PILATES VS YOGA

What is the difference between Pilates and Yoga? There is a common confusion between what the difference is. Pilates and yoga are both really popular forms of exercise. Most people have done at least one of the two, but often can’t differentiate between the two. I personally am an instructor for both Pilates and Yoga, so let’s clarify a few things.

Pilates originated during WW2 by a German man called Joseph Pilates. Joseph called his method “contrology” and is based on six key principles. Concentration, control, centre, flow, precision, and breathing. He used his method to help rehabilitate soldiers during the war.

Today Pilates is a popular form of exercise and is usually either based on a mat or a reformer machine using the same six principles. Pilates is all about control and strength training often with props. The benefits speak for themselves. Build strength and tone your body with Pilates principles.

Yoga on the hand, is more of a mindful, spiritual practice. There is a broad variety of yoga schools, practices, and goals in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. In the western world we have made the practice of Hatha and Vinyasa the most popular forms of yoga. Using a combination of asanas (poses), is an overall form of fitness, ranging from a relaxation practice to a more physical practice.

The ultimate goal achieved in yoga is mental awareness and being present. Gaining flexibility, improved balance, increased strength and mental awareness are just some of the many benefits of yoga.

This is just a brief explanation, I could go on for days! There are many differences between Pilates and Yoga. I feel like the main similarity is that you can use a yoga mat in both practices, but apart from that, they are very different forms of exercise. The confusion is out there from the many classes that combine the two. “Yogalates”. I personally am not a fan of joining the two, however you will see benefits in either Pilates or Yoga.

Try them both and try different types from different places. there is so much out there you could possibly never do the exact same class twice!