When it comes to fitness, there are almost endless options nowadays, and it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what’s best for your preferences, abilities, budget and goals. While walking, running, and strength training are still the chosen workout for many, Pilates, barre, and yoga have soared in popularity in recent years.
Not only are they all low impact, making them easier on your joints, but all three practices involve slow, controlled movements to help improve your strength, balance, flexibility and posture.
Each has similarities, but they also have key differences. We’ve rounded up exactly what you need to know before trying a class.
What is Pilates?
Developed by Joseph Pilates after World War I as a form of rehabilitation for German soldiers, Pilates focuses on building core strength, improving flexibility, and enhancing overall body awareness. One of the standout features is its emphasis on precise, controlled movements that engage the muscles deep within the core.
“Pilates is a low impact, high-intensity form of movement which brings the body back into alignment, strengthens our deep, stabilising muscles to move efficiently, free of pain,” explains Kirsten King, founder of Fluidform Pilates.
“The fundamental purpose is to improve our performance beyond the mat, impacting all areas of our lives. With all lifestyle factors come imbalances and weaknesses in our posture, balance and strength. Pilates works to correct these imbalances.”
In a typical session, you’ll move through exercises designed to challenge your balance, stability, and posture. The goal is not only to strengthen the body but also to create a long, lean physique through the use of resistance. Many classes incorporate specialised equipment, such as the reformer, which resembles a stretcher bed consisting of a platform, pulleys, and springs and the Cadillac, which is more akin to a four-poster bed frame. Pilates can also be practised with a yoga mat and optional props.
“Pilates adds weights, bands and reformer springs, which add resistance to fatigue and strengthen our muscles. They work to strengthen the muscles and joints without straining them. This allows us to activate and engage all our smaller muscles rather than our global muscles stepping in,” says Kirsten.
It’s particularly effective for those recovering from injury, as its low-impact nature makes it gentle on the joints. It’s also fantastic for anyone looking to improve their overall strength and stability.
The benefits of Pilates
- Improved core strength
- Enhanced posture and alignment
- Better flexibility
- Injury prevention
- Increased body awareness
What is barre?
Originating in the dance studio, barre workouts combine elements of traditional ballet, Pilates, and strength training all wrapped into one session. These classes are designed for all fitness levels and aim to sculpt and tone muscles using small, controlled movements.
A typical barre class will focus heavily on lower body exercises, particularly those targeting the thighs, glutes, and calves, using a ballet barre for support (hence the name). Upper body and core exercises are also incorporated, often using light hand weights or resistance bands. The workout involves tiny, precise movements performed at high repetitions to build endurance and tone muscles.
Don’t be scared off by the studio, there is no actual ballet dancing involved, and you don’t need to have any prior dance experience.
However, barre is a great workout if you’re looking to build strength, especially in your legs and core, while improving flexibility and posture. It also complements other fitness routines, such as cardio or yoga, thanks to its focus on strength and endurance.
The benefits of barre
- Improved muscle endurance
- Toned and sculpted physique
- Increased flexibility
- Better posture and balance
What is yoga?
With its origins in ancient India, yoga is much more than just a workout. It’s a holistic practice incorporating physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation to promote overall health and wellbeing. There are various styles of yoga, ranging from the gentle and restorative yin yoga to the more vigorous vinyasa or ashtanga yoga.
“While often practised as a form of exercise, Yoga is an ancient holistic discipline, of which movement is one pillar of,” explains Kirsten.
“It really focuses on flexibility with a combination of continuous flow and holds which challenges the body through its full range of movement.”
Unlike Pilates and barre, yoga places a strong emphasis on the connection between mind, body, and spirit. In addition to improving physical fitness, it also promotes mental clarity, relaxation, and emotional wellbeing.
A typical yoga class involves flowing through a series of poses that build flexibility, strength, and balance while incorporating mindful breathing and relaxation techniques.
“Yoga poses use our body weight combined with support props to help you move into position and maintain or challenge a hold,” explains Kirsten.
Whether you’re looking to build strength, improve flexibility, or find a sense of inner peace, yoga offers something for everyone. It’s especially beneficial if you’re looking to focus on your mental health alongside physical fitness.
The benefits of yoga
- Improved flexibility and strength
- Stress relief and relaxation
- Enhanced mental clarity
- Better balance and coordination
- Increased body awareness and mindfulness
How to choose between Pilates, barre and yoga
Choosing between Pilates, barre, and yoga ultimately comes down to your personal goals and what you want to get out of your workout routine.
Pilates may be your best bet if you want to focus on building core strength and stability. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to improve posture, prevent injury, or recover from a physical ailment, all while developing long, lean muscles.
If toning and sculpting your muscles is your primary goal, barre could be the way to go. With its focus on small, precise movements, barre is perfect for anyone seeking to improve muscle endurance and achieve a lean, defined physique.
Yoga is the clear choice if you’re seeking a more holistic approach to fitness, with equal weight placed on physical health and mental clarity. It offers a full-body workout that also nurtures your mind, making it ideal for reducing stress and improving overall quality of life.
