Yoga or pilates?

[Beek Graduate]

Whichever floats your boat I'd say!

[Eebahgum Graduate]

I love yoga. I do at least 3 sessions a week. I've never ventured into the world of Pilates.

[Oldgirl Graduate]

I love pilates and swear by it but its not for everyone, the same could be said for yoga. Try them both and make your own mind up would be my suggestion.

[hpelly]

Yoga for flexibility

Pilates for core strength.

I have done both, but love Pilates at the moment. It has really helped my core strength and improved my back flexibility and got rid of back pain, as well as improving pelvic floor.

So much depends on the instruction/lead you have when going to a class. My Pilates lady is a physio and she is great!

[katiebell888 Graduate]

I wouldn't have been able to start running without Pilates. After having twins my core strength was very poor and I suffered from poor posture, and with it knee pain and back pain. My instructor is a Chiropractor. Yoga is great, but Id say that Pilates was more helpful for running.

[Debx]

I had my running gait analysed (such as it was) and the chap advised me to try Pilates as it stretches out certain muscles which running doesn't generally use and makes for a more even running style. Well, that was his theory. Can't say if it's working, but several weeks in now, and quite happy with a combo of running and Pilates - they do seem to compliment each other.

[gingernut49 Graduate]

I'm starting Pilates on Wednesday as I couldn't decide between Yoga or Pilates and the Yoga class was full! I have done Yoga in the past but that was before I was running. If it improves my flexibility that would be fantastic, and core strength of course.

[Hidden]

I do yogalates

[AnnieF Graduate]

Tai chi for body awareness, flexibility, balance, coordination and core strength but find a teacher who knows it's a martial art and not some kind of dance.

[Hidden]

Thank you all for taking the trouble to reply. Some interesting theories there. My local pilates group are celebrating their first year anniversary by hosting an open day during which free 20 minute taster sessions are on offer. Think I'll give it a go.

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I do yoga guided online by Ekhart Yoga, at home by myself in the bathroom.

[Hidden in reply to GoogleMe]

What is Ekhart Yoga? Is it easy?

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to Hidden]

It's not a particular type of Yoga, more of a brand (they offer a number of styles). You can find some free videos on their own website, subscribe for a fee or see those they put up on YouTube. I am very much a beginner but find plenty of accessible choices.

[totalbeginner Graduate]

The taster sessions sound great, I'd be interested how it goes. I would like to start Pilates too as I've also heard it can complement running. After 3 babies I think my core muscles need some work!

[flossieflyblow Graduate]

I've done Pilates for quite a few years now because of having a dodgy back. 3 things about Pilates: 1.It takes a while to 'get' it and understand the body positioning, breathing and correct movements. 2.Make sure your Pilates teacher watches you and everyone else in the class and corrects you if necessary. 3.It is great for your abdomen and pelvic floor too!!

I quite like Yoga as well but don't know that much about it and haven't been to a proper class in years. However I discovered someone on Youtube called Tara Stiles. If you type in Yoga for runners she has great stretches which I've found good after a run and they help this old body from seizing up. I really enjoy the flow of movements.