Let's face it: Just like choosing between vanilla or chocolate ice cream, everyone has their preferred workout routine. This sparked our curiosity about what's more effective for trimming belly fat: yoga or Pilates? We happen to enjoy both—just like we love both flavors of ice cream!—but when it comes to sculpting your midsection, one exercise stands out.
While all forms of exercise are beneficial, we spoke with Daisean Brewster, CPT, from Blink Fitness, to uncover which exercise takes the lead in helping you shed those extra pounds and trim belly fat. Keep reading to find out more.
Yoga or Pilates: Which is more effective for belly fat loss?
Whether you align with team yoga or team Pilates, both workouts offer distinct advantages. These popular physical activities contribute significantly to overall health and well-being. Brewster elaborates, "While both practices aim to enhance strength, flexibility, and balance, there are notable differences in their effectiveness for burning body fat or targeting belly fat."
One primary contrast between Pilates and yoga lies in their intensity levels. "Yoga typically involves prolonged poses, emphasizing deep breathing and mindfulness," Brewster notes. "While yoga enhances muscle tone and flexibility, it may not be as potent for fat burning as more vigorous workouts like high-intensity interval training (HIIT)."
In the realm of Pilates, this exercise regimen often incorporates equipment such as reformer machines or resistance bands, intensifying each movement and boosting calorie expenditure. "Pilates centers on strengthening the core muscles, ultimately enhancing posture and gradually reducing belly fat," Brewster emphasizes.
Undoubtedly, if forced to choose between the two, Pilates emerges as the superior option for shedding and torching body and belly fat. Nonetheless, Brewster suggests that integrating both workouts into your fitness routine can prove highly advantageous in reaching your weight-loss objectives.
"Yoga can enhance flexibility and alleviate stress, whereas Pilates targets particular muscle groups and boosts overall strength," Brewster explains. "Ultimately, while both yoga and Pilates provide distinct advantages, if you aim to specifically address belly fat or burn body fat, Pilates might be more effective because of its emphasis on muscle toning and strengthening."