Yoga vs Pilates: What’s The Difference?

Yoga vs Pilates: What’s The Difference?

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Yoga and pilates are two popular forms of low impact exercise. They both focus on building core strength and flexibility, and can both be practised by people of all ages. 

While they may seem very similar because of this, there are actually some major differences between the two forms of exercise. What are these differences? And which form of exercise is best suited for you? This article takes a closer look at both yoga and pilates.

Yoga

Yoga has been practised for yonks. It has Ancient Indian origins tracing back over 5000 years. Several different types of yoga exist, however most of them share certain distinct qualities.

Perhaps the most universal part of yoga is the adoption of yoga poses (asanas). These involve holding your body in a certain position for an extended period of time. These poses can range from fairly simple to extremely challenging.

Breath control (pranayama) is also key to yoga. Breathing typically consists of long slow breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth on a particular count. These are done to promote relaxation.

Yoga involves a lot of meditation and spirituality making it more than an exercise. It is as much a philosophy as it is a physical activity and is often recommended to those experiencing stress, anxiety or depression.

Yoga is often practised in designated yoga studios. However, it’s also very popular in gyms like Fitness 19, as well as outdoor places like parks and beaches. Online classes and online courses are also popular. The beauty of yoga is that you can practise it pretty much everywhere. 

Pilates

Pilates was founded by a man named Joseph Pilates back in the 1920s. He was influenced by yoga, martial arts and various other disciplines involving the mind and body. After working with injured soldiers in World War I, he set up a school in New York dedicated to his own form of physical/mental exercise – and it became very popular.

Pilates involves holding poses much like yoga. But instead this form of exercise challenges you to move your arms and legs in specific ways while in these poses. This helps to improve motion of joints as well as posture. 

Breathing is also involved in pilates. However, breaths are taken in time with exercises rather than being long slow breaths on a count. 

Pilates was invented with rehabilitation in mind and it is still regularly recommended to people with injuries as a form of rehabilitative treatment. In this regard, it is less a philosophy and more of a form of physical healing. Of course, even if you have no injuries, it can work as a form of preventative treatment by improving posture and exercising the entire body. 

Pilates classes are commonly hosted in gyms. However, you can find classes being held in many other places too such as sports centres and schools, as well as various online classes. This article at Women’s Health provides more information on pilates. 

Should I practise yoga or pilates?

Yoga is a great exercise to focus on if you want to also improve your mindset and are interested in learning an ancient philosophy. Pilates is a great exercise to focus on if you are recovering from an injury or dedicated to fending off health problems. Both exercises are worth trying if you want to improve flexibility, core strength, balance and breathing. 

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