Yoga vs Pilates: Do You Need to Choose?

I get asked this one quite often – what’s the difference between yoga and Pilates? It’s a fair question, especially as I sometimes include Yogalates sessions in my Online Pilates classes - combining the best of both.

Personally, I love both disciplines. They complement each other beautifully even though they’re quite different in focus and approach.

What Is Pilates?

Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates around 100 years ago. It’s a system designed to strengthen the body using body weight as resistance, with a strong focus on:

• Repetition and precision of movement

• Core control and stability

• Specific breathing techniques (inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth)

• Optionally using equipment to add resistance and support

Pilates aims to strengthen, stretch, and support healthy movement patterns. You’ll feel muscles working in very targeted ways.

What Is Yoga?

Yoga asana (postures) has a far longer history, with roots stretching back thousands of years. Today, there are many styles and interpretations of yoga, but the key elements include:

• Holding postures that build strength through isometric muscle contraction

• Breathing (pranayama), mainly through the nose to enhance focus and relaxation

• Often a calmer, more static approach to building strength and flexibility

A deeper connection to yoga philosophy, which includes the Eight Limbs of Yoga and teaches that yoga is a lifestyle as well as a form of movement.

The Biggest Difference

Both Pilates and yoga share the idea of connecting movement and breath, but they come from very different traditions. Pilates is a modern system focused on physical conditioning and alignment, while yoga’s roots run deeper into philosophy, spirituality, and personal practice.

Should You Choose Between Yoga and Pilates?

My honest advice? Don’t!

Each method offers something different, and combining the two can give you strength, flexibility, balance, and a sense of calm. That’s exactly why I offer Yogalates sessions – so you can enjoy the best of both.

A Final Word

If you’re curious to explore both Pilates and yoga, or try out a class that blends them together, join my face-to-face classes in Oxfordshire or take part in my online classes from anywhere, anytime.

Get in touch to find out more about our Pilates classes or click here to see the timetable for a class near you and info on our Online Classes.