Pilates or Yoga?

[white*willow]

Hello

Thought this would be a good place to ask! Have put my name down for Yoga at a local community centre but Pilates was my first choice though at the time there werent any spaces..now one has come up and just wondering which to do...or whether to try doing both?

I havent done any exercise like this before so I dont want to overdo it! I guess what Im looking for is a calmer mind and relaxed/strengthened body...I did read though that yoga is sometimes not a good choice if you are already very introspective which I am..

I would love to hear any knowledge about which may be better or if doing both would be ok..

Anna

[sunanda]

Hi Anna
A lot depends on the teachers, IMO. And also what 'style' of yoga is being taught. If it's Hatha yoga there are different schools. My original teachers were Sivananda trained and I loved this. It's fairly gentle and you get to relax between each asana (position.) My current yoga teacher (I think she's British Wheel of Yoga) tends to throw in a few challenging asanas to keep the people happy who have been going for a while, even though it's supposed to be a beginner's class. We don't relax so much though but she does a little pranayama (breathing exercises) and there's a lovely feel to the class. Ashtanga and Iyengar yoga are much more energetic and would be too much for me. (I've lost a lot of flexibility through not practising for about two years.)

When I restarted the yoga I decided to try a Pilates class too and I've found that I love this. I have a particularly good teacher (I think) and I find the stretches to be a little more subtle but still very effective. The teacher is continuously encouraging us individually and correcting us when we get it wrong. The yoga teacher isn't quite as hands on.

Would it be possible for you to try both classes? I really like doing both - and the teacher is such a vital component too. Whichever (or both) you end up doing, I'd say definitely go for it. The benefits are amazing. You won't regret it. Let us know what you decide.

xxx

[white*willow]

Hi Sunanda,

Thanks for your reply...The yoga is Hatha Yoga and is totally for beginners it is on for one term and says that the aim is to give you a good basic knowledge of Hatha Yoga by the end so it sounds great..I would like to know enough to practise on my own when the class finishes..

Pilates sounds very interesting and I could do it too the classes are very cheap-£5 a term with a free creche!!! Just affording bus fares thats all,am on a very strict budget at the moment..i need to work on my posture though that sounds great.

As for ashtanga I picked up a tape of that in a charity shop after never doing any yoga and phew i only tried it once!!

Thanks for your advice I think I may well do both

[white*willow]

Hello!

Tried the Pilates I love it its great, thank you for the recommendation..starting yoga this week too

Thanks,

Anna

[sunanda]

Fabulous, Anna. I'm still loving the Pilates - last week we got an extra lesson which was a complete surprise but very much appreciated. And I'm enjoying the yoga more now too, so definitely do both if you feel like it. Let us know how you get on.

xxx

[white*willow]

Hi Sunanda,

I did yoga for the first time today I found it harder work than the pilates the stretches were different..much tougher but really good..

Wow great an extra lesson! I would go every day if I could!

Really pleased both teachers are great and correct you when you need it..

All the best

xxx

[sunanda]

I'm so pleased you enjoy both classes. I find they both give me a real lift, very beneficial. Onwards and upwards....

xxx

[white*willow]

Yes too right...the best directions xx

[white*willow]

Yes too right...the best directions xx

[AdamsMom]

I realise this thread was ended years ago! But for anyone having a look at it now, might I suggest taking up Yogalates, which is essentially a mixture of both. I bought a DVD off Amazon, it only cost me five pounds but in my opinion worth a lot more.

[Pepper]

Yogalates is fab! I have two of the DVDs, and I'm always doing them. Great in the winter weather when I don't feel like going outside for a run!