Pilates or Yoga? | Beginners Guide

Is Yoga or Pilates Better for Women over 50?

Kevala Health Pilates and Yoga

Pilates and yoga have equal benefits.

Have you ever asked yourself; Is Pilates easier than yoga? Is Pilates better for beginners? Which one will help women over 50 improve their health?

Both Pilates and yoga are low-impact and popular. There are many yoga and Pilates classes available now for all levels. This can be a little confusing for the newbie! I get asked a lot before someone starts my live Pilates and online yoga classes. What is the difference between Pilates and yoga?

Let’s talk about Pilates. In a Kevala Health live Pilates class, the main focus is strengthening, especially the core! Our Pilates exercises are slow and good for rehabilitation. The main principles of a Kevala Health live Pilates class are; Correct alignment, slow, controlled movements, centering, and coordination. You will also enjoy all the stretches in between the Pilates mat exercises with these live Pilates classes for home practice. Not all Pilates classes do lots of stretching! You may even feel ‘the burn’ in those muscles with Pilates, especially in the tummy! You will still work on flexibility in Pilates, but not as much as in yoga. Pilates helps improve posture, and rehabilitation for the hips, and the back.

Kevala Health Pilates classes also use small balls and resistant bands for more variety and fun. If you are a senior or a Pilates beginner, then you will find these classes a complete and safe workout for your body.

What about Yoga? Yoga can range from physically stimulating to relaxing and gentle. Yoga has a more holistic approach originating from India 5000 years ago. In Kevala Health online yoga classes the main focus is on improving flexibility, balance, strength, relaxation, and learning different breathing techniques. There are many styles of yoga, which include; Vinyasa yoga (flow), Ashtanga (fast flow), Hot/Bikram yoga, Iyengar yoga (structured), Hatha yoga, and Yin/Restorative Yoga (Gentle). Jodie at Kevala Health teaches a blend of Hatha yoga, Iyengar, and Vinyasa yoga in her general online yoga classes. Yoga is a more internal approach to health and well-being. It’s about letting go of your resistance and being present.

The Main Difference Between Our Pilates and Yoga Classes

Kevala Health Pilates Classes

• The core is the main focus.

• Repetitive movements.

• Diaphragm breathing.

• Good for rehabilitation.

• Strengthen all over using body weight, machines, bands, balls, rings, and small weights.

• More structured workout.

• Can be a little more intense (some Pilates!).

• Assist with toning (when combined with healthy eating).

Read more on the Best beginner Pilates exercises.

Watch Jodie’s beginner Abs workout video to strengthen your core. These Ab exercises are knee-friendly and floor-based.

Kevala Health Yoga Classes

• Different breathing techniques.

• Great for stress relief.

• More meditation.

• Works on the mental and emotional body more.

• Improve flexibility.

• Build strength (not with Yin or restorative yoga).

• Improve Balance and posture.

Again all this can vary depending on the Pilates or yoga teacher and their training.

Remember you don’t have to be young, flexible, or skinny to do Pilates or yoga! Both are safe when done correctly! The great benefit of doing online yoga or live Pilates at home classes is you can rest anytime, go at your own pace and no one is looking over you!

You can safely practice Pilates at least three or four times a week, for 20 minutes up to 45 minutes is recommended, providing you don’t have any injuries. If you are a Pilates beginner, then start slow, until you build strength. You will get more results when you combine Pilates with yoga. When you focus on more core strengthening in Pilates you will reduce the risk of back issues. This is the same principle with yoga, start slow first and build up each week.

So if you are a more logical or structured person, then you may prefer Pilates! People who are more open-minded to the spiritual side and love being creative, then you will gravitate towards yoga. It’s all a personal choice. It’s a matter of finding a Pilates teacher who educates and inspires you. What is easier? Both are the same, depending on the style of class you do and how much effort you put in. If you feel like getting a workout without the meditation, then try Pilates first. If you feel like you need to work on your nervous system more or work on mental health then try yoga.

Pilates and yoga can complement each other, and perfect combination for women over 50. When you strengthen your core in Pilates, this helps to improve your balance in yoga. Increasing your flexibility in yoga helps your range of movements to go further in Pilates. I highly recommend doing both yoga and Pilates regularly if you are a woman over 50 and for seniors’ health. I’m now in my mid-50s, and I practice both Pilates and Yoga every day, as it helps with my gardening and walking.

Mix it up and have fun! Both have many great benefits for your health and well-being when you practice regularly. Kevala Health offers combined live Pilates and yoga classes.

Watch a short video on the best 5 beginner Pilates mat exercises.

Follow Jodie on Facebook or Instagram for more tips.

Watch short videos on yoga and Pilates on YouTube.