If you’ve ever thought “Pilates is just for core/ toning and yoga is just stretching/ meditation”, I’m about to change your mind…
These two practices are not “add-ons” to your fitness routine; they’re actually the foundation your body and mind have been waiting for.
So if you’ve been skipping yoga or Pilates thinking they’re not “proper workouts”, keep reading. By the end, you’ll know exactly why these classes are essential and how to start from the comfort of your home with my online fitness classes at Lorna Marie Fitness.
From Cardio Bunny to Core Strength Convert
Almost ten years ago, I was all about cardio. If I wasn’t sweating, it didn’t count as a workout, or so I thought. But tight hamstrings, sore knees and constant niggles started to prove me wrong.
When I began incorporating Pilates and yoga, everything changed. My posture improved, I stopped getting those little injuries, I ran faster and my recovery time shortened. The biggest surprise? My mind felt calmer and more focused than ever before.
And that’s what eventually inspired me to create YogaScape®, my yoga-to-music experience designed especially for busy, high-energy people who find it hard to slow down.
Why Yoga and Pilates Are Foundational (Not Optional)
Think of your fitness routine like building a house.
Your cardio and weights are the décor and furniture, they make it look great.
But yoga and Pilates are the foundation and frame.
Skip them and eventually something’s going to give: your flexibility, your posture, your energy, or even your resilience.
When you join my online Pilates and yoga classes, you’ll see exactly what I mean. Even short sessions can create a big change.
The Science Bit (Because It’s Not Just “Nice to Have”)
Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s to help soldiers rebuild strength. Today, it’s proven to improve posture, spinal mobility and balance. In fact, one study showed that doing Pilates just two to three times per week for eight weeks significantly increases core stability.
Yoga has been practised for thousands of years. It improves flexibility, reduces stress and even helps lower heart rate and blood pressure.
Both practices work your body from the inside out, targeting deep core muscles, calming your nervous system and training your body to move efficiently.
Common Misconceptions (and Why They’re Wrong)
“Pilates is easy.”
Not quite! Pilates might look gentle, but it’s one of the most effective ways to build real strength from the inside out. When you move slowly and with control, every muscle has to work harder. You’ll feel muscles you didn’t even know existed — in the best way.
“Yoga is just stretching.”
Not even close. Yoga builds strength, balance and mental resilience. Research in Frontiers in Psychology found that regular yoga practice reduces perceived stress and improves mental wellbeing.
And if you’ve ever looked at those “Instagram-perfect” yoga poses and thought, “That’s not me”, trust me, it is for you. The best part about doing yoga online is that no one’s watching. You can explore, wobble and find your flow in your own space.
The Power of the Breath
I get asked this a lot: What’s the difference between yoga and Pilates breathing?
In Pilates, we use lateral (ribcage) breathing. You breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth, engaging your core as if tightening a belt. This keeps your spine stable and your deep core muscles switched on.
In yoga, we use Ujjayi breath, a slow, warming breath through the nose that sounds like the ocean. It keeps you calm, focused and connected to the moment.
The more you practise, the more natural it feels. It’s like unlocking a little superpower every time you breathe.
Real Results You Can Expect
Within six to eight weeks of adding Pilates and yoga into your week, you could:
✅ Strengthen your core and spine
✅ Improve balance and flexibility
✅ Reduce stress and sleep better
✅ Boost energy and posture
✅ Feel calmer, more in control, and more “you”
Even two 20-minute sessions a week can make a huge difference, and that’s exactly how I design my online classes at Lorna Marie Fitness. Quick, focused, and achievable for busy people.
How to Start (and Stick With It)
If you’re new to Pilates or yoga, start small:
-
Try 10 to 15 minutes a day, or
-
Two 20-minute sessions a week
-
Mix it up: Pilates for core strength, yoga for mobility and calm
-
Practise your breathing, it’s the key to progress
And remember, these sessions are your active rest. They’re not a step back; they’re what keep you moving forward.
Ready to Feel the Difference?
At Lorna Marie Fitness, I make online fitness simple and sustainable.
You can join live or on-demand Pilates and yoga classes from home, designed to strengthen your body, support your mind, and fit perfectly around your busy life.
👉 Enquire about joining here
👉 Or message me if you’re not sure where to start, and I’ll help you choose the right plan.
Final Thought
You can do all the HIIT, running and weights you want, but without Pilates and yoga, you’re missing the foundation that makes everything else work better.
Slow, controlled, mindful movement will always win. So roll out your mat, take a deep breath and see what your body’s capable of when you give it the care it deserves.
Listen to more on the Lorna Marie Fitness Podcast here
