This is a question that I am asked very often, particularly when telling people that I teach Pilates. Their response is often, "That's the same as Yoga, right?"
Pilates and Yoga are often compared as these two forms of practice stand out as the most popular when it comes to physical and mental wellness. To compare the two, lets take a brief look at the backgrounds of both.
Origins of Pilates
Joseph Pilates developed the practice 'Contrology', which we now know today as Pilates, in the early 20th century. It first started with mat exercises and then later progressed to include large apparatus, Pilates equipment which use springs to add resistance. Most common known apparatus is the Reformer.
Origins of Yoga
Yoga originated in India over 5000 years ago and began as a spiritual practice. It unites physical postures, breathing techniques and meditation, aiming to harmonize the mind, body and spirit
Similarities of Pilates and Yoga
Both Pilates and Yoga focus on the mind body connection and they both incorporate elements of stretching, flexibility as well as breathing. Both are low impact and low intensity.
So what's the difference between Pilates and Yoga?
What's the difference between Pilates and Yoga? Lets start with breathing!
The focus of breathing and breath work is an important component of both practices but is used differently. In Pilates, the focus on the breath is to assist in coordination of the core activation and to help energise through the exercises.
Breathing in yoga is used for relaxation and mind body connection as well as assisting during held poses.
Joseph Pilates was a fan of Yoga and you can see its influence in Pilates, such as certain exercises that are similar in both practices. In Yoga, however, there is often a focus on holding certain poses for a period of time.
Pilates originally had 30+ exercises that were performed in order for a number of repetitions. They were designed to flow from one to the next quite seamlessly. Modern Pilates is based on these
exercises, however, variations, additions and modifications to many of the original exercises has occurred and generally do not tend to follow a particular order.
The philosophy behind Pilates is the emphasis on controlled, precise movements with the focus on core strengthening. It has seven key principles being Concentration, Control, Centering, Flow, Precision, Breathing and Integration of these previous principles.
Yoga extends beyond physical postures. It incorporates meditation and a journey towards spiritual enlightenment and self-realisation.
Prenatal Pilates and Prenatal Yoga are both safe forms of exercise for relaxation, stretching and preparing for labor. Modified Prenatal Pilates also focuses on maintaining and improving core strength during pregnancy
Both Pilates and Yoga develop strength, flexibility and fitness. Pilates, however, emphasises core strength where Yoga emphasises flexibility.
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