Pilates vs Yoga - What are the Differences?

Both yoga and Pilates can provide a great workout, building strength and flexibility, and merging body and mind in practice. The two types of workout seem very similar, and in many ways they are. But there are also some important differences!

Their Spirit and History

The main difference between Pilates and yoga is spirituality. Yoga is an ancient, spiritual practice. The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning “to yoke,” or “to unite”. Yoga aims to create union between body, mind and spirit, as well as between the individual self and universal consciousness.

Pilates however has no spiritual connection and was developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920's. Pilates was a frail child, suffering from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever. But his drive and determination to overcome these ailments led him to become a competent gymnast, diver and skier. Later, during the First World War, Pilates was interned with other German nationals in the UK. It was during this time that Pilates developed his technique of physical fitness further, by teaching his fellow internees. After moving to New York with his wife he opened his first studio with the equipment that he had developed and made and worked with gymnasts, dancers and circus performers. He soon became well known and his studio became very popular with celebrities.

Joseph Pilates said, “Contrology (Pilates) develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirit.”

They Both Focus On Breath…But In Different Ways

Breath is an integral part of both yoga and Pilates. In yoga there are many different types of breathing that can be used to invigorate or calm the body. The most commonly used are three part breathing, alternate nostril breathing and Ujjayi (ocean) breathing. The yogic breath focuses on the belly.

Joseph Pilates encouraged full, intentional breathing in life and in exercise. Breath has the power to transform the body and mind. When practicing Pilates, we exercise our lungs by breathing deeply and synchronizing our breath with the movement. The Pilates breath is focused in the ribcage (intercostal breathing) allowing you to connect your abdominals while you move. Deep breathing also sends oxygen to the muscles and brain allowing you to get even more out of your workout!

"Above all, learn how to breathe correctly." - Joseph Pilates

How you move

Both yoga and Pilates are great for strengthening the body and are low impact. In a yoga class you typically go through a series of poses (asanas) that are held for a certain number of breaths. The poses typically focus on flexibility and strength. Classes may also focus on a particular part of the body eg shoulders, back etc.

Joseph Pilates developed a series of exercises that move the body in all planes of direction and work the whole body. He named it 'Contrology' - the movements are designed to elongate, strengthen and restore the body to balance, it so much more than just building a 'strong core' or 'perfect posture'!

"The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning develops the body uniformly, corrects posture, restores vitality, invigorates the mind and elevates the spirit." - Joseph Pilates

What you need

Both yoga and Pilates require very little or no equipment - you just need a mat to get started! If you go to a yoga studio you'll probably find that they have yoga blocks, blankets, bolsters and yoga straps to use in modifications of poses. Some may also have aerial trapezes for aerial yoga.

Most people who are new to Pilates start with mat Pilates - and that is literally all you need! You can also add in some small props such as a band, fitness circle, small weights or toning balls. Some classes also incorporate a Bosu or exercise ball.

If you go to a Pilates studio you may notice some strange looking machinery! And although at first glance they may look like instruments of torture they can offer so many new challenges and support! They were developed by Joseph Pilates himself! During the latter part of the First World War, Joseph Pilates served as an orderly in a hospital on the Isle of Man where he worked with patients unable to walk. He attached bed springs to the hospital beds to help support the patients' limbs, leading to the development of his famous piece of equipment known as the 'Cadillac'. Later he also developed the Reformer, Stability Chair and Barrel.

I invented all these machines... it resists your movements in just the right way so those inner muscles really have to work against it. That way you can concentrate on movement. You must always do it slowly and smoothly. Then your whole body is in it." - Joseph Pilates

So there you have it! Many differences but I find that they compliment one another really well too. Ideally I love to do both!