Yoga vs. Pilates — which is better? This is definitely a subjective question, and you’ll get varying answers from different folks. But regarding which is better for you when it comes to overall fitness benefits, well, neither. Because in terms of a better comprehensive full-body workout, Lagree exceeds both by a long shot. Read on to discover why!
Pilates vs. Yoga
There are several similarities between yoga and Pilates. Both can be performed using little to no equipment except for a mat. Both focus on proper breathing and mindfulness and can help reduce stress. And both are low-impact and can be tailored for people of any fitness level.
With yoga, you have a larger variety of styles — such as Bikram, Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, and restorative yoga. Yoga is more of a full-body workout, whereas Pilates emphasizes the core more. Pilates generally tends to be more fast-paced than yoga, focusing less on the meditative aspect.
While breathing is an important aspect in both Pilates and yoga, it’s incorporated in a different way. In Pilates, breathwork is used to energize your muscles. In yoga, however, the focus on breath aims to create calmness and deeper relaxation.
Certain factors need to be considered if you’re wondering which is better. For instance, Pilates is likely the better choice if you have injuries, chronic conditions, or other limitations. And if you’re looking to improve your flexibility and balance, I’d suggest opting for yoga. It will also depend on your specific fitness goals because while there are many similarities between yoga and Pilates, they are ultimately two different exercise methods.
Pilates Benefits
Near the end of World War I, Joseph Pilates created a form of rehabilitation for wounded soldiers — the method we know today as Pilates. It’s been a century since Pilates was first introduced to the United States1. From the mat to the Reformer, Pilates offers a wide variety of benefits:
- Better posture and alignment
- Improved balance and flexibility
- Increased muscular strength and endurance
- Reduced joint pain
- Increased core strength and stability
Pilates may also help relieve symptoms if you suffer from:
- Joint injuries
- Back pain
- Arthritis
- Respiratory conditions
- Urinary incontinence
Yoga Benefits
Yoga has been around for hundreds of years and has roots in Buddhism and other Eastern religions. It combines exercise with mindfulness — creating a mind-body fitness method. As a full-body, fluid workout, yoga is beneficial on many levels.
Yoga benefits include:
- Increased body awareness
- Greater sense of mindfulness
- Reduced stress
- Increased relaxation
- Better flexibility and mobility
- Improved balance
- Increased muscular strength and endurance
- Decreased inflammation
- Better sleep
- Reduced blood pressure
- Reduced joint pain
Moreover, you may benefit from practicing yoga if you suffer from:
- Chronic pain
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Respiratory conditions
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
Why Lagree Fitness Is Better Than Both
Yoga and Pilates both come with great benefits, so the question of which is better can simply be a matter of preference. But Lagree is better than both because it offers you all the same benefits and so much more.
Lagree Is Low-Impact, yet High-Intensity
Like yoga and Pilates, Lagree is also a low-impact workout, but its intensity level is anything but. This is your ultimate type of workout — you get your heart rate up, burn lots of calories, and work up a sweat — all while keeping your joints safe. No jumping is involved, and you don’t have to exert force on your body to benefit from a high-intensity workout.
Helps You Build Lean Muscle
Unlike weight lifting, the low-impact, high-intensity nature of Lagree supports lean muscle growth. If you’ve ever avoided strength training because you didn’t want to get bulky, you won’t have to worry about that with Lagree. You’ll increase muscular strength while building long, lean muscles.
Improves Flexibility
Unlike most strength training methods, Lagree helps you simultaneously improve your flexibility. Combining a range of motion with time under tension, Lagree is designed so that you can work on your flexibility throughout your workout.
The use of spring resistance and the Megaformer machine allow movements to be performed with more control and a wider range of motion. When you add Lagree’s slow tempo, you have the optimal situation for increasing your flexibility.
Enhances Body Composition
Lagree helps you lower body fat, build muscular strength, and increase the size of your muscles. And as we just mentioned, you’ll be able to sculpt long, lean muscles and improve your muscle tone and definition.
Lagree’s use of spring resistance helps with this as well. Because the springs don’t rely on gravity to create resistance, you’re able to alter where the emphasis is placed on the muscle in certain exercises2. This is possible With a slight change in the direction of pull and a shift in body placement.
Combining all these elements is powerful and makes it possible to enhance your body composition through Lagree.
Boosts Your Cardiorespiratory Endurance
In a Lagree class, there are no breaks built in, but we do encourage you to take them when necessary — just make them snappy. Transitions from one movement to the next are quick, and the lack of rest time keeps your heart rate elevated throughout your workout.
Plus, the time-under-tension technique that Lagree utilizes supports cardiorespiratory endurance growth. The slow, controlled movements keep your muscles under tension for longer periods. This ultimately helps you focus on your breath and improves your cardiovascular endurance.
Conclusion
Whether you’re an avid yoga-goer or a devoted Pilates fan, shake your fitness routine up and try Lagree. You can’t go wrong by mixing things up a bit — especially if that change involves Lagree. Or perhaps you’re a runner, crossfit lover, or someone looking to add other elements, such as flexibility, to your workouts. Whatever your story is, make the right choice and choose Lagree today! Choose Lagree today!
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