Pilates & Yoga. Whats the difference?
What's the difference between Pilates and Yoga? I thought they were pretty much the same thing, no?
This is something I frequently hear from my patients during their treatments. So I decided to write a short blog about the differences and similarities between Yoga and Pilates. Hopefully, you will be able to determine which is the most beneficial for your needs.
What is Pilates?
So let's start off with Pilates. What is Pilates and where did it come from I hear you ask! Pilates is an exercise system that focuses on a few main factors: 1) Core stability, 2) Balance and control, 3) Flexibility, 4) Strength, and 5) The breath. The Pilates method itself was developed by a guy named Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century.
For those who are interested, here is a brief history lesson... Joseph Pilates was born in the German city of Dusseldorf. During World War I, he relocated to the Isle of Man, where he worked in a hospital with patients who were unable to walk. He attached bed springs to old hospital beds to help patients recover by supporting their limbs. This resulted in the creation of Joseph Pilates' most well-known piece of equipment, the 'cadillac,' which is still used in Pilates studios today.
Following the war, Joseph Pilates and his wife Clara relocated to New York, where they opened their first 'body conditioning gym' teaching the Pilates method in 1926. The method quickly gained popularity, particularly among the dance community. This is because the method can help improve technique and injury recovery. The method was known as 'controllogy' during Joseph Pilates' lifetime; it wasn't until his death that it became known as Pilates.
Many developments and modifications to the classical Joseph Pilates method have occurred since the twentieth century, incorporating current biomechanical thinking. The APPI method is taught at osteoBeth. This is an abbreviation for the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute. It is a type of clinical Pilates in which the original 34 Pilates exercises have been developed and adapted to meet the needs of the clinical population. As a result, Pilates is now available to both the general population and those recovering from injuries and rehabilitation. It's ideal for people but not limited to those who have back pain, shoulder injuries, poor posture, or want to improve their balance.
Pilates movements necessitate a great deal of core control and stability before moving on to a series of range of motion exercises. There is equipment-based Pilates, such as reformer Pilates, as well as matwork Pilates, which requires no special equipment.
What is Yoga?
Yoga is a 5,000-year-old spiritual practice that originated in India. It is a practice that uses the body to connect with the mind and spirit. It combines physical postures (asanas) with breathing techniques known as pranayamas.
Working with the chakras, your body's seven energy points, is a key principle underpinning yoga. The mind is projected through these chakras, determining how a person experiences reality, through emotional reactions, desires or aversions, levels of confidence or fear, and even physical symptoms and effects. It is believed that If a chakra becomes blocked, a person may experience mental or physical issues that may manifest in symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, or poor digestion. Yoga practice can help stimulate and balance the chakras, and different asanas can assist with each of the chakras.
There are six main branches of yoga. Each main branch represents a different focus but all with the main underlying goal of reaching enlightenment. Yoga practice that is regular can aid with endurance, strength, calmness, flexibility and improved spiritual and mental well-being.
Of the several new yoga styles that have emerged over time, each with their own unique characteristics, hatha yoga is a great place for beginners to start. All forms of yoga have the same overarching goal of uniting the body, mind, and spirit.
What are the similarities between Pialtes and Yoga?
Both are mind and body practices
Both emphasise the value of breathing properly while exercising,
Both can require little to no equipment.
Both can improve flexibility and physical stamina
Both can help with reducing stress and inducing a sense of calm
What are the benefits of Pilates?
Focus is on physical and mental wellbeing
Uses breath for core control and energy
Improves strength, posture, core control and stability
Reduce stress levels
Cardio activity that is light to moderate in intensity
Great for physical rehabilitation and injury prevention
Increased energy
Improved coordination and control
Improved muscle tone and strength without bulk
Rehabilitative
Movement within each exercise
Movements can be both energising and fast paced or slow and controlled
What are the benefits of yoga?
Focuses on mental and spiritual well being
Uses breath for relaxation
Cardio activity that is light in intensity
Restorative and meditative in nature
Deep and intense stretching to aid with improving flexibility
Holding each exercise for an length of time
Fixed postures
Helps achieve inner peace
Mild cardio workout
Focus is on balance
With all this knowledge, I'm hoping you can now choose the exercise method that will work the best for you and your needs. Please do get in contact if you have any questions regrading this blog post.
