Yoga vs Pilates
Understand the differences between Yoga and Pilates to find out which form of exercise regime: Yoga or Pilates offers optimal health benefits to you
|
Yoga |
Pilates |
| Yoga is an age old tradition (since 5000 years ago) to maintain a health fitness regime. Hence yoga is well known to almost everyone. | Pilates is more recent (since 80 years ago) and is becoming popular day by day. |
| Originated in North India
The first texts of Yoga date back to the 2nd century BC by Patanjali; which recommends one to adhere to the “eight limbs” which comprise “Ashtanga Yoga”. This helps to calm one’s mind and merge with the infinite. |
Originated by a German athlete, Joseph Pilates |
| Yoga is done on a yoga mat and uses props such as blocks, straps and blankets. | Although, Pilates is done on a pilates mat it lays emphasis on using machines and equipment. Pilates does not use props such as blocks, straps and blankets. |
| Focuses on mental-physical wellness. Yoga is explained as a lifestyle and focuses on diet, meditation, breathing skills, relaxation along with yoga postures. | Focuses on core abdominal muscles, yoga poses, correct breathing techniques, correct body posture and alignment, strengthening of the limbs and increased flexibility. |
| The focus of yoga is to adopt a breathing process on a deeper level – yoga concentrates on inhaling and exhaling through the nose. | Pilates employs inhaling through the nose and exhaling via mouth. |
Similarities between Yoga and Pilates
- Both Pilates and Yoga have yoga asanas (poses), focus on breathing and concentration.
- Both Pilates and Yoga usually share the same aim of developing and strengthening the muscles and increasing flexibility. Both forms of exercise focus on leg muscles, arm muscles, abdominal and back muscles.
Yoga or Pilates: Which is a better choice?
It is an individual choice regarding which form of exercise to choose as both Yoga and Pilates offer great health benefits.
Regular practice of Yoga increases flexibility, lubricates joints, ligaments and tendons as well as exercises internal organs and glands. Yoga detoxifies the human body and keeps the body disease free. Swami Ramdev claims to cure all illnesses with yoga alone, without the use of medicines. His yoga practice has proved the same and become very popular in the East. For busy people or those who don’t want the hassle of going to a yoga class regularly; yoga dvds, yoga videos or online yoga workouts are available so that they can practice at their convenience at home. Of course, it is a better idea to find a certified yoga instructor, attend a yoga class and get trained properly first.
Pilates on the other hand strengthens and lengthens muscles without adding bulky muscles, increases muscle elasticity and joint movements. It helps you to get flat abs and gives you a strong back. While yoga gives you a good stretch, pilates strengthens your abdomen. For a leaner and toned look, pilates is a good choice. For mind body conditioning, yoga is a good choice. Which fitness program you choose should depend on what you are looking for.
To summarize, the best fitness choice for stress relief in your hectic life would be a combination of both Yoga and Pilates. Both have no side effects and offer tremendous health benefits for all humans globally. Similar to Yoga, Pilates dvds and videos are available for guided pilates practice for busy people but it is always a good idea to find a certified Pilates instructor and join a Pilates Training Class first to get trained properly first. Then one can use exercise videos and dvds to practice on their own at home or with family and friends for positive health and longevity.
