August 18, 2022

Pilates or yoga: What is the difference?

Both Pilates and yoga involve relaxing and low-impact workouts which produce physical changes that benefit our health (e.g. improved strength and flexibility).

However, as the two forms of exercise continue to rise in popularity, so does the confusion between the different styles of workouts.

Similarities between Pilates and Yoga:

Low-impact workouts with an emphasis on bodyweight resistance
Target the body as a whole rather than specific muscle groups
Multiple variations and class options available at gyms/studios as well as via online
Classes can vary depending on skill, desired intensity, and goals

Differences between Pilates and Yoga:

Yoga began in India over 3,000 years ago to create a mind-body connection
Key focuses of yoga are breathing, meditation, and movement
Pilates is newer and was designed by Joseph Pilates developed during World War I
The main principles of Pilates are correct alignment, concentration, precision, centering, control, breathing, and flow
Yoga is considered a form of exercise that has the practitioner focus inward
Pilates asks the practitioner to focus their awareness on their physical body

Benefits of Yoga

Improved cardio and respiratory fitness
Improved mindfulness
Reduce levels of inflammatory markers which can be beneficial for many chronic diseases (e.g. asthma, arthritis, and ulcerative colitis).
Relieve migraine
Improve balance and mobility
Promote better sleep through increasing melatonin production

Benefits of Pilates

Improved balance
Increased strength and flexibility
Enhance joint stability
Reduce pain and lower injury risk
Improve mindfulness
Beneficial for pre-and postnatal women

Pilates or Yoga: Which One Is Better?

Pilates and yoga are well suited to different body types and abilities, and both offer multiple benefits.
For a person who enjoys strength training, (i.e. workouts within a gym) the resistance training offered through Pilates may better suit them.
Whereas, for an individual who enjoys a more spiritual practice with flowing and full-body motion, yoga may be the better choice of the two.