A Comparison Between Pilates and Yoga

Pilates and Yoga have many simularities and a few diffferences. Many people look at the two exercise programs and try to determine whch one they should do. I would argue that you can do both pilates and yoga to compliment your fitness program. You don't really need to choose betwen the two; you can do both. 

Pilates and Yoga Similarities

The most fundamental similarity between Pilates and Yoga is in the breathing techniques that are taught. They both use breathing as a means to focus the mental concentration. Breathing also coordinates the body movements.

Many exercise positions of Pilates are similar to those of Yoga. This similarity obviously stems from the fact that Joseph Pilates, the originator of Pilates program, studied Yoga among other disciplines of fitness before he created his own program of exercises.

Pilates and Yoga Differences

While Yoga employs many different styles of breathing (ujjayi breathing, breath of fire etc.), Pilates in centered on one basic style and that is thoracic breathing which is meant to stabilize and protect the spine in different positions in exercise and daily life. A notable difference in the breathing techniques of the two is that Yoga teaches to inhale and exhale through the nose and moves the nervous system into a more tranquil state. Pilates, on the other hand, instructs to inhale through the nose and exhale via the mouth. 

A pronounced difference lies in the approach of the programs towards the purpose of exercise. In Pilates, the different exercise positions are purported to enhance the physical and mental elements of human body. It focuses on coordinated movements. Yoga, on the other hand, is a philosophy and holds more than Pilates. Yoga aims at uniting the body, mind, and spirit. Many Yogis do not consider Yoga to be a set of exercises but a systematic way of attaining unity of breathing and mental concentration in form of seated meditation. It is, at its core, a therapeutic approach, which enables the mind and body to heal against all kinds of stress.

To summarize, Pilates tends to energize and invigorate the body and mind through concentrating on the core of the body while Yoga helps calm one’s nervous system down and set one’s position for focused meditation. Both Pilates and Yoga are very beneficial in enhancing the overall physical and mental health their practitioners.