Yoga versus Pilates:

Choosing the Best Practice for YOU

I'm often asked by clients, "What is the difference between yoga and Pilates?"

That's a very good question. Both are popular forms of low-impact exercises. But they are quite different in many ways.

At Wellness & Yoga with Christine, I teach yoga. But the truth of the matter is that yoga might not be the best fit for you. In fact, Pilates might be a better option.

Let me explain the differences in an honest and transparent manner. This way, you'll be able to decide which practice is the best fit for you.

Yoga: An Ancient Practice with Spiritual Roots

Yoga is an ancient practice that originated in India thousands of years ago. It combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation to promote overall health and well-being. There are many different styles of yoga being taught today, each with its own focus and approach. Some popular styles include:

• Vinyasa: Flowing and dynamic movement practice
• Yin yoga: Slow and meditative deep stretching practice
• Hot yoga: Vigorous and heated detoxifying practice done in a heated room
• Ashtanga yoga: Athletic, intense, and traditional practice
• Chair yoga: Gentle, modified, and accessible practice done in a chair

Pilates: A Modern Workout Focused on Core Strength

Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates in Germany in the 1920s as a system of exercises for rehabilitation. Some of the first people treated by Pilates were soldiers returning from war and dancers to heal their aches and pains. Unlike yoga, Pilates does not have a spiritual component and focuses primarily on physical movement and exercise. Pilates is often associated with building core strength. Some popular styles include:

• Classic Pilates: Based on Joseph Pilates' original 34 exercises
• Contemporary Pilates: Incorporates modern exercises and equipment
• STOTT Pilates: Aims to restore the natural curvature of the spine
• Mat Pilates: Done on a mat, often with a ball, resistance band, or an exercise ring
• Reformer Pilates: Done on a specialized machine called a reformer

Movements: Yoga vs. Pilates

In terms of movements, yoga incorporates a wide range of postures, including standing, seated, and inverted poses. You typically flow through a sequence of postures. Pilates, on the other hand, primarily focuses on core-strengthening exercises such as crunches, planks, and bridge poses. You typically practice a specified number of sets of each move. In classical Pilates, you run through 34 of the same exact moves in the same exact order every session. In contemporary Pilates, teachers take a more varied approach.

Equipment: Yoga vs. Pilates

Yoga requires little to no equipment. A yoga mat might come in handy to keep your feet from slipping. Pilates often involves the use of equipment (e.g., the reformer, which is a bed-like frame with a platform that rolls back and forth on wheels) or is done on the mat with a resistance band, ball, or exercise ring.

Breathing: Yoga vs. Pilates

Both practices focus on breathing. Yoga involves deep, slow breathing. Pilates emphasizes lateral breathing, which involves breathing into the sides of the ribs.

Practitioners: Yoga vs. Pilates

Yoga and Pilates were both created by men but are today more popular among women. The demographics of yoga practitioners in the US are slowly changing, with an estimated 28% of practitioners now being men. Pilates is still primarily practiced by women, with very few men attending Pilates classes.

Benefits: Yoga vs. Pilates

While yoga and Pilates both can improve posture and alignment, they each have unique benefits. Yoga is often seen as a more holistic practice that can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve mental health. Pilates is often seen as a more focused practice that can target specific muscle groups, especially your core muscles, and improve overall physical fitness.

Conclusion: Which Practice Is Right for You?

Ultimately, the best way to decide which practice is right for you may be to try both and see which one resonates with you more.

If you're looking for a more holistic practice that can improve your physical and mental health, yoga may be the way to go. If you're looking for a more targeted workout that can improve your core strength and overall fitness, Pilates may be a better fit.

So there you have it – the key differences between yoga and Pilates.

Best,

Christine

Wellness & Yoga with Christine

P.S. Want to give yoga a try but don't know where to start? Download your FREE Starter Guide to Yoga.