We offer both Pilates and Yoga at Dóttir: How are they different?

At Dóttir, our main offering is yoga, however, we also schedule a few pilates classes every week for our students who love pilates. Both are great forms of exercise with a shared focus on your breath, strengthening the body and increasing your flexibility. Still, there are some key differences between the two that we would like to highlight so that you know exactly what you need to know before attending either one of our classes.

What are some of the differences between Pilates and Yoga?

1. What is the main focus?
   The main focus of a pilates class is to strengthen your core muscles, such as the abdominals, back and hips. The exercises are there to improve your stability, balance and coordination with a focus on controlled and precise movements, and a strong connection between mind and body.
   For yoga, on the other hand, there is a bigger focus on improving flexibility, balance and calming the mind. The combination of physical movement (asana) and breathing techniques (pranayama), is consciously performed to strengthen the entire body while reducing stress and improving overall well-being.
   
   

2. Do I need equipment?
   Normally, pilates is practised on a mat, however, it can also often include special equipment such as a reformer, Wunda chair, weights or stretch bands. These machines and equipment provide resistance and support, increasing the intensity of the workout.
   When doing yoga, there is generally little to no equipment needed, and you can practice anywhere. Some might use blocks, straps or blankets to support their poses, however, it is normally completely optional.
   
   

3. Are there different styles?
   For pilates, there are some different styles including classic mat pilates, reformer, HIIT, barre and more. Each style shares a focus on strengthening your core muscles while having different sets of exercises and principles.
   There are many different styles of yoga, for example, we offer Hatha, Vinyasa and Yin classes at our studio. That said, there are many different styles as well including Ashtanga, Iyengar and Kundalini. The styles will vary widely from gentle and meditative, to more vigorous and intense. Here you can read more about the benefits of the classes we offer at Dóttir.
   
   

4. What are the benefits?
   There are many benefits to both pilates and yoga. Pilates can help improve your strength, posture, flexibility and balance, while at the same time relieving stress. Often, pilates can also be helpful if you suffer from back pain as it focuses on strengthening your core muscles.
   Similarly, yoga has a lot of health benefits for both the mental and physical body as well. Yoga can improve your flexibility, strength and balance, as well as being helpful if you suffer from stress or anxiety. More so, yoga has been shown to lower blood pressure, improve heart health and boost the immune system. If you are interested in the benefits of hot yoga you can read more about it here.
   
   

5. Which one is right for you?
   Choosing between pilates and yoga ultimately comes down to your personal preference and what you would like to gain from your practice. If you would like to improve your flexibility, reduce stress and increase your overall well-being, yoga might be a great choice. If you would like to build your core strength and stability, pilates could be well-suited. However, combining the two forms of exercise can also be great, so there is no stopping you from trying both.

Have you had a look at what classes we offer at Dóttir? If not, have a look here and find the perfect class for you.