Pilates is definitely having a moment right now, reformer studios are always packed full and hot pilates is on the rise. More people than ever are discovering the benefits of this low-impact workout and honestly, we get it.
Pilates is great for the strength and stability it builds, but hot yoga offers these benefits too, along with plenty more. When it comes to supporting your physical health, mental wellbeing and overall quality of life, there’s a reason yoga has stood the test of time.
Yoga is so much more than a workout
One of the things that sets yoga apart from Pilates is its emphasis on mindfulness. While Pilates focuses primarily on physical movement, yoga encourages you to slow down, stay present and develop a deeper awareness of your body and mind. Throughout a hot yoga class, you’re continuously invited to step away from distractions and focus fully on the moment.
This mindful element isn’t just a nice bonus. Practising yoga regularly has been linked to reduced stress levels, improved emotional resilience and better wellbeing overall. In a world where many of us are constantly rushing from one thing to the next, the invitation to presence that yoga offers is incredibly valuable.
Improve your flexibility through yoga
Pilates can certainly improve mobility, but flexibility is one area where yoga really shines. Lots of poses in yoga focus on lengthening muscles, improving range of motion and releasing tension that builds up from sitting at desks, commuting and repetitive exercise. The hot element of hot yoga allows us to find even deeper stretches. When practised regularly, yoga can help create more freedom in the body, making everyday movement feel easier and more comfortable.
Flexibility doesn’t just benefit your yoga practice. Better flexibility can support your performance in other activities, including reformer pilates, running, strength training and team sports.
The power of the breath, on and off the mat
Controlled breathing plays a role in Pilates, but breathwork within yoga is a practice in its own right. Different techniques are woven throughout the class, helping you learn how to control and regulate your breath in the heat during both movement and stillness.
The benefits extend far beyond the studio. Learning to breathe more intentionally can support recovery, improve sleep quality, boost athletic performance and help regulate your nervous system, so you can stay calm during life’s more stressful moments. It’s a simple skill that can have a lasting impact on your everyday life.
Yoga offers a greater variety of movement
While Pilates often focuses on controlled, repetitive movements to build strength and stability, yoga encourages your body to move in a wider variety of ways. From flowing transitions to balance postures and deep stretches, yoga challenges coordination, body awareness and mobility all at once. This variety can help your movement feel more natural and adaptable, both on and off the mat.
Sometimes it’s best to slow things down
The goal-oriented and performance-focused nature of Pilates can leave you feeling strong, accomplished and energised. But one of yoga’s unique strengths is that it doesn’t always ask you to push harder. Instead, it encourages you to tune into how you’re feeling and choose the type of movement that best supports your body on that particular day.
Of course, we have our Hotpod Dynamic and Hotpod Signature classes that will have you feeling challenged and invigorated, but our Hotpod Recovery or Slow & Steady provide a gentler, slower-paced practice that helps you move mindfully while prioritising flexibility and mobility. For deep stretches and top-tier relaxation, we have our Rest & Restore classes. Sometimes the most beneficial skill you can learn is knowing when to push yourself and knowing when to slow down. At Hotpod, we give you the choice to do exactly that.
Why you don’t have to choose between hot yoga and Pilates
The truth is, you don’t have to choose. Hot yoga and Pilates complement each other brilliantly, with both helping to build strength, stability and body awareness. You’re already a fan of hot Pilates, there’s a good chance you’ll love hot yoga too. You’ll get the same satisfying challenge of moving in the heat, alongside the added benefits of flexibility, mobility, breathwork and mindfulness, making it the perfect way to balance your routine.
Curious about the different class styles available at Hotpod yoga? Read our blog post about our different studio offerings here.