Pilates vs Yoga After 50 - Which one?
Jodie teaching knee-to-chest yoga pose for lower back and hips. A great stretch for beginners
Pilates vs Yoga After 50 – Which Is Better?
Pilates or Yoga — which one should I do?
It’s a question I’m often asked, and because I’ve taught both for many years, my answer is probably not surprising:
They complement each other beautifully.
Both can be adapted for beginners and different abilities, but they have slightly different strengths.
Why choose Pilates?
Pilates generally places more emphasis on controlled movement, core strength, stability and posture.
Depending on the class, we might use body weight, resistance bands, Pilates balls or hand weights.
For adults over 50, I particularly like Pilates for developing the strength and body awareness that supports everyday movement.
You don’t need to be strong before starting Pilates.
Building strength is part of the journey.
Why choose Yoga?
Yoga brings something different.
Alongside strength and mobility, Yoga can incorporate breathing, flexibility, balance, relaxation and meditation.
Some Yoga practices are flowing and active, while others are much slower and more restorative.
That’s why someone who thinks “I’m not flexible enough for Yoga” doesn’t need to worry.
Yoga isn’t about touching your toes or achieving a perfect pose.
It’s about working with the body you have today.
If your main goal is building core and functional strength, you may naturally gravitate towards Pilates.
Adding resistance bands or hand weights can provide an additional strength challenge.
But Yoga isn’t necessarily easy. Holding and transitioning between certain poses also requires considerable strength and stability.
What about flexibility and mobility?
This is where Yoga often has the edge.
Regular Yoga practice can encourage mobility and comfortable movement while giving you time to slow down and connect with your breathing.
Pilates also develops mobility, but usually with a stronger emphasis on controlled movement and stability.
What about balance?
Both.
Balance isn’t exclusively a Yoga or Pilates skill.
I incorporate balance into different classes because it’s such an important part of moving confidently as we age.
What I recommend after 50
If you enjoy both, I wouldn’t choose between them.
Pilates can help you feel stronger and more stable.
Yoga can help you maintain mobility, flexibility and a sense of calm.
Add some cardiovascular exercise and regular everyday movement, and you’ve created a wonderfully varied approach to healthy ageing.
The key is finding a combination that suits your body, your lifestyle and what you enjoy.
Some weeks you may want more strength. Other weeks you might feel as though your body is asking for something gentler.
Learning to recognize that is part of looking after yourself as you age.
New to Pilates or Yoga?
You don’t need previous experience to begin.
Kevala Health offers beginner-friendly Pilates and Yoga classes live online across Australia and in person on Russell Island, with options and modifications to help you work at your own pace.
Continue Your Healthy Ageing Journey:
Beginner Pilates • Yoga for Beginners • Timetable & Prices • 7-Day Free Trial
