What are the differences?

The excitement and popularity surrounding Yoga and Pilates seems to gain momentum with every passing year.  Mainstream athletes have come to realize the value of these two forms of exercise. What is so special about these techniques, and what are their similarities and differences?

Yoga, as we all know it, is aimed to unite the mind, the body, and the spirit. Yogis view that the mind and body are one, and that if given the right tools and taken to the right environment, the two can find harmony and healing.

Yoga therefore is considered therapeutic. By helping you become more aware of your body's posture, alignment and patterns of movement, it makes the body more flexible and allows relaxation even in the midst of a stress stricken environment. This is the foremost reason people begin practicing Yoga - to be happier and peaceful while feeling more fit and energetic.  The Yoga movements are performed mostly in a group setting on a special Yoga mat with the aid of a Yoga instructor. The body's own weight is used for resistance and a great deal of focus is accorded to the flow from one posture into the other. There are many different Yoga styles and they differ in their emphasis. No one style is better than the other. The style you use is a matter of personal preference or a matter of need.

Pilates seeks to reach much the same goals, also via a series of controlled movements. The major difference is that the Pilates technique not only has a full complement of matwork, but it incorporates work on the Pilates machines. The emphasis of the exercises is to strengthen the abdominals, improve posture, stabilize and lengthen the spine, improve balance and overall strength. Pilates gives you a longer, leaner, dancer-like line.

Unlike many other training programs, Pilates works the whole body, emphasizing control, precision and concentration in both the mind and the body. Movements are not performed rapidly or repeated excessively instead, the focus is on quality not quantity. The abdominal muscles, lower back and buttocks ("powerhouse") serve as the center of all movement, allowing the rest of the body to move freely. This focus on core stabilization makes one stronger from the inside out and is critical for advancement. The low impact nature of Pilates makes it ideal for injury prevention and rehabilitation. Its six principles - concentration, control, centering, breathing, flow and precision - train the body to move efficiently with minimal impact on the body. The balance between strength and flexibility creates a healthy, vigorous and symmetrical workout for all muscle groups resulting in a leaner, more balanced and stronger body.

Working With Yoga and Pilates in Conjunction

If after reading about both techniques you are still left with a question of which of these two fitness techniques is right for you then here is the answer: Do them both in conjunction! The nature of the techniques makes it easy for them to complement each other. Get the stretch from Yoga and keep it from Pilates. Strengthen your abdominals on the reformer and watch your poses improve. Join the breathing techniques of Pilates and meditative aspect of Yoga into your daily routine and see the stress of your everyday life, begin to dissipate. Both techniques are time-proven, established, and with the help of an experienced instructor, you will surely reach the goals you set up for yourself!