When we talk about flow in Pilates training, we mean that the individual exercises are performed at the right pace. Uncontrolled, jerky movements are avoided. And rarely do we practice an isolated exercise. Once we are familiar with the exercises, we let the individual exercises flow smoothly into each other.

As the Love Child of Pilates and Yoga, Piyo Offers the Best of Both Toning Workouts' Worlds.

Combining yoga and Pilates is a natural fit because “both yoga and Pilates require us to focus on the breath, precise movements, proper alignment and our core muscles as we flow through the workout,” she says. The mind-body benefits of fusion workouts include: Better balance. Deeper relaxation.

Pilates is certainly a more intense workout that burns calories faster and produces physical results quicker, so you could make the argument that Pilates is the harder of the two. But again, everything comes down to what you wish to get out of the class and the methods your instructor takes to get you there.