Core Strength or Inner Peace

A question often asked…Which is better : Pilates v Yoga explained

 

We frequently encounter patients seeking guidance on the most suitable exercise program during injury recovery or when managing chronic pain. While both Pilates and yoga offer valuable benefits, we feel Pilates often emerges as the better choice for rehabilitation and pain management.

Pilates and yoga are both popular forms of exercise that a lot of people enjoy and although they are both low-impact exercises that can improve strength and flexibility they have some key differences between them.

The origins

The origins of yoga span back to over 5,000 years. Yoga underwent transformations over the years and masters began to use the physical body as a means of obtaining spiritual enlightenment. Yoga postures were designed to not only strengthen the body and improve flexibility, but also to gain a higher form of self-awareness and consciousness.

However Pilates began as a physical rehabilitation method

The origins of Pilates are rooted in rehabilitation. Joseph Pilates developed the reformer machine to aid injured and sick people in performing exercises. He opened his first Pilates studio in order to help dancers through rehabilitation. The reformer keeps all this in mind as its made to help individuals with injuries perform movements to gain strength and flexibility. Eg You can lay down on your back or side to execute movements or exercises you otherwise are unable to do in standing.

The style

There are many different styles of yoga, ranging from slower and quieter through to power yoga incorporating handstands and arm-balances. 

Yoga focuses on achieving balance in body, mind and spirit through meditation sessions during class. This aspect sets it apart from Pilates which is purely an exercise program to increase muscle tone or improve core strength without the deeper meaning that many find within Yoga

Pilates is a low-impact exercise that can be done by people at any fitness level as Physio Pilates classes modify exercises to fit each individual's needs and physical limitations. Pilates offers exceptional adaptability for individual needs and utilises different equipment with many exercises based on springs to provide progressive resistance to muscles. 

People often start Pilates because they want stronger core, more toned muscles, or relief from injuries/discomfort. While yoga often incorporates extreme spinal positions, Pilates prioritizes maintaining a neutral spine position. This approach is particularly beneficial for individuals with back injuries or chronic pain conditions.

Benefits of Yoga

  • Increased flexibility
  • Improved balance
  • Increased muscle strength and endurance
  • Increased muscle tone
  • Reduces stress and anxiety and can help reduce depression
  • Improved general well-being and quality of life
  • Improved sleep and concentration
  • Improved breathing capacity 

Benefits of Pilates

  • Increased flexibility
  • Improved balance
  • Increased muscle strength and endurance
  • Increased muscle tone

    Other benefits of Pilates also include

  • Injury rehabilitation and prevention
  • Improved muscle control
  • Specific abdominal muscle strength for postnatal women with a rectus abdominus separation
  • Improved movement efficiency 
  • Optimised body postures for maximum muscle activation during exercises

Their purpose is different:

Although there is a lot of overlap and both Yoga and Pilates are great programs for improving well being and general fitness, they can serve fundamentally different purposes. 

At Hindmarsh Physio, we use Pilates as either a rehabilitation method for people with injuries such as back pain, or people primarily looking to strengthen the body and ‘core’ in a precise and individual manner.  Pilates is not intended to be a ‘relaxing’ form of exercise but rather a method to gain improvements in strength and function and as part of exercise-based rehabilitation and prevention.

Yoga plays an important role in gaining flexibility and mobility but with focusing on the mind/body spiritual connection. It emphasises holding static poses while incorporating flowing sequences .Pilates, however, centres on, controlled movements with a greater emphasis on core stability. 

Exercises generally involves fewer repetitions with greater attention to form and muscle engagement. This emphasis on quality over quantity ensures that each movement builds strength while maintaining body alignment.

Unlike Yoga's flowing sequences, Pilates exercises are designed with systematic progression, allowing practitioners to build strength gradually while maintaining optimal form and reducing the risk of re-injury.

Which one is right for you? 

While the best type of exercise is the one that doesn’t feel like you’re exercising (that is, the one you enjoy doing) If you have an injury or pain, then we feel Pilates could be the type of exercise you are looking for. Pilates tends to be more of a straight exercise class, with less focus on philosophy and uses the one style of breathing

Pilates under the supervision of our  physiotherapists allows the exercises to be tailored to your body and specific needs or goals so you get exactly what you need.  Pilates principles seamlessly integrate with physiotherapy rehabilitation protocols. The focus on quality over quantity aligns with therapeutic exercise principles, making it an excellent bridge between rehabilitation and return to regular physical activity.

However, individual assessment and professional guidance remain essential for determining the most appropriate exercise approach for specific conditions.

How to join


If you’re keen to join our Pilates sessions, the first step is to contact our Hindmarsh team on 8346 2000. They’ll talk you through the current class timetable, availability, pricing and answer any particular questions you may have in order to begin your initial consultation and follow up individual training session

Following that, you’re good to go!

“In 10 sessions you’ll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you’ll see a difference, and in 30 sessions you’ll have a whole new body.” – Joseph Pilates. 

Ask for more information HERE, or book a Pilates Initial assessment on 83462000 with a physiotherapist today and see for yourself!

Get in touch

If you’d like to make an appointment call us on 8346 2000 and we will find the right Physio for you. Or if you prefer, schedule a personalised consult right now with one of our caring Physiotherapists experienced in assessment, management and treatment by requesting a booking here. We would love to help you soon.

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