If you’ve ever found yourself in a workout rut, you’re definitely not alone. For years, yoga was the only thing I stuck with. But eventually, I got curious and wanted to try something new, so I decided to see what the deal was with Pilates.

I booked a class a few months ago expecting something similar to a slow vinyasa flow. It wasn’t. The tiny, repetitive pulses burned in a completely different way, but I walked out feeling awake instead of physically wrecked. I still do yoga, but throwing Pilates into the rotation has been a nice change when my routine starts to feel stale.

A Quick Look at Yoga’s Roots

Yoga has been around for thousands of years and originated in India long before it became the popular workout it is today. It brings together movement, breathing and mindfulness, with different styles offering different approaches. There are so many types of yoga now, from slow and restorative practices to faster-paced flows. For me, part of what I’ve always liked about yoga is that it isn’t just about the physical side. There’s something about moving, breathing and slowing down that makes it feel different from a typical workout.

So What Is Pilates?

Pilates is a much newer practice, created by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s. While yoga tends to focus more on flexibility, breath and flow, Pilates puts more emphasis on core strength, posture and controlled movement. A lot of the exercises look small and simple, but you quickly realize just how much work your muscles are doing.

Some classes use a machine called a Reformer, but personally, I love the higher-energy cardio-style sessions. They keep my heart rate up, and I always leave feeling like I actually worked out. I still love yoga for the flexibility and mental calm, but Pilates has added something different to my routine. I’ve noticed a real difference in my strength and posture, and honestly, I wasn’t expecting to like it as much as I do.

Yoga vs Pilates

If you’re trying to figure out which one is right for you, here’s how I see the biggest differences.

Breathing is a big part of yoga. There are specific breathing techniques, called pranayama, and your breath is often used throughout the practice to help you slow down, focus and move more deeply into a pose. Pilates uses breathing too, but in a different way. The focus is more on coordinating your breath with the movement and helping you engage your core as you exercise.

What You’re Working On Yoga can be a lot more than a physical workout. Depending on the style, it can include meditation, breathing exercises and other practices that bring in the mental and more reflective side of things. Pilates is much more focused on the physical side. You’re working on core strength, posture, control and overall strength, and you tend to notice pretty quickly which muscles need more work.

Movement Yoga has a huge range of movements, from gentle stretches and slower poses to balances, twists and more challenging positions. Some classes are slow and relaxing, while others can be surprisingly demanding. Pilates tends to be more structured, with controlled, repetitive movements and a lot of focus on form. The movements can look small, but that doesn’t mean they’re easy. Sometimes those tiny pulses are the ones that have you questioning your life choices halfway through class.

The Mind-Body Side This is probably the biggest difference I notice. Yoga has a more obvious mind-body connection for me. Depending on the class, there’s often time to slow down, focus on your breathing and get out of your head for a while. Pilates is more about being present in your body through the movement itself. You’re paying attention to your form, your core and what your muscles are doing. I find it gives me a different kind of focus.

For me, I don’t really see it as choosing one over the other. I like having both. Yoga gives me the slower, more mindful practice I need, while Pilates gives me the strength and challenge I was missing.

Which One Is Right for You

It really comes down to what you’re looking for right now.

If you want stress relief, flexibility and a little more time to slow down and reconnect with yourself, yoga is a great place to start. If you want to work on core strength, posture and add a little more intensity to your routine, give Pilates a try.

Honestly, you don’t have to choose just one. Doing both has been the best fit for me. I get the strength and challenge from Pilates, and the stretching and slower pace from yoga. They give me something different, and that’s what keeps my workouts from feeling like the same thing over and over again.