Yoga and Pilates might have a lot in common, but they are ultimately two very different practices with different underlying goals. For example, Pilates classes tend to focus on improving core strength, while yoga classes take a more holistic approach and focus on strengthening the broad muscle groups.

Since the strength of both are essential, it is beneficial to combine yoga and Pilates. Below, the knowledgeable team at Pilates 580 in Oakland, CA, shares just a few advantages of practicing both:

1. Better Breathwork

Both yoga and Pilates focus on breathing and the connection it has to your physical body and your mental state. Although they do so in different ways, the breathing techniques of these two practices complement each other, making you feel more grounded, calm, and in control in all kinds of stressful scenarios.

2. Better Techniques & Stronger Poses

Although yoga focuses on broad muscle groups, the more complicated poses require serious core strength. Likewise, Pilates requires more than just a strong core if you want to excel at it. Thus, practicing yoga will improve your Pilates techniques, and vice versa. If you do both for long enough, you will feel stronger and more powerful every time you attempt an athletic endeavor.

3. Better Alignment & Overall Conditioning

One side of your body is naturally stronger than the other, and you likely favor that side subconsciously when performing yoga or Pilates. If you do the same moves repeatedly, the side that you favor is only going to get stronger, and the disparity between it and the weaker side will increase. By mixing up your yoga routine with Pilates or your Pilates routine with yoga, though, you will reinvigorate all your muscles and help strengthen the side of your body that is naturally weaker.

If you want to add Pilates to your workout routine, head to Pilates 580 in Oakland, CA. Check out their website to view their class schedule, and call (510) 338-3932 if you have any questions about signing up today.