Many people put pilates and yoga in the same category, but they both have key differences. While they both look like a relaxing way to exercise, how do you know the difference between them? Both are mat exercise programs that are usually held in a group class environment and both will help you become lean and toned.
Here are the main differences between pilates and yoga, from here you can decide which one suits you better.
What is Pilates?
Pilates is an exercise system that was created by a man called Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. It was founded during WW1 to help soldiers regain health through strengthening, stretching and stabilising muscles.
Pilates uses precise movements to achieve the pilates principles – correct alignment, centering, concentration, control, precision, breathing and flow. Like Yoga, there are so many great health benefits to Pilates. It will help increase strength, flexibility, and lean muscle tone with a focus on aligning and lengthening the body. Pilates is also a great stress reliever, the mind-body connection that you will achieve during Pilates will help relive external stresses and pass time. It is also great for increased energy and eliminating toxins from your body, with regular workouts you may begin to see improvements with your digestion system.
What is Yoga?
Yoga is suited to both men and women and was created in India over 5,000 years ago. The purpose of Yoga is to connect human consciousness with the universal consciousness through physical activity. Yoga was created to improve physical, emotional, and spiritual heath. Using repetitive movements yoga focuses on flexibility and broad muscle groups all while being very therapeutic. Most type of Yoga incorporate meditation and deep breathing, which help relaxation. The meditative aspect of Yoga is what most people are drawn too, especially those seeking to take it easy and de-stress.
There are many different forms of Yoga that range from relaxing to physically stimulating. Some of the names you may see frequently are hatha yoga, hot yoga, restorative yoga, and yin yoga. We focus more on the gentle and relaxing side of yoga here, including classes for anxiety, pregnancy, young girls and deep peace meditation.
Here’s a few more quick tips that may help you decide what is better for you:
If you goal is to lose weight, Pilates exercises help you burn calories faster.
Yoga might be more affective in combatting anxiety and help ease depression as it focuses on the mind as well as the body. The breathing exercises used in Yoga will help you achieve a deeper relaxation.
Pilates exercises are more intense and results are often seen quicker because of this. By doing frequent Pilates classes, a flatter and firmer stomach may be easier to obtain.
If you suffer with any form of back issues be sure to discuss with your instructor before you start doing any yoga poses. Some of the poses used in yoga can exacerbate the problems.
Both Pilates and Yoga are fantastic ways to move your body, strengthen and tone all while relieving stress and gaining flexibility. We believe you can’t go wrong with either, so we absolutely encourage you to try BOTH!
We have availability in both our Pilates and Yoga programs and we also hold one on one lesson if you would prefer a more focused session. If you are interested in knowing more on what we offer head over to our Facebook or Instagram pages, check out our website or simple send us a message or give us call!
We look forward to seeing you in a Pilates or Yoga class soon.
Tina and Alexis x