Pilates vs yoga
Updated
Pilates vs yoga comes down to how class runs. Pilates is a 20th-century exercise method that moves you through short series of controlled exercises, on a mat or on spring-loaded machines. Yoga is an ancient practice from India that holds or flows through poses, often with meditation and breath work. Pick the class style you’d enjoy repeating.
The short answer
- Choose pilates if you want a structured, instructor-led workout with lots of small, precise movements, or you’re curious about equipment like the reformer.
- Choose yoga if you want held poses, flowing sequences, and classes that may include meditation or philosophy.
- Try both if you can. Many people do. They share a mat, an emphasis on breathing and a slow, deliberate pace.
Side by side
| Pilates | Yoga | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, who called it Contrology[10] | An ancient practice from India with many schools |
| What a class does | Short series of controlled exercises, one after another | Poses held or linked in flowing sequences |
| Movement style | Small, precise, repeated movements with the trunk held steady | Holding shapes, moving between them, often stretching into position |
| Breathing | Paired with each movement, used to stay steady | Often sets the pace of the movement; some classes include breathing practices |
| Equipment | Mat, small props, or machines such as the reformer | Mat, plus blocks, straps and bolsters |
| Mind and spirit | Concentration on the movement | Varies by class; may include meditation, chanting or philosophy |
| Common class types | Mat, reformer, tower, chair, classical, contemporary | Hatha, vinyasa, yin, restorative, power, hot |
How a class feels different
In a pilates mat class, you’ll lie on your back, lift your head and legs, and move your arms or legs while keeping your trunk still. The instructor counts and cues breathing for each movement. Exercises change every minute or two. Not much time is spent holding one shape.
In a typical yoga class, you’ll move into a pose, stay for several breaths, then move to the next, or link poses together in a flow. Depending on the style, the class may open or close with seated breathing or meditation.
On a reformer, pilates feels further from yoga again. You’ll be on a moving carriage, pushing and pulling against springs. See reformer pilates for what that involves.
Which one costs more?
Our directory covers pilates studios, so we can only give real numbers for pilates. Across the 61 pilates studios we list that publish a drop-in price, the median single class costs $39. Mat pilates usually costs less than reformer, because reformer classes need a machine for each student. Yoga prices vary by studio; compare drop-in prices at the studios near you.
Which to start with
There’s no wrong first choice. If you like the idea of a set workout with clear instructions and you want to try equipment, book a pilates class. If you’d rather hold poses, stretch and include a quieter, meditative side, book a yoga class.
For pilates, start with a class labeled intro, fundamentals or level 1. The pilates for beginners guide covers what to book and bring, and types of pilates classes explains every format. For the method itself, read what pilates is.
Ready to try pilates? Search pilates near me for studios with hours, ratings and prices.
FAQ
What is the main difference between pilates and yoga?
The way class runs. Pilates moves you through short series of controlled exercises, usually with the trunk held steady while the arms or legs move, on a mat or machines. Yoga holds or flows between poses and may include meditation. Pilates is a 20th-century exercise method; yoga is an ancient practice from India.
Is pilates or yoga better for beginners?
Both teach beginners. Pilates studios run intro, fundamentals or level 1 classes; yoga studios run beginner or gentle classes. Choose the style you’d enjoy repeating each week. If you want clear, counted instructions and are curious about equipment, try pilates. If you want held poses and a meditative side, try yoga.
Can you do pilates and yoga in the same week?
Yes. Many people take both, and some studios teach both under one roof. They use similar mats and a similar slow, deliberate pace, so they fit into the same week easily. If you’re new to both, start with a beginner class in each and see which you look forward to.
Is pilates harder than yoga?
It depends on the class, not the method. A level 1 pilates mat class and a gentle yoga class are both built for newcomers. A fast reformer jumpboard class and a power vinyasa class are both demanding. Read the class description and level before you book either one.
Do I need equipment for pilates or yoga?
For a mat class in either, the studio usually provides a mat, though many people bring their own. Yoga studios often supply blocks and straps. Reformer pilates uses a machine the studio provides, and you’ll usually need grip socks. For home practice, a thick mat is enough to start either one.