Pilates vs Workout: Which is Better for Your Fitness? A Complete Guide to the Differences

Many people often confuse Pilates and workouts, even though both have quite different approaches even though they both aim to improve physical fitness . Are you choosing which one is more suitable for you? In this article, we will discuss the differences between Pilates and workouts in detail, starting from the goals, movements, to the equipment used.

What is Pilates and Workout?

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

Understanding Pilates

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

Definition of Workout

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

Detailed Differences Between Pilates and Workout

1. The main purpose

• Pilates
  Pilates focuses more on strengthening the core muscles, such as the abdominal muscles, lower back, and pelvis. This exercise also aims to improve flexibility, balance, and body awareness. Pilates is often used for rehabilitation, improving posture, 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 usually slow, controlled, and focused on precision. Examples of Pilates movements are The Hundred, Roll-Up, or Plank with variations. Each movement involves coordinated core muscles and 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 usually 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 one session.

• Conclusion

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

Also read: These are Treadmill Exercise Tips to Lower Blood Pressure

3. Intensity and Calories Burned

• Pilates
  Pilates tends to be low to moderate intensity. While still challenging, it focuses more on the quality of movement rather than speed or high intensity. A typical Pilates session (about 45-60 minutes) will burn about 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 less (200-400 calories) but help boost metabolism in the long run. Intense cardio like sprinting can also burn more calories than Pilates.

• Conclusion

Workouts are generally more intense and burn more calories, while Pilates is better suited to 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 are often used. SVRG Resistance Bands are also great for adding resistance to Pilates movements.

• Workout
  Workouts often require more varied equipment, such as dumbbells, barbells, or gym machines. For example, for weightlifting , you can use the SVRG Hexa Dumbbells or SVRG Olympic Barbell . For cardio, a treadmill or jump rope can be an option. However, many workouts 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 main benefits of Pilates are improved core strength, flexibility, and posture. It also helps reduce stress through a focus on breathing and body awareness. Pilates is great for beginners, people recovering from an injury, or those who want a low-intensity workout.

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

• Conclusion

Pilates focuses more on core strength and flexibility, while workouts provide a wider range 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 who want to improve their posture, or those who need a low-impact workout. It is also ideal for people who are rehabilitating or want to work on 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 who want to build muscle, while HIIT or cardio is ideal for those who want 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 more complete benefits. For example:

• Use Pilates to strengthen core muscles and flexibility as a warm-up before intense workouts such as weight lifting.

• 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 because it is lower intensity, but still challenging for core muscles and coordination. Workouts like HIIT or weight lifting are usually more intense, but it depends on the type. Beginners can start with the SVRG Pilates Mat to try Pilates comfortably.

2. Which burns fat faster, Pilates or workout?

Workouts, especially HIIT or cardio, burn calories faster. However, Pilates helps build core muscles that boost metabolism in the long run. 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, tools like the SVRG Hex Dumbbells or 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, light workouts like back exercises with SVRG Resistance Bands can also help, as long as 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 light workouts like weight lifting with SVRG Hex Dumbbells. Just make sure you don’t overdo it and give yourself time to recover.

Also read: How Long Does Weightlifting Workout Take to Lose Weight?

Conclusion

The difference between Pilates and workouts lies in the purpose, type of movement, intensity, and equipment used. Pilates focuses more on core muscles, flexibility, and controlled movements, suitable for beginners or those who want a light workout. Meanwhile, workouts are more varied, intense, and can be adjusted for various purposes such as building muscle or burning fat. You can choose one or combine 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 equipment that suits your training needs. Choose the activity that best suits your goals and lifestyle, and enjoy your fitness journey!