A lot of people find it hard to choose between Pilates and Yoga as they both have mental and physical benefits, but what really is the difference between the two?  Pilates and Yoga are two different types of low-intensity workouts that are incredibly beneficial for people of all ages. Although different from one another in many ways, a lot of people confuse the two and consider them similar. As a result, many end up choosing the wrong kind of exercise option for their particular body. While both Yoga and Pilates have numerous positive effects on overall health and well-being, it is important to understand the difference between the two. This way, you can make better choices to achieve maximum benefits. If you are looking to improve your health and lead a better-quality life but can’t choose, let’s see what the the real difference is between yoga and pilates: 

What is Yoga?

While the origin of Yoga still remains unknown to humans, it is believed that Yoga has been around for the past 3000 years. Yoga is most popularly known for its spiritual aspects and is a rooting practice in India. It also has roots in other eastern religious communities such as Buddhism and Shamanism, but is now widely practiced by many religious and cultural backgrounds. Yoga works on 5 beliefs, including proper relaxation, diet, positive thinking, breathing, and exercise.  There are many different types of Yoga, with something for everyone. These include Hatha Yoga, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, etc. The physical poses are known as asanas, whereas the breathing techniques in yoga are called pranayama.

Benefits

The meditative and physical exercise known as Yoga has many benefits for your mental and physical health.
  • Sleep: Yoga relieves physical and mental stress, preparing your mind and body to sleep.
  • Mental Health: The mindfulness and breath-work practiced in Yoga reduce stress levels and promote feelings of calmness. It can reduce symptoms of psychological disorders like anxiety and disorder.
  • Flexibility: Yoga involves stretching that can improve flexibility.
  • Physical Health: Yoga can effectively relieve body aches and prevent chronic and fatal illnesses.

What is Pilates?

Pilates is another low-intensity workout option that Joseph Pilates developed at the end of World War I to rehabilitate wounded soldiers. This suggests that Pilates is a great exercise to incorporate in your life for recovery and rehabilitation purposes. It originally came to the US in the year 1923 and has gone through quite some refining and evolution since then. This kind of workout focuses on small movements carried by the important muscles of the core and back. It starts with controlled breath to initiate contraction of stabilizing core muscles. While it has special Pilates equipment with springs and levers, you can also practice Pilates on a regular mat.

Benefits

Pilates has many benefits and is especially good for individuals suffering from urinary incontinence, arthritis, back pain, joint injuries, and respiratory conditions.
  • Core Control: Pilates helps with the development of stronger abdominal and core muscles, giving you better control.
  • Posture and Flexibility: Pilates involves stretching that can improve flexibility, while core muscle engagement is great for achieving better posture.
  • Rehabilitation: It is great for the rehabilitation of joint injuries, improved endurance as well as better body balance.
  • Mobility: The active and passive stretching allows safe and improves joint mobility.

Yoga vs. Pilates- Which One Should You Choose?

Let’s find out the similarities and differences between Yoga and Pilates to help you make the best choice for you.

Similarities

  •   Little equipment needed
  •   Focus on breathing
  •   Reduce stress

Differences

  •   Pilates focuses on the core, while Yoga does not revolve around one area of the body
  • Pilates breath-work focuses on energizing the muscles while Yoga breath-work induces relaxation
  •   Pilates involves constant movements, while Yoga deals with holding postures
  • Pilates focuses on the external physical body, while Yoga is more about internal and spiritual aspects
All people have different physical and mental requirements. So, remember to make the right decision according to your lifestyle and needs. Love pilates or yoga? Or both? Tag us on Instagram with your favorite exercises! @fitaid