Just like many people, you may be confused about the difference between Yoga and Pilates. Both are very popular workouts with a number of benefits to those who practice.
Yoga is a spiritual workout focused on providing harmony between the mind and body. Pilates is a workout focused on utilizing unused muscles and promoting definition.
In this article, we will discuss the definition and history of both Pilates and Yoga, the benefits of each, and which one is a better workout.
What is Yoga?
Yoga’s origin can be traced back to India, with the first practice being over 5,000 years ago. There are various types of yoga, such as aerial and power yoga. These different styles can combine physical poses, breathing exercises, and meditation.
Yoga is shown to improve strength, flexibility, and mental health. This is because you are moving slowly, breathing deeply, and holding your body in poses. Participating in this practice is a great way to connect with your thoughts and set intentions for the day.
Yoga can be practiced at home or in a studio with an instructor. If you are practicing in a studio, you can take classes for all ability levels – beginner, intermediate and advanced. These classes will vary with the difficulty of poses done throughout the workout.
Benefits of Doing Yoga
Yoga has a number of benefits in regards to the health and wellness of our bodies. Practicing Yoga can benefit people of all ages at all difficulty levels. Here is a list of benefits you can expect to encounter after consistently practicing:
- Improved Strength and Balance
- Better Sleep
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety
- Prevention of Lower Back Pain
- Social Community if Practiced in a Group or Class
What is Pilates?
Pilates is similar to Yoga in the fact that it concentrates on balance and posture. But, Pilates requires more body and core strength. This exercise was developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, so it is a much newer practice than Yoga. The goal of Pilates is to target smaller, unused muscles that help us with everyday movements.
Pilates incorporates flowing movements, done precisely and deliberately all while breathing deeply. In some cases, a Pilates workout is done on a specifically designed structure called a reformer. This is a bed-shaped bench that glides back and forth. Pilates can also be completed on a mat or rug if you are working out at home.
Pilates strengthens your muscles while providing benefits to your balance and posture. When practicing Pilates, it is essential to practice at your ability level. If you are working out in a studio, let your instructor know if you are a beginner to prevent injuries.
Benefits of Doing Pilates
Pilates also has a list of benefits one can expect following a consistent routine. Pilates is popular among celebrities for promoting a “long and lean” body physique. In addition to celebrities, Pilates can also be beneficial for people of all ages and all fitness levels. There is a Pilates class for everyone, you just have to find the right one! Below is a list of benefits of Pilates:
- Increased Core Strength
- Better Posture
- Prevents Injuries During Other Activities
- Boosted Mood and Energy
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety
- Can Reduce Menstrual Pains
Difference Between Yoga and Pilates
Yoga and Pilates are both low-impact workouts that improve strength and focus on posture and balance when completing movements. For this reason, some people get the two exercises confused. The main difference between Yoga and Pilates is how your body moves during the workout.
During Yoga, you get into a position and hold it for a moment, and then slowly transition to the next movement. While doing Pilates, you will adopt a pose to maintain and then add difficulty by moving your arms and legs in small movements.
Additionally, because of the way we move, Yoga and Pilates are considered different categories of exercise. Yoga is better for cardiovascular endurance, while Pilates is better for strength.
Finally, Yoga is considered more spiritual than Pilates. In most Yoga classes, there is time dedicated to working your body in addition to your spirit. This is demonstrated in moments of meditation, reflection, and mindful breathing exercises. Although a Pilates class will leave you feeling great because of endorphins, you will not find the spiritual element of a Yoga class.
Is Yoga or Pilates a Better Workout?
The answer to the question “Is Yoga or Pilates better?” lies within yourself and your fitness goals. With the different variations of each of these workouts, there is something out there for everyone. This can be broken down into the benefits and structure of each of these workouts.
For example, if you want to improve mindfulness and feel more connected to yourself, Yoga might be your workout of choice. Many poses within Yoga require an advanced level of flexibility. Yoga might not be right for you if this does not sound achievable.
On the other hand, Pilates can be a bit more fast-paced than a yoga class. Pilates is great for recovery from injury and strengthening the core and other muscles. But, access to classes with the reformer equipment may be too expensive for some.
As you can see, each of these workouts has its own specific set of benefits. Deciding which one is better for you will be determined by your own needs and abilities. It is best to consult your doctor with any specific questions.
Summary
In this article, we broke down the differences between Yoga and Pilates. This can be commonly confusing, as these exercises are similar. Yoga and Pilates are low-impact workouts with many benefits, such as improved strength, flexibility, and reduced body pains.
Yoga is a mindful experience that brings harmony to your mind and body through poses that are held in place. Pilates is less spiritual and involves more movement. When it comes to which exercise is a better workout, that all depends on your personal preference. We hope this article was helpful in explaining Yoga and Pilates!
