People often think that these two sports can be easily alternated and that they both provide the same benefits. While yoga and Pilates are similar in some ways, they are very different in others. They are both low-impact workouts and accessible to everyone, regardless of fitness level or athletic ability. They both use body weight as resistance and can help improve quality of life and increase longevity. But how is Pilates different from yoga?
ContentHow Pilates is Different from Yoga: IntentHow Pilates is Different from Yoga: Physical PracticePilates and Yoga: BenefitsWhat Should You Try?
Pilates is a relatively new fitness method that was created in the 1920s, after World War I, to help injured soldiers rehabilitate. Yoga is an ancient practice that dates back at least 5,000 years. WomanEL suggests learning the benefits of each workout so you can decide for yourself what suits you best.
How Pilates is Different from Yoga: Intention
One of the key differences between yoga and Pilates is the intention behind the practices. “Pilates is about developing strength and balance in the body, while yoga is about connecting with your true self,” says Alexa Idama, a classical Pilates instructor.
Pilates is primarily a physical exercise method. It aims to develop strength and stability in the body, with an emphasis on core work, posture and spinal health, says Pilates instructor Kamai Brandenberg. While the practice can benefit mental health, it focuses solely on the physical body.
Yoga, on the other hand, is not limited to the physical body. Its overall goal is to teach its students mindfulness in all aspects of their lives. “Yoga is a spiritual practice that consists of eight ‘limbs,’” Brandenberg explains. “The most familiar limb is asana, the yoga postures we do in studios.” Another limb is pranayama, breathing techniques. The rest are focused on internal practices, such as concentration and meditative absorption.
The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit word for “to bind” or “to unite.” As you perform the physical poses of yoga, your goal is to find a moving meditation, connecting breath with movement and uniting mind and body.
How Pilates differs from yoga: physical practice
Pilates focuses on muscle toning, body control, and core strength, Source: freepik.com
Both Pilates and yoga are “low-impact methods of developing strength and flexibility with an emphasis on breathing and the mind-body connection,” says Brandenberg. Both techniques involve synchronizing breathing and movement as you move from one pose to another. There are even some similar exercises in both practices, such as the Yogic Cobra and the Pilates Swan, or the Chaturanga Dandasana and the Pilates push-ups. But what you do during a yoga or Pilates class will be completely different.
Pilates exercises are performed either on a machine, such as a reformer, or on a mat. The movements focus on stabilizing your core to improve balance, body control, and spinal stability. With the help of breathing, you will use your core muscles (i.e., abs, lower back, pelvic floor, and hips) to support each movement you do in Pilates. The exercises focus on building balanced muscle strength in the front and back of your body and are designed to improve your overall quality of life. In Pilates, you often perform repetitions of the same movement, rather than flowing through it like in yoga.
The physical practice of yoga is just one aspect of the overall yogic experience. And this physical practice comes in several forms—such as vinyasa, restorative, and hatha. Vinyasa yoga is considered the most athletic form and consists of continuous movement that links breath with poses in a flow. These flows typically consist of arm balances, Chaturanga Dandasana, and power poses like Warrior II. Ashtanga, power yoga, and prana are all forms of vinyasa.
Restorative yoga, on the other hand, focuses on relaxing the body and mind to create a space of relaxation for both. In this type of practice, you will often use props: yoga straps, yoga blocks, etc. Finally, Hatha yoga moves slower than Vinyasa flow, and you will hold the poses for longer.
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Pilates and Yoga: Benefits
Physically, both yoga and Pilates will help you “develop a stronger, more balanced body and increase flexibility,” says Brandenberg. And mentally, both practices will help you “calm your nervous system and achieve a meditative state through proper breathing,” she says. In addition, both Pilates and yoga can help reduce lower back pain and increase overall mobility.
Yoga can increase your flexibility, improve your cardiovascular and overall athletic performance, and reduce your risk of injury. It can also reduce anxiety and depression, and help you find clarity and focus both on and off the mat.
Pilates has the same benefits as yoga. It increases flexibility, improves posture, increases concentration, and helps you manage stress. It also helps balance overall muscle strength, improve muscle control, and stabilize your spine.
What should you try?
Because both yoga and Pilates are low-impact workouts, they’re accessible to just about anyone. Social media might lead you to believe that you have to be hyperflexible or super-strong to do either of these techniques. But in reality, both were designed to be inclusive. There are variations of each exercise or pose to accommodate your level and help you develop your current practice.
Wondering which one to choose? Don’t worry—there’s a place for both Pilates and yoga in your routine. They can complement each other, but they shouldn’t be practiced in place of each other, as they each have their own benefits. That said, Brandenberg recommends Pilates “for anyone who is looking to strengthen their bodies, strengthen their spines, and achieve balance.” And she recommends yoga “for those looking for a meditative practice that incorporates low-impact movement and flexibility.”
No matter what method you choose, be kind to yourself when starting a new workout regimen. Remember, learning something new is no easy task. But if you’re committed to learning and growing, you’ll find success and satisfaction in any of these practices.
How can you even start any sport if you don’t feel like it? In this article, we’ve shared tips on motivation.
