Yoga vs. Pilates

dfborders

I was just released by my Physical Therapist from a severe herniated disc in my neck and we were talking about exercises. She said that either yoga or pilates would be great workouts for me. The only yoga I have ever done was Bekram (pardon spelling:laugh:) when I lived in CT. There aren't any placed around here that offer that in my price range. So which do you prefer? Yoga or pilates? Thanks for your input.

emilydmac

I love both! I find that yoga is more relaxing but pilates (at least to me) feels like a harder workout, take your pick~

Jenscan

I do both as well. I agree w/Emily -- Pilates does seem to be a little more strenuous than yoga, so maybe start with yoga first to make sure you don't aggravate your injury? I'm glad you're doing better. :flowerforyou:

Panda86

I like both. Yoga is slower and more controlled, while pilates does exercise reps. I have a video I do that is a hybrid, and I like it a lot.

ischmelle

I would think pilates would be better. Of course, Bikram would be best, too bad you don't have any around you that could work out for you! Bikram actually created that form of yoga to heal his body from an injury! But, if you can't do bikram then I would say pilates. Strengthening your core will for sure help your back. And, I would be worried about the stretching in yoga at this point unless it was in a high heat environment to help loosen the muscles. I think you could work up to other forms of yoga though after your core becomes stronger. Well, I'm no expert, but that is what I would recommend. Good luck and best wishes for fast healing! :flowerforyou:

areittinger

Windsor Pilates are great! I use them frequently. And they sell many many different kinds, Some that incorporate yoga as well. Plus you can do it at home!

u2fergus

In my experience, Pilates seems to be a better choice if you have a lot of weight to lose. Sometimes the yoga can be hard on my joints because of the weird positions you have to hold, and it's prevented me doing much with it. However, Pilates seems to work the muscles mainly, and I've never had any trouble doing it. Very relaxing and definitely does strengthen and tone you!

remembertheharddrive

I love yoga as a compliment to my running or weight lifting -- in that I can turn to it when I'm tight and sore. An hour and I'm loosened up, which is good because I need that once-a-week all out stretching.

In general, however, I loved pilates when i was doing it 3-4 times a week. My core because extremely strong - as a whole, I was functionally far more efficient and strong, well balanced. It wasn't until I stopped that I realize just how vital pilates had become to my overall fitness.

deadstarsunburn

At the YMCA I used to go to there was a class that combined both they called it yogaloties lol. I LOVED it.

fitmommy2012

Personally, I love them both, but I really REALLY like Pilates. I have never actually taken a class, but I have done MANY DVD's and have really enjoyed them all. Pilates is good if you want to lose weight, but yoga would be good to start out with, especially with your injury!

dfborders

Thank you all for the feedback. I think I will see if I can find a pilate's for beginners and if I can do well with that then try a Yoga for beginners in order to mix it up:bigsmile: