You don't conquer yoga and Pilates, you practice them, whether it's exercises on a machine known as a reformer or mat work.

Prairie Life Fitness trainer Lori Johnson says the subtle, slight movements do more than strengthen our core. "They're both of mind and body. You learn to use your breath through your movements, but yoga brings a little bit more spirituality into it."

Prairie Life Pilates instructor Jodi Mackie started Pilates five years ago and it changed how she exercises. "This teaches you more about your own body, you just become more aware of you're balances, imbalances, strengths, where you're flexible, not flexible."

Yoga has similar benefits while at the same time reducing stress and anxiety. Yoga and Pilates don't replace cardio or lifting weights, they're complimentary to them. They work our core muscles, which should make everything easier. We should run faster, lift safer and there's another benefit.

"It gives you a long, sleek look,” says Johnson. “It's going to lengthen your muscles and give you that nice, long, toned look."

These exercises on the reformer tower offer more resistance. Like all Pilates and yoga, the end result is about strength, not bulk. Yoga and Pilates take practice. No one will be able to do everything.

Johnson says try each five to six times before deciding if you like it.