Yoga Retreat VS Pilates Retreat

Taking some time out to relax and unwind with some like-minded people at a wellness retreat is a great gift to yourself. With Autumn just around the corner, now is the perfect time to book an indulgent weekend break. The question is, what type of health and fitness retreat should you attend, and what is the difference between each retreat? This article will highlight the key similarities and differences between a Yoga Retreat and a Pilates Retreat to help you discover which break is best for you. 

Both forms of exercise are similar in that they involve low impact movements, the key difference is that the focus and the results of yoga and Pilates can be different. So, with that being said let’s leap right into it.

Everything you need to know about our Pilates retreat

Pilates originated around the time of World War 1 from the works of Joseph Pilates. The principles of Pilates are concentration, centring, control, breathing and flow. Pilates was used as a way to rehabilitate bedridden soldiers and worked by stretching, stabilising and strengthening muscles and working from a strong engagement of core muscles. It works the same way today. There are many benefits of participating in Pilates such as:

  • Improved balance
  • Increased flexibility
  • Better strength
  • Improved posture and alignment
  • Better mental health
  • Stress relief

During a Pilates retreat you can expect to be provided with a number of Pilates sessions, some with equipment and some with simply a mat. Reformer Retreats specifically is a Pilates Retreat that is unique because it provides its guests with 2 reformer group sessions over the weekend with the option to have 1-1 reformer training with an expert classical instructor. The reformer is a piece of equipment unique to Pilates and invented by Joseph Pilates himself. The purpose of this equipment is to enhance full range motion and balancing out imbalances in your body. The great benefit of Reformer retreats is that it provides this exceptional equipment that is not often used by other Pilates holidays.

Everything you need to know about a Yoga Retreat

Yoga as a practice is based on ancient techniques dating back over 3,000 years ago in India, used as a method of creating a mind and body connection through meditation, breathing and movement. Yoga is considered to be not just a method of exercise but also a holistic approach to improving health and consciousness. There are a range of yoga styles around which involve different flows of movement. It is important to identify your fitness goal in order to choose the right yoga type to practise. Some of the benefits of Yoga include:

  • Improved flexibility
  • Better balance
  • Relaxation which promotes sleep quality
  • More energy and better moods

As you can see, the benefits of yoga and Pilates do overlap in places. You may now be wondering what to expect on a yoga retreat. As discussed, each yoga style is different but during a yoga retreat there will be a lot of sharing, connection and conversation between you and other participants. During a yoga retreat you can expect lots of yoga, relaxation activities and downtime. 

Differences between Yoga Retreat and Pilates Retreat

Although we have established that some of the key benefits of the two forms of exercise are similar, there are some significant differences too. Here is a list of things to consider when deciding whether a yoga retreat or Pilates weekend retreat is right for you.

1.Spiritual vs Practical

Yoga has a primary focus on spiritual intentions rooted in sacred traditions created to unite the body with the mind. This contrasts with Pilates which takes a more practical approach with the aim of improving strength, flexibility and posture through practical work outs. Pilates is still an excellent way to relax and connect your body and mind and requires no distractions for the best results. This is why a Pilates retreat can be beneficial because it provides you with dedicated time to focus on your body and how it moves. 

2. Different Equipment

Another key difference between yoga and Pilates is the equipment used. Yoga focuses on mat workouts primarily using minimal equipment to aid poses. The mat used for yoga tends to be thin for increased stability and balance. Pilates on the other hand tends to use a slightly thicker mat to improve comfort. Pilates uses a range of equipment as well as mats to enhance the results. Some of the equipment used includes the reformer, wall towers, wunda chairs, barrels and barres. 

3. Poses and movements

Another difference between yoga and Pilates is the poses and movements. This is what leads to different results of the two forms of exercise. Yoga poses generally are held for a longer period of time than Pilates poses. Pilates focuses on flow of movement from pose to pose. Also, Pilates uses breathing techniques as a way of effectively engaging your core muscles to encourage correct form. Yoga on the other hand uses breath as a big focus that relates to spiritual pursuits rather than a way of improvement movement.

Overview of Yoga Retreat VS Pilates Retreat

So, there you have the key similarities and differences between a Yoga retreat and a Pilates Retreat. This article has demonstrated that although on the surface, Yoga and Pilates can seem the same, they are quite different in their approaches and results. Ultimately, in order to choose the best retreat for your needs you need to understand exactly what you want from the exercise. 

Reformer Retreats includes a range of activities in addition to the Pilates sessions to give you the best results and relaxation possible. Expect pampering spa treatments, wellness talks, meditation, paddle boarding and amazing food with a plant based option.

Find out more about our latest Pilates retreat to discover the full itinerary, or give us a call on 07958 983535 to find out more