Yoga or Pilates?

Relaxation and flexibility aside, yoga and pilates are often thought to be the same.  A way to strengthen your body as well as relax and stretch.  This may be true, however there are many differences between the two outside of the mat!

The first difference is Origin.  Yoga is an ancient form of meditation practiced for over 5,000 years.  An Indian practice, yoga has evolved over the years into many other cultures and forms.  Pilates was created during the 20th century by a man named Joseph Pilates.  Originally created for athletic rehabilitation, dancers have embraced pilates as a way to improve their strength and performance.

Number two.  Mind, body…and spirit.  Yoga involves the three aspects of this connection, whereas pilates is focused more on mind-body.  Spirituality plays a strong role in yoga, especially through meditation. 

The classroom is where you will find a few differences in the two.  Because there are so many variations of yoga and over tens of thousands of routines, every class is bound to be different.  Yoga is very dependent on the style of the teacher as well as the level of class.  Pilates is much different in that the classes are pretty similar.  In pilates, you may work on a mat or also on a reformer ( machine). 

You may think that yoga and pilates are only for relaxation and stretching.  However, yoga and pilates have great strengthening benefits.  Flexibility and stress reduction are both components, however the two focus differently on strength.  Yoga takes a more full body approach.  Pilates, however, almost always involve movements that increase core and spine strength. 

Another difference with the two is the type of breathing involved.  You may not think that this is an important difference, however, breathing and concentration play an important part of relaxation.  Yoga uses breathing with the movements, in which yogis breath in and out through the nose.  Pilates teaches to breath in through the nose, exhaling with the mouth.

Last, but definitely not least, which is for you?  It all depends on your own personal fitness goals.  If your primary focus is on relaxation, flexibility and stress management, yoga may be for you.  If you are looking to improve core strength with an added flexibility benefit, you may be best suited in pilates.  However, it never hurts to try anything once.  Who knows, you may end up enjoying both!

For more information on pilates and yoga and other health topics, visit here.

Add comment September 27th, 2007