One of the most common questions I get asked as an Osteopath when it comes to the discussion of exercise rehabilitation for certain conditions is whether I think it is a good idea for a patient to take Pilates OR Yoga?
My response often closely resembles the cheeky young girl on the Old El Paso television ads “why can’t we have both?”
Both Pilates and Yoga have a range of great benefits for our bodies and work very well in conjunction with one and another. Below I will address some of the key benefits, similarities and differences between the two.
Yoga:
- Many different types from Hatha, Bikram, Vinyasa and Power
- Improves flexibility
- Improves and corrects posture
- Increases blood flow and lymphatic drainage
- Available for beginners through to advanced clients
- Builds muscle strength, especially around our hip and shoulder girdles
- Can be done anywhere: home, studio, outdoors and the only equipment required is a mat
- Mindfulness and meditation aspects
- Stress reduction
- Safe to do whilst pregnant
Pilates:
- Two different types: mat and reformer
- Improves strength of core and small postural muscles
- Improves flexibility
- Increased muscle tone
- Safe rehabilitation of spine and joint injuries
- Rehabilitation or prevention of injuries caused by muscular imbalances
- Improved body awareness and concentration
- Improves flexibility
- Stress reduction
- Beginner to advanced classes and exercises
If you think you could benefit for both Pilates and/or Yoga, please speak to your Osteopath for more information.