What's the difference between Pilates and Yoga?

The question we get asked more than any other, so here's the honest, jargon-free version.

Yoga is an ancient practice built around holding postures, breathwork and, for many people, a spiritual or meditative element. Classes tend to move through a sequence of held poses, and depending on the style it can be deeply relaxing or seriously athletic.

Pilates is much younger, about a hundred years old, and it's more clinical in its DNA. It was built around rehabilitation, core strength, posture and precise, controlled movement. Instead of holding poses, you move through exercises with control, focusing on how your body moves rather than how a shape looks. There's no spiritual side, just very deliberate, well-taught movement.

In practical terms: if you want to build core strength, improve posture, support a dodgy back, or rebuild your body after injury, surgery or having a baby, Pilates is usually the better tool. If you're drawn to the mindfulness, the stretch and the stillness, yoga might be your thing. Lots of people do both, and they complement each other beautifully.

Our bias is obvious, we are a Pilates studio after all. But we'd say this: if you're nervous about starting, Pilates is often the gentler way in. It's structured, layered and taught in small classes here, so you always know exactly what you're doing and why.