Yoga and Pilates are not at all similar. Here are 6 major differences between yoga and Pilates to consider.
1. Pilates and yoga differ in terms of their history
Pilates originated in the 1920’s by physical trainer Joseph Pilates. Yoga originated in ancient India and has been around for thousands of years.
2. Pilates and yoga differ in what they strive to attain through practice
The primary goal of Pilates initially was physical rehabilitation of soldiers and dancers. With yoga there has traditionally been a focus on balancing of body, mind and inner self.
Yoga has asana, or physical postures, as just one piece of an entire process. Pilates is a group of exercises focused on physical body conditioning.
3. Pilates and yoga different in terms of their heritage
Yoga has a spiritual and cultural heritage from India. Pilates has heritage of physical injury recovery and body conditioning here in the United States.
4. Pilates and yoga differ in terms of variety of classes
Yoga has been around for a long time so you might find a wider variety of types of yoga classes, depending upon the teacher and the type of yoga. With a Vinyasa yoga class, there is tremendous variation depending upon who’s teaching. You might even get some storytelling or philosophy weaved in. On the other hand, if you take a Bikram yoga class, you do the exact same postures, in the exact same order, with every class. Pilates is more focused on physical conditioning.
5. Breathing Techniques in yoga vs Pilates
Both Pilates and yoga offer breathing techniques. In yoga, breathwork is tied to balancing energy and working with pranic energy flow. In Pilates, breathing techniques are tied to correct muscle activation.
6. Yoga in the United States is cultural appropriation
Yoga in the United States is cultural appropriation when we practice asana, the physical postures, without consideration or reverence to the entire discipline and 8-limbed system. Asana can be a great workout, but without doing the work in the other areas as well, we miss out on fully developing ourselves and achieving balance and harmony.
Yoga and Pilates are not the same thing
Go to a local gym and they might offer a yoga class at one time, and a Pilates class at another time. Or there may even be a class called “Yogalates” which is a combination of the two. So how do you choose between yoga and Pilates? Try them both out, and see what you like! Maybe some days you feel like a yoga class, and other days you want Pilates. Or, you may fall in love with one or the other. Either way, it is helpful to understand the differences between the two so you can better choose what is right for you.
