Difference Between Yoga and Pilates – It’s More than You Think!

What’s the difference between Yoga and Pilates? Can you no longer see the forest for the trees? In this blog you will discover which form of movement suits you best!

The difference between Pilates and yoga starts with their origins. Yoga is a very old practice that originated in India about 5000 years ago. You could think of it as the great-great-grandfather of Pilates, which was only conceived during the First World War by Joseph Pilates, who was inspired by yoga when he founded it. It is therefore not surprising that many people find it difficult to tell them apart, because Pilates is rooted in yoga!

Ultimately, Pilates and yoga have a number of differences in terms of:

• Goals
• Flexibility
• Breathing
• Stability

Goal of Pilates

Mr. Pilates conceived Pilates as a rehabilitation program for wounded soldiers. The emphasis was on controlled movements. War veterans could again developed strong and tight muscles without too much intense exertion. Pilates helps to create the long and lean muscles of a dancer. In addition, you would develop the same tall straight posture as a ballerina. And anyone who works at a desk has felt the advantages to sitting straight as opposed to slumping over!

The Purpose of Yoga

Yoga is more than physical exercise. It’s a practice of self-development and balance between body and mind. Both yoga and Pilates emphasize the connection of body and mind, only the spiritual element is much more important in yoga. The degree of spirituality differs per yoga form. Certain exercises within pilates and yoga can be very similar, but with different emphasis. For example, while the pilates an exercise may be intended to strengthen the spine, in yoga you’d also be focusing on stimulating energy points with an asana or opening a blocked Chakra.

Yoga Versus Pilates – Flexibility

Another difference between pilates and yoga is the degree of flexibility. In both yoga and Pilates there are movements for improving strength, flexibility, and the connection of body and mind. Because yoga is more focused on your mind and feeling, agility is especially important in the practice for taking on certain challenging asanas that open your mind. With Pilates you mainly want to strengthen your muscles and improve your posture. This is also about strength and balance like yoga, but in Pilates, flexibility has more to do with mobility than expanding your soul. Simply put, for Pilates you need a certain amount of flexibility to build strength and in yoga flexibility helps to stretch your spirituality.

Pilates/ Yoga Difference in Breathing

Breathing is an important part of yoga practice. With Kundalini Yoga, for example, breathing exercises are used to generate a certain universal energy. In other forms of yoga, controlled breathing would keep you focused and relaxed so you can do the asanas. In Pilates, breathing is mainly a helping hand. It is important to give the muscles sufficient energy, so that you can perform the exercises in a controlled manner with relaxed muscles. And you give that energy, yes, by ensuring sufficient oxygen in the body.

Differences Yoga and Pilates in Stability

In Pilates you learn to connect the different parts of your body with each other through movement. Strength is associated with stability. In most forms of yoga this is a less important part. In most forms of Yoga it is all about the adopted posture itself. Nevertheless, as a yogi you can get a good sense of posture and balance with a number of asanas. You can’t stand on your head without a sense of balance!

Different types of Yoga and Pilates

With all those different types of yoga and Pilates, it is not surprising that sometimes you can’t see the forest for the trees. Yoga has a much more varied tradition and content than Pilates because of its long existence. You have yin yoga, hot yoga, bikram yoga, power yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, vinyasa yoga, Iyengar yoga and yoga nidra, you name it! However, there are also different variations in Pilates. Hopefully you now know which practice suits you best. Although, the best way to discover that is, of course, to get started yourself. Fortunately, you will find plenty of inspiration at Spiru. Grab your Yoga Bolster or your Pilates Block and hop on the mat!

Do you go for Pilates or for one of the different types of yoga?