Yoga vs Pilates
Yoga and Pilates are two favorites of the modern millennials. Often confused with one another given the significant cross-over, the major difference between them lies in the spiritual aspect of Yoga.
Yoga not only works on your body but also on your mind. The meditative practice uses a combination of asanas (postures) and breathing techniques to relieve stress and promote sound mental well being. Meanwhile, Pilates focuses on the control and precision of each moment to aid the body. Yoga is
considered a path to spiritual enlightenment by many. In contrast, Pilates is more traditional, devised to help with recovery from injuries.
Read on to know more about the differences between the two, and decide which one is the right choice for you.
Differing Histories of Yoga and Pilates
A holistic discipline that originated in ancient India, Yoga sessions can range from serene and nourishing to grueling and sweaty. The more than five thousand years old sacred tradition revolves around the ideology of connecting individual consciousness to universal consciousness or truth.
It uses breath, movement, and meditation to enhance your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Also, incorporating the philosophy and ethics of life, Yoga helps calm your mind while improving your flexibility and strength.
Devised by a German anatomist and mechanical genius, Pilates is a specific physical system. Following its foundation in the 20th century, around 1925, it was used mostly for physical rehabilitation.
The targeted exercises within Pilates are meant to improve posture, increase flexibility, strengthen your core, develop balance, and improve your overall strength.
The Difference in Equipment Used
These effective exercises utilize completely different equipment. Yoga only uses a mat. In some cases, you may need blocks, straps, or a blank to aid you in certain poses.
Other the other hand, Pilates utilizes various machines like the reformer, Cadillac, spine corrector, small barrel, wunda chair, etc. The machines help in perfecting alignment, enhancing strength, and improving inconsistencies in the body by using a pulley system with different springs for resistance.
The Varying Method
Yoga classes starkly differ from those of Pilates (generally with a personal trainer). The mind-body-spirit connection being the heart of Yoga, every class usually ends with a relaxing guided meditation.
Pilates classes employ machines to challenge the body and encourage controlling muscles as well as body positioning in inconsistent environments.
While both are recommended for rehabilitation, experts believe Pilates to be the better choice for recovery, and Yoga to be more beneficial to prevent injuries and ailments. The use of targeted postures in Pilates is highly beneficial for recovery from specific injuries. In the case of trauma, the re-balance of hormones, courtesy of physical movement and breath, has a calming effect on the mind and body.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that the choice between Yoga and Pilates depends on your requirements as well as goals. Yoga works your entire being while Pilates focuses on working the powerhouse muscles.
If you have issues with your back or participate in activities that require a strong core then Pilates is a likely choice. The structured workout will challenge your muscles, giving you the burn you are looking for without the cardio component.
If you wish for increased flexibility, relaxation, better mind-body-spirit connection then Yoga is the right choice for you. It allows you to recenter yourself while helping you build balance and overall strength.
You can surely choose both, and have the best of both worlds but you may be wondering about the investment required for Yoga as well as Pilates. Pokaba's versatile Yoga wear has you covered, having anticipated your varying clothing requirements for both exercises. Pokaba Active's luxurious, high quality, comfortable garments are suitable for all kinds of activities and exercises, including Pilates, Yoga, functional training, CrossFit, running, etc.
