps relax the body and mind. No more tensions! “After each class, you’ll feel like your body has been stretched for the day and you can walk through the rest of the day feeling aligned,” says Jacqui Kingswell.
For people whose goal is to lose weight, Pilates can be a real ally in toning the figure. “If you’re looking for a low-impact workout that will still challenge your muscles, Pilates will give you the burning sensation and intensity you’re looking for,” concludes the professional.
Conversely, if you are looking to find inner peace, better flexibility and a connection between body and mind, yoga is the right solution. “For many people, yoga is not just a workout, but a chance to relax and refocus,” concludes Gabby DeLorenze.