Posted By : Admin / On : April 24, 2025 / In : pilates
When it comes to mindful movement, both Pilates and yoga tend to top the list – and it’s easy to see why. They help improve strength, flexibility and mental wellbeing, all without the high impact of more intense workouts. Both practices also enhance the mind-body connection, leading to improved mental and physical wellbeing. But while the two practices might appear similar at a glance, they’re quite different in both purpose and approach.
If you’re wondering which one to try, we’re here to help you understand the key differences. Whether your goal is to gain strength, mobility, calm or clarity, there’s a practice that can meet you where you are.
Pilates is a full body, low impact exercise method designed to build strength from the inside out. Created by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, it focuses on core stability, posture, breath and controlled movement. It’s known for being precise, technical, and deeply effective – and it’s suitable for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. The practice is guided by six core principles: precision, flow, control, concentration, centre and breathing.
At The Pilates Movement Studio, we Reformer Pilates – the latter using spring-based resistance on a specialist machine to challenge your strength, flexibility and coordination. The Pilates Reformer machine features an adjustable bar and long straps with handles, allowing for a wide range of exercises suitable for both intense workouts and rehabilitation. Reformer Pilates can be a game changer for those looking to ton
e muscles, support injury recovery or simply deepen their practice with a fresh sense of focus and resistance.
Yoga is a holistic practice that originated in ancient India and has been adapted into many modern forms. It combines physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and often elements of mindfulness or meditation. Yoga includes various physical poses known as asanas.
There are many different styles of yoga, from the physically demanding to the deeply restorative. Whether it’s Vinyasa, Hatha or Yin, the intention remains the same – to connect mind, body and breath. These physical poses are integral to yoga practice and contribute to its holistic benefits. Many people turn to yoga not just for movement, but for the sense of calm and grounding it brings.
Although Pilates and yoga both encourage mindful movement, they approach it in unique ways:
Pilates is anatomy driven and designed to strengthen, lengthen and stabilise. A key aspect of Pilates is the emphasis on core muscles, which play a crucial role in injury prevention and enhancing overall strength. Yoga is rooted in philosophy and often focuses on inner awareness, stillness and flow.
Pilates uses the breath to activate the core and support movement. In yoga, the breath guides the pace and rhythm of the practice and is often used as a meditative anchor. Additionally, breathwork in yoga increases lung capacity, contributing to overall wellbeing.
Yoga generally requires only
a mat (and sometimes props like blocks or straps). Pilates – especially Reformer Pilates – involves specialised equipment like the Reformer, which uses adjustable springs to create resistance and feedback. Additionally, the Pilates ring is a versatile accessory used to enhance resistance during exercises, targeting various muscle groups and providing an additional challenge to conventional movements.
Pilates is typically more structured, with controlled, repeated movements targeting specific muscle groups. Certain Pilates movements specifically target the lower body, enhancing strength and stability in that region. Yoga postures can vary widely and often flow together or are held for longer periods.
Reformer Pilates deserves a special mention. While mat-based Pilates uses your own body weight, the Reformer introduces adjustable resistance to help you isolate and work muscles more deeply and precisely. Specific reformer exercises, such as leg circles and footwork, enhance flexibility, strength and balance. It’s particularly useful for improving alignment, correcting imbalances and adding variety to your routine.
Many people find the Reformer to be incredibly supportive – especially when recovering from injury or managing chronic pain. But it’s not just for rehabilitation. The Reformer can also offer a full body challenge, improving core control, balance and strength in ways that feel both gentle and effective. Additionally, Reformer Pilates helps build lean muscles through its unique resistance features, contributing to improved posture and overall body composition.
Engaging in regular Pilates exercises or yoga practice can have a profound impact on both mental and physical health, reducing stress and anxiety while improving overall wellbeing. The physical practice of yoga, including various poses such as Hatha yoga, Iyengar yoga and hot yoga, can help increase flexibility, balance and strength, while also reducing the risk of joint injuries. These styles offer unique approaches to enhancing physical fitness, from the precise alignment of Iyengar to the heat induced intensity of hot yoga.
Pilates, particularly Reformer Pilates, can help improve core stability, muscle tone and posture, making it an excellent option for those seeking to enhance their physical fitness. The controlled, precise movements of Pilates exercises target specific muscle groups, promoting muscle toning and overall body strength.
The mental benefits of yoga and Pilates include reduced tension headaches, improved mental clarity and enhanced self-discipline, leading to a greater sense of overall wellbeing. By incorporating deep breathing techniques and diaphragmatic breathing into their practice, individuals can experience a significant reduction in stress and anxiety, leading to improved mental health. Whether practicing yoga or Pilates, proper alignment and core engagement are crucial to reap the full benefits of these exercises and minimise the risk of injury.
The answer depends on what your body and mind need right now. Both Pilates and
yoga can help individuals achieve their fitness goals.
Choose Pilates if you want to:
Both yoga and Pilates offer therapeutic benefits, particularly in rehabilitation contexts.
Choose Yoga if you want to:
While yoga and Pilates can complement one another, many people find that Pilates alone offers everything they need – especially with the added benefits of Reformer Pilates. Practicing at a Pilates studio offers expert guidance and a professional atmosphere. At The Pilates Movement Studio, we focus solely on Pilates because we believe in its power to strengthen, support and transform the body in a sustainable, mindful way.
Whether you’re looking to build core strength, improve posture, aid recovery or simply move with more confidence, Pilates offers a focused, effective approach to whole body wellbeing.
At The Pilates Movement Studio, we specialise in Reformer Pilates, designed to support your individual goals in a friendly, welcoming space. Whether you’re brand new to Pilates or ready to deepen your practice, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. We offer a variety of reformer class options for different fitness levels, ensuring that everyone can benefit from our sessions.
We offer a full range of classes – from beginners to advanced – at our Godalming, Guildford and Farnham studios, all designed to give you the most effective mind and body workout. If you’re not sure which class is right for you, get in touch with us here – we’re happy to help guide you.
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