Learn More About the Differences Between Pilates and Workout

Many people often confuse Pilates with workouts, even though they have quite different approaches, despite both aiming to improve fitness . Are you trying to decide which is best for you? In this article, we'll discuss the differences between Pilates and workouts in detail, from their goals and movements to the equipment used.

What is Pilates and Workout?

Before we get into the differences, let's first understand what Pilates and workouts in general are:

Understanding Pilates

Pilates is an exercise method developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. Its primary focus is strengthening the core muscles, increasing flexibility, and improving posture through controlled movements and coordinated breathing. Pilates is often practiced on a mat or specialized equipment such as a reformer.

Understanding Workouts

Workout is a general term that encompasses various types of physical exercise, such as weightlifting, cardio, HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), or functional training. The goals can vary, from building muscle and burning calories to improving endurance, depending on the type of workout chosen.

Also Read: Can Reformer Pilates Be Done While Pregnant?

The Detailed Differences Between Pilates and Workout

1. The main purpose

• Pilates
  Pilates emphasizes strengthening core muscles, such as the abdominals, lower back, and pelvic floor. It also aims to improve flexibility, balance, and body awareness. Pilates is often used for rehabilitation, posture improvement, or as a complementary exercise to other sports.

• Workout
  Workouts have broader goals, depending on the type. For example, weightlifting aims to build muscle mass and strength, cardio to improve cardiovascular endurance, and HIIT to burn fat quickly. Workouts are more flexible and can be tailored to individual goals, such as weight loss or improving athletic performance.

• Conclusion
  Pilates focuses on core muscles, flexibility, and posture, while workouts are more varied with customizable goals.

2. Types of Movement

• Pilates
  Pilates movements are typically slow, controlled, and focused on precision. Examples of Pilates movements include The Hundred, Roll-Up, and Plank with variations. Each movement engages the core muscles and coordinated breathing to ensure the body works harmoniously. Pilates also often involves lying or sitting on a mat.

• Workout
  Workout movements vary greatly depending on the type. For example, weightlifting involves movements like squats, deadlifts, or bench presses, which are typically more explosive and intense. Cardio, like running or jumping rope, involves repetitive movements at high intensity. Workouts are often more dynamic and can involve the entire body in a single session.

• Conclusion
  Pilates emphasizes controlled and slow movements, while workouts are more dynamic and intense.

Also read: Treadmill Exercise Tips to Lower Blood Pressure

3. Intensity and Calories Burned

• Pilates
  Pilates tends to be low to moderate in intensity. While still challenging, it focuses more on the quality of movement than speed or high intensity. One Pilates session (approximately 45-60 minutes) typically burns around 200-300 calories, depending on the difficulty level and body weight.

• Workout
  Workout intensity varies widely. A 30-minute HIIT session can burn 300-500 calories, while weightlifting may burn fewer calories (200-400 calories) but helps boost metabolism in the long term. Intense cardio like sprinting can also burn more calories than Pilates.

• Conclusion
  Workouts are generally more intense and burn more calories, while Pilates is more suitable for moderate intensity exercise.

4. Equipment Used

• Pilates
  Pilates can be done with or without equipment. If using a mat, you only need a thick SVRG Pilates Mat (about 10 mm) to provide extra cushioning when lying down. For more intense workouts, equipment such as a reformer, Pilates ring, or resistance bands is often used. SVRG Resistance Bands are also suitable for adding resistance to Pilates movements.

• Workout
  Workouts often require a wider variety of equipment, such as dumbbells, barbells, or gym machines. For example, for weightlifting , you can use the SVRG Hexa Dumbbells or the SVRG Olympic Barbell . For cardio, a treadmill or jump rope are good options. However, many exercises can also be done without equipment, such as push-ups or burpees.

• Conclusion

Pilates is simpler in terms of equipment, while workouts require a wider variety of equipment depending on the type.

5. Benefits for the Body

• Pilates
  The primary benefits of Pilates are improved core strength, flexibility, and posture. It also helps reduce stress by focusing on breathing and body awareness. Pilates is excellent for beginners, those recovering from injuries, or those seeking a low-intensity workout.

• Workout
  Workouts offer a wide range of benefits, such as increased muscle mass, strength, cardiovascular endurance, and fat burning. Weightlifting helps build muscle and improve bone density, while cardio is good for heart health. Workouts are suitable for those seeking faster results in weight loss or improved performance.

• Conclusion
  Pilates focuses more on core strength and flexibility, while workouts provide a wider variety of benefits depending on the type.

Also read: These are the benefits of Cadillac Pilates for mental health if done regularly.

6. Who is Suitable to Do It?

• Pilates
  Pilates is suitable for beginners, people looking to improve posture, or those seeking low-impact exercise. It's also ideal for people undergoing rehabilitation or wanting to develop body awareness.

• Workout
  Workouts are suitable for a wide range of people, from beginners to athletes, depending on the type. Weightlifting is more suitable for those looking to build muscle, while HIIT or cardio is ideal for those looking to burn fat or increase stamina.

• Conclusion
  Pilates is more friendly for beginners or those looking for a light workout, while workouts are suitable for all levels with more specific goals.

Can Pilates and Workout Be Combined?

Of course you can! In fact, combining the two can provide even more comprehensive benefits. For example:

• Use Pilates to strengthen core muscles and flexibility as a warm-up before intense workouts like weightlifting.

• After a cardio workout session, do Pilates movements to stretch and relax your muscles.

• An example of a tool that supports both is the SVRG Resistance Bands, which can be used for Pilates exercises as well as light workouts such as lateral raises.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Pilates easier than workout?

Pilates can feel easier due to its lower intensity, but it still challenges core muscles and coordination. Workouts like HIIT or weightlifting are usually more intense, but it depends on the type. Beginners can start with the SVRG Pilates Mat to experience Pilates comfortably.

2. Which burns fat faster, Pilates or workout?

Workouts, especially HIIT or cardio, burn calories faster. However, Pilates helps build core muscles, which boosts metabolism in the long term. Combine the two for optimal results.

3. Do I need any special equipment for Pilates or workouts?

For Pilates, simply use the SVRG Pilates Mat or SVRG Resistance Bands for beginners. For workouts, equipment like the SVRG Hex Dumbbells or the SVRG Olympic Barbell are helpful, depending on the type of exercise.

4. What is better for back pain, Pilates or workout?

Pilates is better for back pain because it focuses on core muscles and posture. However, gentle exercises like back exercises with SVRG Resistance Bands can also be helpful, provided the technique is correct.

5. Can beginners do Pilates and workout at the same time?

Yes! Start with Pilates to build core strength, then add in lighter exercises like weightlifting with SVRG Hex Dumbbells. Just make sure you don't overdo it and allow yourself time to recover.

Also read: How Long Does Weight Lifting Last to Lose Weight?

Conclusion

The difference between Pilates and workouts lies in the goal, type of movement, intensity, and equipment used. Pilates focuses more on core muscles, flexibility, and controlled movements, making it suitable for beginners or those looking for a light workout. Meanwhile, workouts are more varied, intense, and can be tailored to various goals, such as building muscle or burning fat. You can choose one or a combination of both for more balanced results. To support your workout, try using the SVRG Pilates Mat for Pilates, or SVRG Hex Dumbbells and SVRG Resistance Bands for workouts.

Visit svrg.id to find the right equipment for your training needs. Choose the activity that best suits your goals and lifestyle, and enjoy your fitness journey!