Pilates vs Yoga , which is better ?

Seres

Saw something to the said title in MCOS log . I do pilates which i find really good for improving my core strenght but it doesnt really do too much for my flexiblity . Which is the a better option for allround strenght and flexiblity to compliment running and prevent injury ?

Rantan

Seres wrote: »

Saw something to the said title in MCOS log . I do pilates which i find really good for improving my core strenght but it doesnt really do too much for my flexiblity . Which is the a better option for allround strenght and flexiblity to compliment running and prevent injury ?

I do a class "core strength and flexibility for men" essentially half yoga half pilates so best of both worlds, I think they just change the name to include the word "strength" coz it doesn't appear as wussy as some blokes thinkn yoga is!!

Nules10

Was just talking about this with shazkea this evening. I think a mix of both is the way to go. Pilates is great for core strength but not a huge amount of stretching in it but from what i can gather with yoga there is probably more stretching involve. I only do Pilates but definitely feel i could do with more stretching. :rolleyes: doesn't really answer your question though.... so my answer both

Emer911

Seres wrote: »

Saw something to the said title in MCOS log . I do pilates which i find really good for improving my core strenght but it doesnt really do too much for my flexiblity . Which is the a better option for allround strenght and flexiblity to compliment running and prevent injury ?

Yoga is great for flexibility, plates is fantastic for building core strength. I've done both (for quite a bit) and I'd say for overall injury prevention the yoga is probably better. Thing is there's a LOAD of different yoga styles and you need to make sure to get a class (and instructor) that suits you.

But I do love the pilates too and I know that's helped me hugely in building my core this year.

...best of both worlds - do both?

thirstywork2

I would go with pilates and some reformer work.Flexibilty is good so yoga would be more to unwind.

ecoli

thirstywork2 wrote: »

I would go with pilates and some reformer work.Flexibilty is good so yoga would be more to unwind.

I think that this depends on the type of yoga you do. The yoga plan i do (the P90x) is not one for unwinding and is great as a strengthening tool as well as flexibility as there are many run specific poses.

(Which reminds me really need to work that back into my reoutine more frequently:D)

shotgunmcos

Pilates focuses more on breathing and centering your core to engage your movements. Without engaging your core as a fulcrum of power you just swing your limbs. The swinging being disengaged somewhat from the trunk leaves you more injury prone. Not just that but you will lose form as you tire and it takes more effort from that swinging of weighed limbs to propel you. Generating power fom your core stabilises the movements all round keeping the swinging under control. Less effort involved and you hold form longer.

So from a purely core perspective I would probably go with Pilates. An example for anyone who doesn't do core. Sit ups have been dissed in recent times as counter productive because people just swing from the head and shoulders to propel the body off the ground. The movement is too fast and under controlled. The jerking can lead to neck strain and the landing back strain. You almost use your arms more! If you were to take Pilates to mind before you do sit ups however you would concentrate on your breathing first. Rounding your belly on exhalation and drawing your navel towards your spine inhaling. Then using just that center of breathing to lift your body off the ground forces you to engage your core and the sit up is a lot slower, controlled and specific for what it should be. You feel it in your abs and obliques when you try to push every bit of air out of your lungs.

Yoga on the other hand is more of a total body workout. Your core is engaged through strength and stability rather than breathing. I used to find Pilates challenging when I started first but Yoga is a different league. It takes a strong and suple body to get into some yoga positions (there is always a more advanced version of it!) but it take real core strength and balance to hold it there. Balance is a key part of running form, especially if you subscribe to the Chi running style. As Yoga brings stability, flexibility, balance and core strength into it, I choose it as an all rounder. If I mix in some breathing focus it never fails to feel like an amazing workout.

Lastly it really depends on the instructor and style too. A good one guages his/her class and challenges accordingly.