Yoga and Pilates: Two Peas in a Pod

It’s only a thought.

You might have seen a group of people carrying yoga and Pilates' mats as they scamper to class. You may have never seen it. But, these two gigs are like siblings. Yoga is the sis and Pilates is the brother. But, they get along in the end. Better yet…they’re both brothers from the same mother: anything you can do I do better; I can do anything better than you type of brothers.

Let me fill you in. Yoga has its special kinds: ashtanga, vinyasa, hot (bikram), power, prenatal, and more. Pilates has its special kinds: Stott, Windsor, mat, reformer, and German (OK, it’s not called German. It started in Germany.) Both of them can correct posture, have strange poses, increase flexibility potential, and work wonders for your core. Pilates tends to strengthen a little more than its bro. Yoga seems to dive a little more into Zen formation – it’s supposed to be peaceful/restful, but you do run into the occasional “fired up” yoga instructor or participant.

Yoga, so I have heard/read can help you manage hunger. Take that weight loss! However, I am not buying into this characteristic because it seems like a simple mind-over-matter technique that can be accomplished doing other things as well.

Men, we are always searching for classes or types of exercises that are manly. If you look in on a yoga or Pilates class, they are female dominated (like most fitness classes). But, if you want to impress your lady or a lady, show her your tree pose or the 100 as shown here:

Lastly, can an athlete perform yoga and Pilates? Of course! A lot of athletes have very tight muscles and need the extra flexibility to move in a better range. Yoga should not be the main component of an athlete's strength and conditioning program, but it could help with posture, flexibility, and relaxation.

Pilates is also a plus for athletes. Certain Pilates moves will be used in a rehabilitation setting, and this correlates to functional movement. The Pilates will also strengthen the mid-section/core. A strong and powerful core equals a strong and powerful mover.

Just do NOT do this.