Yoga vs Pilates: Which one’s right for you?
When it comes to finding the right movement practice for your body and mind, it can feel like there’s just too much choice out there. You’ve probably heard people raving about both yoga and Pilates – but what’s the difference? Is one better than the other? And how do you know which one’s right for you?
We get asked about this all the time at the studio, so we thought it was high time we tackled the question: Yoga vs Pilates – what’s the deal?
Let’s dive in.
Same same… but different
Yoga and Pilates are often lumped together in the wellness world, and it’s easy to see why. Both are low-impact practices. Both focus on body awareness, breathing, posture and alignment. And both can help you feel stronger, calmer and more connected to your body.
But that’s where the similarities end. Because while they may look a bit alike on the surface (especially if you’ve only seen a class on Instagram!), yoga and Pilates come from very different roots – and they offer different benefits too.
A little history
Let’s start with where they come from.
Yoga is an ancient practice, with roots in India going back over 2,000 years. It was originally designed as a way to prepare the body for meditation, and it’s deeply linked with Eastern philosophy. While there are many different styles of yoga today – from dynamic vinyasa to deeply restful Yin – the common thread is a focus on the connection between body, mind and breath.
Pilates, on the other hand, is a 20th-century invention. It was developed by a German physical trainer called Joseph Pilates, who designed it as a way to rehabilitate injured soldiers during WWI. It’s grounded in anatomy, strength and control, with a focus on building a strong, stable core.
So, yoga vs Pilates? Think spiritual roots vs scientific foundation. Not better or worse – just different.
So, what’s the difference in practice?
If you were to step into a yoga class and then a Pilates class, here’s how the experience might differ:
Yoga
- You’ll often move through sequences of postures (or hold them for longer in the case of Yin or restorative styles).
- Breathing is central – we use the breath to guide the movement and help calm the nervous system.
- You’ll usually end with a short meditation or relaxation (ahh, Savasana…).
- There’s a focus on flexibility, balance, stillness and inner awareness – as well as physical strength.
Pilates
- Expect a series of precise, controlled movements – often repeated a set number of times.
- Breath is still important, but more as a way to activate core muscles.
- There’s less focus on meditation or spirituality – it’s more about mechanics and control.
- It’s brilliant for strengthening your core and improving posture.
Still trying to choose between yoga vs Pilates? Let’s talk benefits.
The benefits of yoga
At SPACE, we obviously love yoga – and not just because it helps you touch your toes.
Here’s what yoga can offer:
- Improved flexibility and joint mobility – particularly in slower styles like Yin.
- Better sleep – we’ve seen this time and again with our students (and ourselves!).
- Reduced stress and anxiety – through mindful breathing, movement and stillness.
- Greater self-awareness – physically, mentally and emotionally.
- Improved circulation, digestion and immune health – especially when practising regularly.
- A deeper connection to yourself – body, mind and soul.
It’s a practice that evolves with you. Whether you’re 25 or 75, yoga can meet you where you’re at – and grow with you through all the seasons of life.
The benefits of Pilates
Now let’s look at what Pilates brings to the table:
- Stronger core muscles – which support your spine, improve your balance and prevent injury.
- Improved posture – especially helpful if you spend hours at a desk.
- Better alignment – you’ll become more aware of how your body moves and where imbalances lie.
- Support for injury rehab – Pilates is often recommended by physios as a gentle, structured way to rebuild strength.
- Increased body control and coordination – it’s all about precision.
So in the yoga vs Pilates debate, Pilates wins on core strength, posture and structure. But yoga might offer more in terms of flexibility, mindfulness and stress relief.
Pilates vs yoga: Which should you choose?
Honestly? It depends on what you need right now.
Choose yoga if:
- You want to slow down and connect inward.
- You’re looking for a more holistic approach to wellbeing – physical, emotional, energetic.
- You struggle with stress, anxiety or sleep issues.
- You want to improve your flexibility and mobility over time.
- You like the idea of a practice that includes breathwork, stillness and maybe a little philosophy too.
Choose Pilates if:
- You want to strengthen your core and improve posture.
- You’ve got a specific injury or imbalance you want to work on.
- You like a more structured, fitness-style approach.
- You’re looking for a low-impact way to tone and strengthen the whole body.
- You want to feel strong and stable from the inside out.
What if you don’t have to choose?
Here’s the best-kept secret in the yoga vs Pilates conversation: you don’t have to pick just one.
Lots of people practise both – and benefit from the combination. Pilates can give you the core strength and postural awareness to support your yoga practice, while yoga can offer the flexibility, relaxation and inner calm to balance out your Pilates workouts.
At SPACE, we’re big fans of the “both/and” approach. And if you’re already practising yoga with us, you might find that adding a little Pilates into the mix helps you feel even more grounded and strong – especially around the core, hips and lower back.
What about Yin yoga?
If you’re feeling frazzled, stiff or simply exhausted, Yin yoga is a brilliant antidote to modern life. It’s one of our core offerings here at SPACE, and we’re passionate about sharing it.
While Pilates is all about active engagement, Yin yoga is about deep release. It targets the joints and connective tissues rather than the muscles, and it helps regulate your energy, calm the nervous system and bring you back to yourself.
So if you’ve been pushing hard – in life, in workouts or even emotionally – Yin might just be the reset you need.
Final thoughts: Yoga vs Pilates
When it comes to yoga vs Pilates, there’s no winner – and no one-size-fits-all answer. Both practices can be powerful. Both can improve your health and wellbeing. And both can help you feel more at home in your body.
The key is to listen to yourself.
What do you need right now? Strength or softness? Stillness or structure? Flexibility or focus?
Whatever you choose, know this: your practice should support you, not the other way around. So don’t worry about doing it perfectly – just start where you are.
Next steps
If you ever want to chat through your options, we’re always happy to help. Drop us a message – we love helping people find the right path.
- To find out more about the yoga we offer, visit our Classes page.
- Our Pilates pop-up classes can be found in our Events section.
- Or why not come along to our RESTORE Retreat in Greece for 7 days of yoga & Pilates – together at last!
See you on the mat soon.
