Yoga or Pilates

[.Adam.]

I cycle quite a lot, and was thinking of doing Yoga or Pilates to improve my core strength and get some suppleness, as I can't even touch my toes at the moment!
Have been reading on some cycling forums that Yoga or Pilates is good for this, and was after some advice on if one is better, not interested in the spiritual side, just after the exercise bit.
I see with Yoga there are different types, was leaning towards power or Ashtanga, but is there different types of Pilates?

[cervelo]

to be faster cycling, just cycle, pilates won't improve the cycling.
if you do pilates - only do one on one to start with , preferable with a chartered physiotherapist initially. yogi is more about end range flexibility, pilates stability.

[anonymous-user]

cervelo said:

to be faster cycling, just cycle, pilates won't improve the cycling.

But it will improve his core strength and suppleness which is what he said he wanted. Being more flexible and having stronger core muscles particularly on his back (which are underused in cycling) will make him more able to adopt and hold for longer an aggressive cycling or more aero position on the bike. Pilates can also improve recovery.

[petemurphy]

cant speak for yoga but pilates has been life changing for my back - totally improves the core. there are def diff types of classes - eg the one i do is machine based and quite medical cw a gym class