At a glance, Pilates and yoga seem to have a lot in common. They are both mind-body conditioning formats that rely on smooth, precise movements and measured breathing. In fact, the similarities between pilates and yoga work are not completely coincidental.
Joseph H. Pilates, the founder of the Pilates Method, studied yoga and martial arts extensively, and sought to integrate the mind-body aspects of these practices into his new body conditioning exercises and routines.
So if pilates and yoga have so much in common, what are the differences between these two mind-body formats? Here is a brief overview on how pilates and yoga resemble and differ each other.
Differences And Similarities Between Pilates And Yoga
Pilates is a type of exercise that is really gaining a toe hold in popular culture.
Alongside yoga, many people are beginning to realize the merits of a low intensity, calming form of exercise.
The following are the differences and similarities between Pilates and yoga.
- Where Pilates is merely a system of exercise, yoga is more of an all-encompassing activity that is not limited to one’s exercise.
While yoga does incorporate many aspects of fitness which are often used in Pilates, those who practice yoga see it as more of a lifestyle than an activity.
Yoga subscribers work on breathing control, maintaining a proper diet, and several other disciplines in order to find a more perfect harmony in their lives.
Pilates, on the other hand, focuses almost completely on the physical aspect of the yoga activities as well as other exercises. - Both yoga and Pilates place a certain emphasis on the breathing patterns of an individual.
Proper breathing is stressed by instructors in order to more properly benefit from the exercise.
There is a slight difference between the two breathing methods that the differing practices recommend: in Pilates, the participator is told to inhale through the nose, and exhale through the mouth.
In yoga, on the other hand, breathing is only permissible in through the nose, and out through the nose. - While both of the activities incorporate some outside tools in order to more accurately perform the exercises, yoga definitely requires more.
Whereas pilates workouts may only require a pilates ball and a workout mat, yoga incorporates the usage of many different tools, including blankets, blocks, and straps in order to reach the full potential of the activity. - Perhaps the most obvious difference between pilates and yoga is that yoga is an ancient practice that originated in India over 5,000 years ago, while pilates is a relatively new phenomenon.
Pilates was developed and popularized by Joseph H.
Pilates and his wife Clara in the early to mid-twentieth century. Pilates created his famous method while working as a nurse during the First World War in Great Britain.
He developed his series of exercises and routines to help rehabilitate injured and immobile soldiers. Pilates was inspired by the ancient asana of yoga, and tried to incorporate this aspect of yoga into his own routine. - Both of the activities incorporate the same exercises and need to develop ‘the core’.
The core is what pilates subscribers refer to when they speak of the abdomen, the pelvic region, and the lower back of an individual.
Development in this area is tantamount for those who study pilates, but it is just a small piece of the puzzle to those involved in yoga. - Another of the main differences between pilates and yoga has to do with the underlying philosophy of each. Although they are both described as mind-body formats, pilates is generally considered to be more of an exercise than lifestyle choice.
Yoga is not meant to operate as a simple exercise and body conditioning routine, but instead as a lifestyle philosophy.
Pilates was first adopted as a physical conditioning routine by professional dancers and gymnasts.
Like yoga, pilates also seeks to unite the mind, body, and spirit, but does not delve into the meditation and relaxation aspects like yoga does. - Both yoga and pilates do indeed help participants deal with stress and cultivate relaxation, although only pilates is geared specifically toward building all-over body muscle and tone.
Also, pilates also has a strong rehabilitation component that yoga practice does not.