There are many different types of exercise regimens available today. Among the most popular are yoga and pilates. While they share some common features, there are key differences between the two that make them appealing to different people. In this blog post, we will explore those differences and help you decide which one is right for you.
What is yoga:
Yoga is a form of exercise that originated in India. It is based on the principle of uniting the body, mind, and spirit. The goal of yoga is to promote physical and mental well-being. Yoga consists of a series of poses, or postures, that are designed to stretch and strengthen the body. Breathing exercises and meditation are also often included in yoga classes.
Benefits:
The benefits of yoga are numerous. Yoga can help to improve flexibility, strength, and balance. It can also help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, yoga has been shown to improve heart health and circulation.
What is pilates:
Pilates is a system of exercises that was developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. It is designed to improve muscular strength, flexibility, and posture. Like yoga, pilates emphasizes the mind-body connection and includes breathing exercises. However, unlike yoga, pilates is typically done on a mat or reformer (a piece of exercise equipment that uses springs and pulleys to resistance-train the body).
Benefits: Yoga and Pilates:
The benefits of pilates are similar to those of yoga. Pilates can help to improve flexibility, strength, posture, and balance. It can also help to reduce stress and improve heart health. Additionally, pilates is often recommended for people who have injuries or chronic pain, as it is a low-impact form of exercise.
Yoga benefits:
- Can improve flexibility, strength, and balance
- Can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression
- Can improve heart health and circulation
Pilates benefits:
- Can help to improve flexibility, strength, posture, and balance
- Can help to reduce stress and improve heart health
- Recommended for people who have injuries or chronic pain
Key differences:
Yoga is based on the principle of uniting the body, mind, and spirit while pilates focuses on improving muscular strength, flexibility, and posture. Yoga includes a series of poses that are designed to stretch and strengthen the body while pilates uses springs and pulleys to resistance-train the body. Breathing exercises and meditation are also often included in yoga classes but not typically in pilates classes.
Some people may prefer yoga because it is a more spiritual practice that includes meditation. Others may prefer pilates because it is a more active form of exercise that can help to build muscle.
In the late 19th century, exercising was gaining popularity and Pilates developed a program as a way to tap into the increasing preference to exercise as a way to improve overall health.
However, there is little evidence to support Pilates as a method of ending poor health. In fact, studies have shown that while it can improve balance, it does not do much to treat medical conditions such as lower back pain. The only exception being that regular session can help muscle conditioning when compared to no exercise at all for healthy adults.
Yoga vs Pilates for Flexibility:
While both yoga and pilates can help to improve flexibility, yoga is the better choice if you are looking to increase your flexibility. This is because yoga consists of a series of stretching exercises that will help to lengthen your muscles. Pilates, on the other hand, uses resistance training to build muscle strength.
Yoga vs Pilates for Stress Relief:
If you are looking for an exercise routine that will help to reduce stress, yoga is the better choice. This is because yoga includes breathing exercises and meditation, which have been shown to help reduce stress. Pilates does not typically include these stress-relieving practices.
Yoga vs Pilates for Weight Loss:
If you are looking to lose weight, pilates is the better choice when compared to regular yoga. This is because pilates is a more active form of exercise that can help to burn calories and build muscle. Regular yoga, while it can help to reduce stress, is not as effective for weight loss due to its slower pace. Regular yoga can burn up to 120 calories per hour while power yoga can burn up to 360 calories per hour.
For a 150-pound individual, one 50-minute Pilates mat class at a beginner level burns roughly 175 calories. An advanced 50-minute class burns roughly 254 calories. On the other hand, power yoga for the same amount of time may burn as many as 330 calories.
Thus, if your goal is to lose weight, Pilates isn’t the most effective form of exercise. You’ll burn more calories per session with power yoga, running, or swimming. But if your goal is to improve muscle tone and achieve a long, lean look, Pilates is ideal.
In a 2017 study, 37 women between the ages of 30 and 50 who were overweight or obese were observed. The study concluded that Pilates exercises were successful in the following areas: weight reduction, BMI reduction, and waist toning. It, however, made no difference to lean body mass (body fat weight subtracted from total body weight).
Yoga vs Pilates for Back Pain:
If you are struggling with back pain, yoga may be the better choice for you. This is because yoga includes a variety of stretches that can help to relieve back pain. It can also help to improve your posture and strengthen the muscles that support your back.
Pilates, on the other hand, focuses on building muscle strength and may actually put additional strain on your back. For this reason, it is not recommended for people who are struggling with back pain.
Comparing yoga body vs pilates body:
In bodybuilding, the ideal physique is one with low body fat, and high muscle mass. To achieve this, weightlifters typically bulk up by eating a lot of calories and lifting heavy weights to build muscle. They then cut back on their calorie intake and increase their cardio workouts to help burn off the excess body fat.
Yoga and pilates both help to tone the body and build muscle, but the results are different. Yoga will help to create a long, lean physique while pilates will help to create a strong and toned physique.
If you are looking to bulk up and build muscle, weightlifting is the better option. However, if you are looking to achieve a long, lean look, yoga is the better choice.
11 Key Differences between Yoga and Pilates:
Origin:
Yoga is an ancient practice that originated in India, while Pilates is a relatively modern form of exercise that was developed by Joseph Pilates who was born in Germany in 1883. In terms of years, yoga has been around for more than 3000 years while pilates has been around for less than a century. Pilates called his method “Contrology” and it wasn’t until after his death that it became known as Pilates.
Philosophy:
The philosophy behind yoga is based on the principle of uniting the body, mind, and spirit. The goal of yoga is to promote physical and mental well-being. In contrast, the focus of Pilates is on strengthening and toning the body. Joseph Pilates believed that physical and mental health were interconnected and that by strengthening the body, the mind would also be strengthened.
Approach:
Yoga is a holistic approach that includes a series of poses, breathing exercises, and meditation. The poses are designed to stretch and strengthen the body. The goal is to improve flexibility, strength, and balance.
On the other hand, Pilates is a more targeted approach that uses exercises to strengthen and tone the body. The focus is on the muscles, not on the mind-body connection.
Exercises:
Yoga includes a variety of different types of exercises, such as standing poses, inversions, twists, and backbends. Pilates exercises are typically done lying down or sitting, and they focus on the core muscles of the body, such as the abs, hips, and lower back.
Breathing:
Breathing is an important part of both yoga and Pilates. However, the approach to breathing is different. In yoga, the emphasis is on inhaling and exhaling deeply to help improve the oxygenation of the blood. In Pilates, the emphasis is on exhaling fully to help engage the deep abdominal muscles.
Meditation:
Yoga includes meditation as a way to calm and focus the mind. Meditation is typically done at the beginning or end of a yoga class. Pilates does not typically include meditation, but some instructors may incorporate relaxation and breathing exercises into the class.
Equipment:
Yoga is typically done without any equipment, although props such as yoga mats, blankets, and blocks may be used.
Pilates is often done on a mat or reformer (a piece of exercise equipment that uses springs and pulleys to resistance-train the body).
Clothing:
Yoga is typically done in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
Pilates is typically done in form-fitting clothing so that the instructor can see the alignment of the body.
Class structure:
Yoga classes typically start with a brief relaxation period followed by a warm-up. The class then moves into the various yoga poses. The class typically ends with a period of deep relaxation.
Pilates classes typically start with a warm-up and then move into the various exercises. The class typically ends with a cool-down period.
Instructor training:
Yoga instructors typically need to complete a 200-hour yoga teacher training program.
Pilates instructors typically need to complete a 500-hour Pilates certification program.
So, what’s the difference between yoga and Pilates?
The main differences are in the origin, philosophy, approach, exercises, breathing, meditation, equipment, clothing, and class structure. However, both yoga and Pilates can be helpful in improving physical and mental well-being.
Can you combine Yoga and Pilates?
Yes, you can! In fact, many people do. Some people find that they enjoy the benefits of both yoga and Pilates. Others may find that they prefer one over the other. If you’re interested in combining yoga and Pilates, talk to your instructor about what would be best for you.
The benefits of doing both yoga and Pilates include improved flexibility, strength, balance, and coordination. They can also help improve your posture, breathing, and overall fitness level. So, if you’re looking for a workout that will benefit your mind, body, and spirit, give yoga and Pilates a try!
FAQs
Q: Is Pilates same as yoga?
A: No, Pilates and yoga are two different exercise methods. With Pilates, the focus is on strengthening and toning the body, while yoga is a holistic approach that includes a series of poses, breathing exercises, and meditation designed to promote physical and mental well-being.
Q: Do I need any equipment for yoga?
A: No, yoga is typically done without any equipment. However, props such as yoga mats, blankets, and blocks may be used.
Q: Is Pilates good for weight loss?
A: Yes, Pilates can be helpful for weight loss as it helps to tone the body and build muscle. However, it is important to remember that diet and exercise are both important for weight loss.
Q: Is Pilates better than yoga?
A: There is no definitive answer as to whether Pilates or yoga is better. It depends on your individual needs and goals. If you are looking for a more targeted approach to strengthening and toning your body, then Pilates may be a better option. However, if you are looking for a holistic approach that includes a variety of different exercises, breathing techniques, and meditation, then yoga may be a better option.
Q: Is yoga better than gym?
A: Yoga is better for mind and soul whereas gym is better for physical fitness. For mindfulness, relaxation and to connect with your inner self, yoga is a better option. If you are looking to build muscle, burn calories and improve your physical fitness, then the gym is a better option. However, both yoga and the gym can offer benefits for physical and mental well-being.
Q: Yoga vs pilates calories burned – Which one is better for weight loss, yoga or Pilates?
A: Both yoga and Pilates can be helpful for weight loss. However, it is important to remember that diet and exercise are both important for weight loss. Yoga can help to tone the body and build muscle, while Pilates can help to strengthen the body and improve flexibility. Additionally, both yoga and Pilates can help to boost your metabolism and burn calories.