Isn’t it always frustrating when someone asks you the difference between yoga and Pilates, but you can’t say anything became they both seem similar?
We understand your pain. Truth be told, both yoga and Pilates are celebrated because of their numerous health benefits. However, this does not mean they’re the same thing.
Granted. Both Pilates and yoga are low-impact exercises that mainly use body-weight resistance. They can both enhance your overall health and help you maintain a healthier and happier life.
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Pilates vs Yoga
However, when you look closely, you can still pick out a few differences between them. Here’s a breakdown of how they came to be and what each of these two practices can do.
Pilates
Pilates was founded by the German physical trainer, Joseph Hubertus Pilates. It was invented in the 1920s to help wounded soldiers from the first world word to rehabilitate. In the year 1923, Pilates entered the US where he kept refining his methods.
Today, Pilates capitalizes on small motions that a person does to make use of their back-stabilizing muscles and their core. When doing Pilates, it is important to begin by taking a steady breath so that your core muscles can contract.
You can either do Pilates on a specialized piece of equipment or a mat. Specialized Pilates machines are often different because they use levers, springs, and body weight as resistance.
What Does Pilates Do?
- Makes you more flexibility and improves your posture
- Boosts your endurance level and your muscle strength
- Reduces joint pains
- Makes you more balanced
Ailments that Pilates Help to Heal
- respiratory conditions
- urinary incontinence
- back pain
- arthritis
- joint injuries
Yoga
While no one knows exactly how yoga came to be, this fitness system has existed for more than 3000 years now. Yoga has some connections with Eastern religions such as Buddhism and shamanism. Yoga was formed around the following beliefs:
- exercise
- diet
- breathing
- positive meditation
- Adequate relaxation
When it comes to yoga practice, you can’t take away deep breathing and mindfulness. Even though there are various kinds of yoga, one common thing about them all is that they usually involve maintaining different poses and changing movements in a steady, flowing manner. In actuality, yoga is a fitness approach focusing on syncing the mind and the body by blending physical exercise with mindfulness. This is what helps to improve a person’s mental and physical health.
Medical Advantages of Yoga
- Minimizes chronic pain
- Minimizes multiple sclerosis
- Stops anxiety
- Heals arthritis
- Prevents depression
- Tackles increased blood pressure
- Cures respiratory conditions
Similarities Between Pilates and Yoga
- You don’t have to have the best home Pilates reformer to practice Pilates or even yoga. If all you have is a mat, then you’re good to go. A Pilates ring and a block will prove useful but they’re not that necessary.
- Both Pilates and yoga emphasize proper breathing during exercise. Breathing must be diaphragmatic to make an impact.
- They both require a lot of mental focus. Plus, you can modify either of the fitness systems to fit different levels. They also go a long way in helping to reduce stress.
Which of Them is Better?
Pilates is just as great a workout as yoga. Ideally, you should check with your instructor to know the best one for you. Yoga is a fitness approach that requires a lot of flexibility and joint mobility. As such, if you have serious limitations in your joint areas, it can be difficult for you to do some advanced yoga exercises.
Likewise, Pilates will work wonders especially those recouping from an injury. Because they involve subtle motions and low impact workouts, Pilates can also benefit older adults. You can practice Pilates using either a mat or a piece of equipment.
Pilates workout that requires the use of equipment are similar to those that require only a mat. The major is that machines offer more resistance. Though being easy to do in the home, mat Pilates can be very challenging for people with poor mobility or core strength. However, both Pilates and yoga can be adjusted for people of different specifications.
Also, note that Pilates tend to be a little expensive to do. And in some cases, you may be required to buy a reformer.
Important Notice
Your workouts must be modified if you have any pain in your neck or back area. Consult with your doctor first if you are pregnant, have physical limitations, or are suffering from respiratory issues.
You must seek advice from your doctor before you begin an exercise program. If possible, start with a private class before practicing with a group. Note that if you push yourself too hard you may wind up. with an injury.
Conclusion
Yoga workouts are known for deepening meditation, enhancing flexibility, and achieving balance. Pilates exercise, on the other hand, can help you build lean and long muscles, improve your posture, strengthen you, and many more. Both are good. Simply seek recommendations from your doctor to know which to go with.
