Both are mind-and-body exercises that improve your flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and discipline. However, the way they address these health improvements is different. For one, practising Yoga does not need any machine that Pilates equipment represents for their exercises. All you need is a mat and your eagerness to learn, and you are ready. Pilates also gives emphasis to physical improvements more than the mental benefits that Yoga can provide. Pilates centres on core strength, better posture and body alignment, endurance, and balance, while Yoga is a form of meditation that develops calmness, clarity, and inner peace.

This question would entirely depend on your willingness to master Pilates. Ideally, as a beginner, you would want to do your at-home Pilates exercises every day so you can get used to the movements and your body can adjust to the rhythm and challenge. As you begin to advance, you can try and incorporate it into your daily workouts, making it a pre-workout warm-up or post-workout cool-down, or relaxation regimen. The founder of Pilates, Joseph Pilates, intended the exercise to be practised three to four times a week, so as you go along, you can do it every other day, or whatever works better for you.

There are many moves and exercises that you can do if you want to practise Home Pilates. But most trainers and instructors would recommend doing the Hundreds first. This is a simple exercise where you lie down, on the floor with a Pilates mat or on a Pilates trapeze table if you have one. You need to bend your knees toward your chest, curl up your head, neck, and shoulders, and hover your hands up just at the height of your abs.You need to extend your legs long to form a 45-degree angle, and while holding this position, you then start pumping your arms as if you are tapping water. You need to do this in 10 sets with 10 repetitions of breath, inhaling and exhaling for five counts. This exercise regulates your blood circulation, improves your breathing, gives you a full-body workout, and develops your discipline, endurance, and stamina.

The key to success for beginner Pilates trainees is to be consistent. Make it a habit to use Pilates as your recovery exercise after a tiring weight or strength training. Use it to relax and have a break after a tiring work or chore day. Add this to your me-time agenda. Little by little, you will discover the benefits that you will be able to reap if you consistently treat your mind and body with this effective home fitness practice.