When it involves suggestions for low-impact, no-equipment workouts that concentrate on full-body outcomes, Pilates and yoga usually make the listing.
But though they share some attributes, they’re not the identical.
Here’s a breakdown of Pilates vs. yoga, in addition to some essential info to remember while you’re deciding in your subsequent exercise.
Pilates vs. Yoga: Similarities
While particular workouts differ, there are a number of similarities between Pilates and yoga.
The greatest is that they’re each supposed to be mind-body practices, so that you’re not zoning out and going by way of the motions.
How you focus your attention is simply as necessary as the best way you’re shifting.
Pilates
Pilates was developed simply after World War I by German bodily coach Joseph Pilates, who wished to assist injured veterans regain mobility.
He integrated some yoga rules and folded in data from his background in self-defense training, gymnastics, strength training, and dance.
“The apparatus and mat were designed to work as a unified system of movement,” says Pilates teacher Sarah Cook, co-owner of Physical Culture studio in Atlanta.
“(The intention was) to help accelerate the fitness process, alignment, and integration of the body by increasing stretch, strength, stamina, and stability,” she provides.
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Yoga
Yoga, which originated in India, has an analogous deal with bringing concord between the thoughts and body, she provides.
In reality, the phrase “yoga” means “to yoke” or “to join” in recognition of this intention.
Much like Pilates, there are fixed cues about breath management, feeling extra grounded and centered, and staying engaged within the motion.
You’ll additionally discover a few of the strikes look comparable, even when they go by completely different phrases, provides Alexis Miller, an authorized Pilates teacher, NASM CPT, and proprietor of The Endurance Hub.
Most notably, plank pose and shoulder bridge are closely utilized in every.
Pilates vs. Yoga: Key Differences
Areas of Focus
When evaluating the 2 practices, some types of yoga can have a better deal with a non secular component, Cook says, whereas Pilates is extra concerning the physicality of the work.
“Simply put, yoga accesses the body through the meditation of the mind, while Pilates accesses the mind through the physicality of the body,” she says.
History
Pilates has additionally been round for a a lot shorter period of time, provides Miller, and it has six particular rules:
- Centering
- Control
- Concentration
- Precision
- Breath
- Flow
At this level, yoga has adopted a spread of types, every with its personal rules.
For instance, you may need yin yoga in a single class, the place the postures are held for lengthy intervals, and energy yoga in one other, the place every pose is simply so long as one breath.
“Range of motion and objective are different as well,” Miller says.
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Lifestyle
Another massive standout distinction is that yoga generally is a lifestyle for a lot of, says Annie Woods, Pilates teacher and Yoga Medicine teacher.
There’s a part to the follow that results in a better understanding of how we dwell our lives and who we’re, she believes.
“Pilates is a mind-body connection that happens during movement, while yoga is more of an internal focus,” she says. “With that, there’s a sense of turning inward and listening to a deeper sense of self.”
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Try a Blend of Yoga and Pilates
In common, incorporating each Pilates and yoga into your exercise combine can provide the advantages of every.
For instance, you may incorporate yoga Warrior 1 and Warrior 2 poses into your warm-up, or throw some Pilates strikes into your subsequent strength-training session.
Or if you would like an entire fitness program that features each, you possibly can strive PiYo with Chalene Johnson. With PiYo, you’ll use your body weight to carry out low-impact, high-intensity actions impressed by Pilates and yoga.
In Barre Blend, Elise Joan makes use of a fusion of ballet barre, Pilates, and cardio interval training that can assist you burn fats and create a lean, toned physique.
“[Pilates and yoga] can both be described as mindful movement, and each promotes healthy lifestyles,” says Woods. “Personally, I love the sisterhood between the two approaches, and I try to blend them together to create a holistic approach to how I move.”
