Pilates vs. Yoga vs. Barre: Which Burns More Calories?

When choosing a low-impact workout, Pilates, Yoga, and Barre are popular options—but which one burns the most calories? The answer depends on intensity, style, and your body weight. In this guide, we compare calorie burn, muscle engagement, and fitness benefits to help you pick the best workout for your goals.

Calorie Burn Comparison (Per 60-Minute Session)

WorkoutCalories Burned (125 lb person)Calories Burned (155 lb person)Calories Burned (185 lb person)Key Features
Pilates180-350 kcal220-450 kcal260-500 kcalCore strength, resistance-based, low-impact
Yoga120-400 kcal150-500 kcal180-600 kcalFlexibility, mindfulness, varies by style
Barre250-450 kcal300-550 kcal350-650 kcalBallet-inspired, high reps, small movements

Note: Calorie burn varies based on intensity (e.g., gentle yoga vs. power yoga).

1. Pilates: Core-Centric Strength Training

Calorie Burn: 180-500 kcal/hour

Pilates focuses on controlled movements, core stability, and resistance training (using mats, reformers, or Cadillac machines).

Best For:

✓ Toning muscles without bulking
✓ Improving posture & balance
✓ Low-impact rehab & injury prevention

Highest-Calorie Styles:

  • Reformer Pilates (300-450 kcal)

  • Cardio Pilates (HIIT-inspired) (400-500 kcal)

2. Yoga: Flexibility & Mindfulness

Calorie Burn: 120-600 kcal/hour

Yoga ranges from relaxing stretches to intense flows, drastically affecting calorie burn.

Best For:

✓ Stress relief & mental clarity
✓ Flexibility & joint mobility
✓ Breath control & relaxation

Highest-Calorie Styles:

  • Power Yoga (400-600 kcal)

  • Vinyasa/Flow Yoga (300-500 kcal)

  • Bikram (Hot Yoga) (350-550 kcal)

*Gentle yoga (Hatha, Yin) burns fewer calories (~120-250 kcal).*

3. Barre: Ballet-Inspired Toning

Calorie Burn: 250-650 kcal/hour

Barre combines ballet moves, Pilates, and light weights for a high-rep, low-impact workout.

Best For:

✓ Sculpting long, lean muscles
✓ Improving endurance & small muscle engagement
✓ Low-impact cardio + strength fusion

Highest-Calorie Styles:

  • Cardio Barre (500-650 kcal)

  • Barre with weights (400-550 kcal)

Which Workout Burns the Most Calories?

  • Highest Burn: Barre > Power Yoga > Reformer Pilates

  • Moderate Burn: Vinyasa Yoga > Mat Pilates > Gentle Barre

  • Lowest Burn: Yin Yoga > Basic Mat Pilates

Best Choice For Your Goals:

  • Weight Loss? → Barre or Power Yoga

  • Core Strength? → Pilates

  • Stress Relief? → Yoga

  • Full-Body Toning? → Barre or Reformer Pilates

How to Maximize Calorie Burn

  • Add weights (in Barre or Pilates)

  • Choose high-intensity styles (Power Yoga, Cardio Barre)

  • Increase session length (75 mins vs. 60 mins)

  • Combine with cardio (e.g., Pilates + walking)

Conclusion 

While Barre generally burns the most calories, Pilates builds deeper core strength, and Yoga enhances flexibility and mental wellness. The best workout depends on your fitness goals and preferences.
 
Want a personalized estimate? Try our Pilates Calorie Burn Calculator!
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