When looking to take part in a new activity or exploring your options for enhancing your overall health and wellbeing, it can be difficult to know where to start because there are just so many great opportunities out there!
If you are after a low impact form of exercise, you may be considering Pilates and yoga, and for a more high-energy activity, you may have thought of aerobics. So, what are the differences between the three and how do you choose which is the best for you?
Understanding what a particular form of exercise offers is impactful on determining which activity will help you to meet your goals, suit your interests, and complement or diversify your lifestyle. Learn more about Pilates, yoga, and aerobics and discover how they differ by reading on!
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a form of movement that focuses on strength, flexibility and mobility, posture, bone and joint health, and muscular balance. It was developed in the early 1900s and has developed into a popular and highly praised activity. Most people of varying ages, abilities, and lifestyles can take part in Pilates and discover its many potential benefits.
Pilates requires you to slow down and focus as you shift your body into specific movements and control your breath and your mind. It can be great for people ranging from elite athletes to pregnant women to rehabilitation clients to those with chronic illness, reduced mobility, or low fitness levels. It can be tailored to suit your individual needs and goals. At Excel Body + Health, we provide individual and group clinical Pilates sessions. These are run by a qualified physiotherapist who is experienced in delivering Pilates instruction in a person-specific manner that targets certain injuries, health concerns, or conditions. This supervision and professional guidance mean that we can help you towards your target outcomes in an evidence-based and safe way.
What is Yoga?
Yoga is an ancient form of movement that combines poses with breathing techniques to encourage mindfulness, increased stability and flexibility, better posture, and reduced pain. Similar to Pilates, yoga can help a range of people with different target outcomes, from improving mental health to enhancing sleep and reducing stress to decreasing arthritis pain. Yoga may not be suitable for people with certain conditions such as high blood pressure, glaucoma, and osteoporosis. There are different types of yoga, such as restorative yoga and hot yoga.
What is Aerobics?
Aerobic exercise involves movements that tend to use the large muscle groups of the body. It is often based on repetition and rhythm and works towards increasing your heart rate and oxygen intake. The intensity can be adjusted to suit you. It aims to provide a variety of benefits, such as weight management, improved muscle and bone strength, flexibility and endurance, enhanced cardiovascular health and fitness, and management or prevention of certain chronic health conditions. Aerobics is not suitable for everyone and it is often useful to consult with your doctor before you commence.
Aerobics is quite different from Pilates and yoga in its style and benefits. One thing to consider is that Pilates can be a form of both aerobic and non-aerobic exercise, depending on the chosen movements and target outcomes. It is not typically about becoming sweaty and breathless but more about intense concentration, controlled movements, breathing, and low repetitions, but do not let that fool you! Pilates can be hard work if that is what your goal is!
Will Pilates Suit Me?
Choosing between Pilates, yoga, and aerobics comes down to your goals and target outcomes, which type of movement appeals to you most, and your physical abilities. Pilates can be a great choice if your focus is on strength, mobility, functionality, and bone health, particularly if you have underlying issues that require specific consideration. Yoga may be more appropriate if your focus is on mindfulness, mental health, and overall wellbeing. Aerobic-based exercise is typically more high energy and fast paced, so it may suit you if you are after something upbeat and sweat-inducing.
Deciding which is best for you is a personal choice but one we can help you with. We can assess your body, discuss with you your goals, and develop a personalised Pilates program for you if you feel Pilates could be a good match.
Undertake the Right Exercise for You
Maintaining a regular exercise and movement routine is important to your overall health and wellbeing. Subsequently, choosing activities that suit your preferences, body, and goals is important as you are more likely to continue.
Pilates is a fantastic form of exercise, offering many health benefits, lots of fun, and social opportunities. If you are interested in exploring Pilates in a supported manner, please contact our friendly team to organise your first session.
