Yoga vs. Pilates

I think both have their merits for different reasons. Most pilates classes emphasize core strength, which is imperative for top performance in all sports. Yoga improves balance, flexibility and mental focus. I teach group exercise classes at a spa and active adult resort community including Yogilates, where I meld core and posture work with flexibility and balance training. Susan, are you speaking of the pilates machines or the mat classes? From my experience, the latter are not terribly effective as a means of strengthening the core for competitive athletes (absent a situation like Ourswimmer). I've not used the pilates machines, but my instinct would be that weights & drylands are more effective means of increasing core strength (though I admit there's a higher risk of injury). For these reasons, I prefer yoga and like the combo of swim + drylands + yoga. YMMV

I think both have their merits for different reasons. Most pilates classes emphasize core strength, which is imperative for top performance in all sports. Yoga improves balance, flexibility and mental focus. I teach group exercise classes at a spa and active adult resort community including Yogilates, where I meld core and posture work with flexibility and balance training. Susan, are you speaking of the pilates machines or the mat classes? From my experience, the latter are not terribly effective as a means of strengthening the core for competitive athletes (absent a situation like Ourswimmer). I've not used the pilates machines, but my instinct would be that weights & drylands are more effective means of increasing core strength (though I admit there's a higher risk of injury). For these reasons, I prefer yoga and like the combo of swim + drylands + yoga. YMMV