Pilates vs. Yoga

Introduction

Whenever I meet someone new, I’m eventually asked the question “So, what do you do?”. When I happily reply that I teach Pilates, I’m invariably met with “Oh, that’s the same as yoga.” Well, yes…and no!

Similarities

Yoga and Pilates are both low impact exercises. Both emphasize breathwork, alignment and maintaining the connection between the mind and the body. Their differences, however, outweigh their similarities.

Yoga

Yoga was originally designed thousands of years ago as a spiritual discipline with an emphasis on flexibility and stretching. Yoga is typically done on a mat, perhaps using a few small props, like blocks or blankets. When practicing yoga, you typically adopt a position (pose) and hold it, or you may flow into another pose. Yoga uses the body weight for resistance. The attention to the breath is used to create a more meditative state.

Pilates

Pilates was developed about 100 years ago as an exercise system to rehabilitate the body, overcome injuries and improve postural issues. Pilates can be done on a mat and may include props as well: resistance bands, light weights, small balls, magic circle, stability ball. There are also many pieces of equipment designed specifically for Pilates exercises, with the reformer being the most popular. Pilates exercises have you adopt a position and then challenge your core to keep you stable while moving your arms or legs. Pilates can use body weight for resistance, as well as spring tension on the reformer or light weights or resistance bands on the mat. Breathing is emphasized to stabilize the body, engage the core and guide movement. Pilates stands out from yoga due to its focus on resistance training. Many of the exercises are functional movement patterns used in everyday life: reaching overhead, reaching across the body, pulling and pushing.

Conclusion

Both yoga and Pilates are excellent forms of exercise, either on their own or incorporated into a cross training regiment. They can enhance sports performance, decrease the risk of injuries and enhance freedom of movement in daily life. Overall, yoga and Pilates are somewhat similar and yet distinctly different practices that can lead to numerous benefits when practiced regularly.

Linda Wirtz

Balanced Body Pilates Instructor

YogaFit Yoga Instructor