Modern yoga is a movement practice that incorporates lengthening, strengthening and balancing exercises, breathwork and mindfulness.

HOLD delivers dynamic and restorative vinyasa classes in which participants move fluidly, in line with the breath, through sequenced yoga poses. You can expect functional movement, detailed cues, creative sequencing and guided meditations, the combination of which will both challenge and harmonise your mind and body.

Modern Pilates is derived from a form of physical rehabilitation invented first for soldiers, and then adapted for dancers. It involves repetitive exercises done with control and precision to increase muscle strength, endurance, flexibility and postural stability. In particular, the deep muscles of the core are activated and strengthened, helping to stabilise the spine. Similarly to yoga, exercises are linked to breathwork, cultivating a strong mind-body connection.

HOLD delivers Pilates flow and yoga-Pilates fusion classes. In private (1-2-1) sessions, Rhiannon teaches mat Pilates fundamentals and Pilates flow.

There are many similarities between the two modalities: cultivation of strength, length (flexibility/mobility) and balance; movement in line with the breath; mindfulness; low-impact; low risk of injury. That said, the two are discrete modalities. In summary, yoga focuses on flexibility, mindfulness, and breath control, while Pilates emphasises core strength, stability, and controlled movements.

Read on to discover how they compare.

Origins + philosophy

Yoga: An ancient practice from India, dating back over 5,000 years. It focuses on the connection between the mind, body, and spirit through movement, breathwork (pranayama), and meditation.

Pilates: Developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, it was designed as a rehabilitation method to strengthen the body, improve posture, and enhance overall fitness.

Movement + technique

Yoga: Involves flowing sequences (like Vinyasa) or static postures (like Hatha) that focus on flexibility, balance, and mindfulness. Movements are synchronised with breath control.

Pilates: Emphasises precise, controlled movements targeting core strength, stability, and alignment. Exercises are often performed in repetitions rather than held for long periods.

Breathwork + focus

Yoga: Uses deep, mindful breathing (such as Ujjayi breath) to enhance relaxation and focus. Breath is a key part of each movement and helps with meditation.

Pilates: Uses lateral breathing (breathing into the sides of the ribs) to support deep core engagement and spinal alignment.

Equipment + props

Yoga: Typically requires minimal equipment—just a mat, and occasionally blocks, straps, or bolsters for support.

Pilates: Can be done on a mat (Mat Pilates) or using specialised equipment like the Reformer, Pilates ball, bands and hand/ankle weights, which provide resistance and assistance for movements.

Goals + benefits

Yoga: Improves flexibility, balance, stress relief, and mental well-being. It also helps with mindfulness, relaxation, and energy flow.

Pilates: Focuses on core strength, posture, stability, and muscle toning. It’s often used for rehabilitation and injury prevention.

Styles + variations

Yoga: Various styles exist, including Vinyasa, Hatha, Ashtanga, Yin, Restorative, and Kundalini, each offering different intensities and focuses. HOLD teaches vinyasa flow and yin yoga classes.

Pilates: Includes Mat Pilates (bodyweight exercises) and Reformer Pilates (equipment-based exercises with resistance). HOLD teaches mat-based Pilates flow classes.

Spiritual vs physical

Yoga: HOLD regularly incorporates meditation and mindfulness, and very occasionally incorporates spiritual teachings from Eastern traditions, where appropriate and useful to enhance the practice.

Pilates: Primarily a physical exercise method, focusing on body mechanics and muscle activation rather than spirituality.

This depends on your mind-body fitness goals. Both are beginner-friendly, but you may find yoga a better option if your focus is on flexibility, nervous system regulation and relaxation, while Pilates is unparalleled for core strength, spinal stability and posture.

Absolutely not. Both practices improve flexibility over time, and HOLD offers modifications to cater for all abilities.

Always consult a medical professional first. Prior to classes, HOLD will always check whether you have any injuries or medical conditions, where possible, will offer approporiate adaptations and modifications.

Always consult a medical professional first, and please let the instructor know prior to the start of the class or session. Also: keep an eye out for HOLD’s pre- and post-natal series – coming soon!

Again, this depends on your mind-body fitness goals.

As a general rules, yoga is ideal if you want to improve flexibility, relaxation, and mental clarity. Pilates is ideal if you want to strengthen your core, improve posture, and enhance muscular endurance.

Get in touch with HOLD via the Contact page of this website, or via email – rhiannon@holdfit.co – to arrange a free consultation.

Comfortable, breathable, and stretchy clothing that allows a full range of motion.

Form-fitting garments are useful as they allow the instructor to observe alignment and technique, but the most important thing is that you are comfortable.

If you are consistent with your practice, your own mat can really enhance your experience.

That said, mats are always available to rent for HOLD’s classes, and are provided for private 1-2-1 sessions.

Any other equipment that may be used, such as blocks, resistance bands, Pilates balls and hand/ankle weights, will also be provided.

As ever, this depends on your mind-body fitness goals.

It is also worth noting that it is recommended that you include other modalities, such as cardiovascular endurance and resistance training, as part of a balanced approach to mind-body fitness.

HOLD can advise you on your mind-body fitness journey, and guide you through a personalised programme.

To learn more, contact hold via the Contact page of this website, or via email – rhiannon@holdfit.co

See the Retreats page of this website, or contact HOLD via Instagram – @holdfit.co – or email – rhiannon@holdfit.co