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Honestly, just like how people have their favorite between vanilla and chocolate ice cream, everyone tends to lean towards a particular workout routine. This sparked our curiosity about which exercise is superior in eliminating belly fat: yoga or Pilates? We are fans of both – and yes, that includes each ice cream flavor! However, one workout stands out when it comes to sculpting your midsection.
While all forms of exercise have their benefits, we had a discussion with Daisean Brewster, CPT of Blink Fitness, who shared insights on which workout is most effective for those aiming to lose extra weight and trim down belly fat. Continue reading to find out more, and don’t forget to check out the 10 Best Low-Impact Exercises To Melt Belly Fat when you’re done.
Yoga or Pilates: Which is more effective for belly fat loss?
No matter if you’re a yoga enthusiast or a Pilates aficionado, both exercises bring value in their unique ways. These widely embraced fitness activities offer extensive benefits for your overall health and wellness. According to Brewster, “Even though both modalities are geared towards enhancing strength, flexibility, and balance, they differ significantly in their efficacy in burning body fat and slimming down the belly.”
One key difference between Pilates and yoga is the level of intensity. “Yoga typically involves holding poses for longer periods of time, focusing on deep breathing and mindfulness,” explains Brewster. “While yoga can help improve muscle tone and flexibility, it may not be as effective for burning body fat compared to more intense forms of exercise like high-intensity interval training (HIIT).”
As far as Pilates is concerned, this type of workout can include equipment such as reformer machines or resistance bands to add resistance to each movement. This will bump up the calorie burn and help you sculpt lean muscle. “Pilates focuses on strengthening the core muscles, which can help improve posture and reduce belly fat over time,” Brewster adds.
Needless to say, if you were to choose between the two, Pilates is the winner when it comes to losing and burning body and belly fat. However, Brewster says incorporating both workouts into your fitness regimen can be incredibly beneficial in achieving your weight-loss goals.
“Yoga can help improve flexibility and relieve stress, while Pilates can target specific muscle groups and increase overall strength,” Brewster tells us. “In conclusion, while both yoga and Pilates offer unique benefits, if your goal is to specifically target belly fat or burn body fat, Pilates may be more effective due to its focus on muscle toning and strengthening.”
Alexa Mellardo
