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I was introduced to yoga just over ten years ago, and pilates just last year.  I have always considered myself to be athletic, I am life long runner and volleyball player.  But the difference that yoga and pilates have made in my life is tremendous.  They have helped improve my other physical activities by creating lean and toned muscles, and giving me a greater focus on my breathing. Life is about balance, and there is no better place to start than within.

I often am asked what the difference is between pilates and yoga.  I can understand the possible confusion, there are many similarities between mat pilates and yoga.  And at some gyms they even have pi-yo, a pilates and yoga combination mat class.  But there are also some notable differences, which make them perfect compliments to each other.

Yoga is a workout for both body and mind. In fact, the Sanskrit word yoga has many meanings, and is derived from the word meaning “to unite”. Which makes perfect sense, since yoga helps create a connection between mind and body when practiced. The word yoga originated in India and is associated with meditative practices in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Outside India, the word yoga is typically defined as a form of exercise. There is a great focus on breathing with yoga, and the movements, or poses, are done to promote flexibility and mediation. Yoga classes usually begin and end with a meditative practice.

take time to breathe, you'll thank yourself for it

Pilates is about working your core, and strengthening and elongating all of your muscles. The “Pilates Principles” were created by Joesph Pilates in the early 20th century to condition the entire body: proper alignment, centering, concentration, control, precision, breathing, and flowing movement. In pilates, there is a focus on breathing in order to encourage proper movement and form. Pilates also differs from yoga in that it can be practiced on pilates machines, in addition to a floor or mat version. I recently visited a local pilates studio and was amazed at the amount of scientific detail that the pilates instructors have to learn in order to become certified. I was amazed at the knowledge of human anatomy, and attention to individual body types and conditions that the instructors possessed. And it really is for any body type or any age. The programs can be customized to accommodate injuries or limitations as well. Of course, that is also true of yoga, it also knows no age limits!

So what does it all mean?  Basically both pilates and yoga provide great physical and mental benefits, however pilates provides a total body toning workout, with an emphasis on the core muscles.  When I was trying to get my body toned for our wedding last year, I turned to mat pilates to help strengthen and tone my arms and ab muscles in particular.  But what I discovered is that pilates helped my whole body feel toned and stronger, including my lower back and my leg muscles.  I turned to yoga to help with flexibility, and to help calm my mind. But a good Vinyasa flow yoga class (a type of yoga which promotes movement through the poses, as opposed to simply holding the poses) can also really get your heart rate up, serve as a great workout, and create lean and long muscles.

You can’t go wrong either way, give it a try if you haven’t already and start seeing the difference!  Better yet, try working both yoga and pilates into your routine, they both will be a great addition to your cardio exercise schedule and are a great compliment to each other.

Need some new gear or a new dvd? Stop by the yoga and pilates section of our Amazon store: Amazon.com

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