Yoga and Pilates are the exercises and lifestyles that lots of people have been swearing by in 2024, but what’s the difference? Are you all about the zen of yoga and its slow movements or the burn of Pilates to get those ‘Pilates arms’ every TikToker or Insta influencer is raving about?

Well, whilst both these popular exercises have their similarities, they also have their own benefits to offer. 

At Village Health & Wellness Clubs, we offer both classes meaning you don’t have to choose! Whether you’re meeting friends for Pilates and brunch or looking for calming yoga to ease the ‘Sunday Scaries’, you’ll find it all with us!

Origins and Philosophy

So where did it all begin? Yoga has been around for thousands of years, starting its way in ancient India as a way to balance the mind, body, and spirit. These days it’s known for helping everything from flexibility to stress relief. We have a number of classes  to choose from that will match your vibe at Village Health & Wellness Club, great for finding your flow or for meeting new friends. 

Pilates on the other hand is a more modern creation by Joseph Pilates from the early 1900s. All about building your core strength and improving alignment but with really controlled movements. You may have even seen the hype on social media with ‘Pilates princess aesthetic’ taking over, however it really is great to snatch your body and feel your most toned. 

We offer mat-based Pilates classes so anyone from beginners to experienced members can join in the fun!

Key Differences in Yoga and Pilates Practice

While both yoga and Pilates are available at Village Health & Wellness Clubs, they each bring something unique to the mat.

Yoga:

• Yoga is your go-to for flowing poses, deep breathing, and stretching your way to flexibility. Think downward dog, child’s pose, and a little warrior for good measure.

• Perfect for clearing your head for mindfulness and finding your inner calm through techniques like pranayama (fancy word for breathing exercises) and meditation.

• Yoga builds balance and body awareness while keeping things gentle enough for all fitness levels.

• Ideal for when you need to unwind, feel grounded, or just reset after a long day!

Pilates:

• Pilates is about precision and control, focusing on your core (a.k.a. your “powerhouse”) to help you tone up and strengthen your whole body.

• Those small, slow movements? They might look easy, but Pilates is sneaky for making your full body feel the burn the next day. Sign of a good workout isn’t it?! 

• It’s perfect if you want to feel stronger but look after your joints at the same time, as Pilates is low-impact and joint-friendly. 

• It’s also a great workout if you want to sculpt those Pilate arms, improve your posture, or just feel like a total boss in your workout. If it’s good enough for Miley Cyrus it’s good enough for us!

All our 33 Village Health & Wellness Clubs across the UK have a Pilates studio and a range of yoga classes, from calming hatha yoga to energetic vinyasa, you'll get a real feel for both.

Benefits of Yoga and Pilates

Yoga Benefits:

• Yoga is like giving your body the biggest sigh of relief. Stretch, flex, and feel your joints loosen while your posture gets a glow-up.

• Need a reset? Gentle poses and mindful breathing work wonders to clear your head and recharge your body, like hitting pause on the chaos of daily life.

• Want to feel like you’ve grown a bit taller? Yoga helps you stand strong and confident, with poses that lengthen muscles and fix that hunched-over look we all try to avoid. 

Pilates Benefits:

• Pilates is all about that core! You’ll feel fab and seriously toned. Think lean muscles, no bulk, just pure sculpted vibes.

• It’s like a secret weapon for balance, keeping your body strong, supported, and ready for anything.

• Stiffness? Gone. Flexibility? Hello! Say goodbye to tension and stress and hello to smooth, confident moves.

• Plus, it’s a total mind-body connection. Controlled breathing keeps you calm, focused, and owning every move.

Yoga and Pilates aren’t about just looking good but feeling your best too. Better sleep, mindfulness and reduced stress come in tow as well as boosting your confidence. Like we said before, it's a lifestyle!

Why not join one of our group classes to meet new friends and feel even more part of the Village Health & Wellness Club community!

What to Wear to Yoga and Pilates

You’ve probably seen the matching fits, ‘Pilates Princes’ and “Clean Girl” looks all over Instagram and TikTok, And whilst it’s definitely a vibe, as long as you feel comfy, wear something you can stretch, bend, and move in comfortably, you’re sorted, as yoga and Pilates are all about smooth, flowy movements. However, if you do need some recs on what to wear then we’ve popped some below. 

• Tops That Move With You - A fitted top works best for yoga and Pilates that are lightweight and breathable. Loose tops might slide around in poses like downward dog, so save those for that post-class brunch with friends.

• Leggings or Shorts - Go for stretchy, high-waisted leggings or comfy shorts that stay put in every pose. Bonus points for sets that double as Insta-worthy for your Village Health & Wellness Clubs mirror selfies.

• Grippy Socks or Barefoot - Pilates socks with grips keep you steady and stylish. For yoga, barefoot is the way to go. No slipping, just flowing.

• Cosy Layers for Cool-Downs - A soft hoodie or wrap is perfect for those final minutes of relaxation, as who doesn’t love being comfy during savasana?

Yoga and Pilates for All Goals and Fitness Levels

Whether you’re a total newbie or a master, yoga and Pilates fit perfectly into any routine. At Village Health & Wellness Clubs, we’ve got classes for every level:

• For better flexibility and balance - Yoga classes are your bestie. Stretch it out, calm your mind, and leave feeling totally zen like you’re floating amongst the clouds.

• For strength and toning - Pilate classes have you covered. Build a strong core, improve your posture, and sculpt muscles that look amazing muscles. 

• For weight management - Both can help! Power yoga gets your heart rate up for a sneaky cardio boost, while Pilates is a full body burner that builds lean muscle that supports your metabolism and keeps you moving.

Why Choose Village Health & Wellness Clubs for Yoga and Pilates?

At Village Health & Wellness Clubs, you don’t have to choose between yoga and Pilates - you get both with one membership, no extra fees or hassle. With loads of classes to pick from, you can mix and match as much as you like and build a routine that works for your body and mind.

Why not make it a social thing? Grab a friend and get them a day pass to try a class together. You’ll both have so much fun and keep motivated together! 

Take the Next Step with Village Health & Wellness Clubs

Check out our Classes Page for the full schedule or check out our membership options to find the perfect plan for you.

Village Health & Wellness Clubs offer expert trainers, great facilities and a supportive community. For extra tips, visit our blog, or think about personal training for personalised help. Find your nearest Village Health & Wellness Clubs location and take the first step toward mastering your flow and nailing those poses!

FAQs About Yoga & Pilates

Which yoga is best for exercise?

Each school of Yoga has its own benefits and drawbacks, however, for those looking for a more high-impact, intense style of Yoga you’ll want to go to an Ashtanga Yoga class. Contact our local Yoga teachers at Village Health & Wellness Clubs to find out more!

Does Yoga help you lose weight?

Yes. How many calories you burn and how much weight you lose will depend on the type of yoga you are doing, your fitness level, your overall diet and how much effort you put into each class. However, yoga does help you shed a few pounds with regular classes and a balanced diet!

Is yoga or pilates better?

That entirely depends on both your short and long term fitness goals. If you are wanting exercises that have more of a focus on controlled movements aimed at improving functional strength, then pilates may be the better option. If you want to work on flexibility, balance, and agility, then Yoga may be the better option.

Is pilates a good way to lose weight?

Much like yoga, pilates can help you lose weight. However, how many calories you burn and how much weight you can lose doing pilates is dependent on how hard you work, your fitness level, and your overall diet - not just exercise.