Does it seem as if everybody you know is running off to either yoga or pilates class? Are you asking yourself, “What is yoga? What is pilates? Are these just trends or are they actually beneficial?”
Often, our lack of information hinders us from participating in activities that can help us make vast improvements to our overall health and well-being. More than just a physical activity, yoga is a comprehensive practice that can help with mental focus, physical fitness, and spiritual enlightenment. But how does yoga compare to pilates?
How are yoga and pilates the same?
In theory, yoga and pilates are based on similar concepts. Breathing is central to both practices. The entire body, specifically the spine, is addressed through controlled movements. Both emphasize the mind-body connection.
Breath control is used as a tool to focus the mind and control the body. Movements are precise and have been designed for specific purposes. In both, the health of the spine is foundational.
For example, yoga exercises include backbends, forward bends, and twists to keep the spine flexible and mobile. Pilates focuses on “core” work to strengthen the muscles that support the spine. “Yoga for Abs” and “Pilates for Weight Loss” programs have become popular due to demand, but the most positive results come from addressing the body in its entirety.
How are yoga and pilates different?
Yoga is a complete physical, mental, and spiritual system based on ancient teachings. Various paths of yoga include karma (selfless service), bhakti (devotional), jnana (intellectual), and hatha (physical asana and pranayama).
By contract, pilates is more about physical rehabilitation. Indeed, Joseph Pilates created the Pilates method (originally called “Contrology”) in the 1920s as a rehabilitative set of exercises.
Though proper breathing is essential to both disciplines of yoga and pilates, the techniques differ. The yoga breath requires inhalations and exhalations to be taken through the nose only, except during the practice of pranayama exercises. In Pilates, practitioners inhale through the nose, and exhale through the mouth, usually during the height of physical exertion.
Some styles of yoga, such as Iyengar, require props such as yoga blocks to assist students with proper alignment. Pilates has a complete repertoire of mat work, with similar exercises that can be transferred to specialized Pilates equipment.
What is the major difference?
The major difference between yoga versus pilates is that yoga entails a deep spiritual component. While many westerners focus on the physical component of yoga as it results in the improvement of the body’s appearance, ability to function, and overall health, the basis of yoga as a practice is, undeniably, spiritual.
Undoubtedly, the mind-body-spirit connection that yoga promotes can be profoundly more beneficial to one’s development and well-being than simple physical exercise. For this reason, yoga can become a way of leading a mentally, physically, and spiritually healthy and fulfilling life.
Is yoga better? Why don’t you find out for yourself? Next time your friends are going to a yoga class, join them!