Quiz time: Do you consider yourself team Pilates or yoga?
But the reality is, yoga and Pilates share many qualities and benefits.
Which raises the question: What’s the real difference between Pilates and yoga?
And why choose one, or both, as part of your well-being routine?
Pilates
While yoga’s roots stretch back thousands of years, Pilates is relatively new.
Joseph Pilates created thissystem in the 1920sas a way to rehabilitate bedridden soldiers during World War I.
It has come a long way since then.
Today, there are two main forms of Pilates, reformer and mat.
Both are low-impact and focus on building the core while strengthening the whole body.
“Joseph Pilates called it ‘Contrology.'”
Benefits of Pilates.
There are manytypes of yoga, from fast-pacedvinyasato slow and restorative practices likeyin yoga.
But all types of yoga practice share certain characteristics.
Here are some of the top benefits:
Biggest differences between the practices.
Although yoga and Pilates share many benefits, the practices vary.
“Pilates strengthens the body with the main focus being the core,” Mauck says.
Pilates also incorporates breathing but in a different way.
On both the yoga and Pilates mats, students are cued to sharpen their focus.
But one of the biggest distinctions between the two systems is where students direct their attention.
So, which one is better?
Yoga and Pilates are both great forms of fitness for the body and mind.
Mauck explains that Pilates can be “less intimidating than yoga” to some individuals.
But even with modifications, people may shy away from yoga because of its deep stretching.
Personally, when I leave a Pilates class, I always feel greataccomplished, fit, and standing taller.
My body, spirit, and mind are united by the practice.
Given this calming effect, yoga is probably the better choice for those looking to improve their mental health.
But the consensus among teachers is that either can work well.
“Any jot down of movement benefits mental health,” Mauck says.
It comes down to personal preferences.
Both can support weight-management goals.
“Yoga and Pilates can be very intense forms of exercise,” Mauck says.
Flexibility
When it comes to building flexibility, yoga may be the better choice.
That’s thanks to its focus on stretching.
‘Pilates doesn’t emphasize stretching to the extent that yoga does," Basso says.
She explains that inmany styles of yoga, students hold poses for extended periods.
“This allows us to get into those connective tissues and improve flexibility and range of motion.”
Bottom line.
When comparing Pilates and yoga, there’s no clear victorboth are excellent for staying mentally and physically fit.
Luckily, you don’t have to pick one.
Even Joseph Pilates considered them great complementary practices.
Grinter points out, “There’s much evidence that Joseph Pilates did yoga.”
mindbodygreen’s guide to a10-minute Pilates sessionis a perfect place to beginand only requires a mat.
Don’t spend too much time deciding where to start or debating Pilates versus yoga.
Your body will thank you for getting on the mat either way!
