What's the difference between Yoga and Pilates?

You would not be alone in thinking that Pilates and Yoga are similar! In this blog post, we break down the similarities and differences between Pilates and Yoga. You will be amazed by how different these two forms of exercise are!

We offer both Yoga and Pilates classes at both our Brisbane studios in Camp Hill and Coorparoo. You can view our timetables by clicking here.

Or, if you feel like working out at home, you can join us online with our at-home Yoga and Pilates classes, available through our Online Membership. Online Yoga classes include Yoga, Core Yoga, Yin Yoga, Stretch Yoga and Meditations. Online Pilates classes include Pilates Basics, Pilates Matwork, Advanced Pilates, Pilates with Props, Prenatal Pilates and Postnatal Pilates.

Yoga

Yoga has been around for thousands of years.  The exact origin is uncertain, but we do know that it is an ancient Indian practice that connects mind, body and spirit through movement.  Yoga’s foundations are more spiritual, with the original aim to move energy around the body to allow the student to sit comfortably and meditate for long periods of time after the practice.  Here in the West, we have embraced the movement aspect of yoga as our primary interest.  On this physical level, the postures are designed to lengthen, strengthen, align the body and improve flexibility.  Ultimately aiming to keep the body balanced and healthy, which is why Joseph Pilates embraced yoga when he was creating his method. 

Pilates

The similarities between the two come from the fact that Joseph Pilates used many elements of yoga when he created his exercise regime "Contrology", which we now know as Pilates. Born in Germany in 1880, Joseph Pilates was a sickly child who became obsessed with the idea that movement was medicine. He endeavoured to improve his health and well-being by studying various Eastern and Western forms of movement including gymnastics, martial arts and yoga.

Interestingly, when World War I broke out, Joseph Pilates was interned in a prison camp in England for a year where he put his knowledge to good use.  He taught his fellow internees his exercise method, insisting that they would be stronger and healthier as a result.  Apparently those in Joseph Pilates’ prison camp were said to have resisted the influenza epidemic that killed thousands (I’ll just leave you ponder that one for now). 

(And as a little bit of trivia for you, the earliest versions of the reformer we all know and love were fashioned out of prison hospital beds.)

Pilates’ method focuses on the “powerhouse”- not just the core, but all the stabilising muscles of the spine to improve postural alignment.  The premise is that a balanced body allows for optimal movement, energy flow and general wellbeing.  A popular Joseph Pilates quote “You are only as young as your spine is flexible” pretty much sums up his approach. 

Differences

Pilates is a workout whereas yoga is a practice.  There are some forms of yoga (Power yoga) which aim to be a more strenuous practice, many yogis are now returning to the more meditative practices believing the world has enough strenuous exercise programs available and yoga does not need to be in this space.  Yoga can better serve the population by providing a centering stabilising practice in this busy world. 

Pilates focuses on repetitions where yoga tends to hold individual poses for longer periods of time. 

Pilates focuses on core strength, where the powerhouse is the foundation for all movements.  For yoga, connecting the body, mind and breath is the key premise. 

Pilates, mat Pilates in particular, tends to be performed mainly on the floor.  Moves are performed supine (lying on your back), prone (lying on your belly), or sidelying.  In yoga, you start with standing poses, progessing to seated poses, and finally transitioning to either prone or supine poses to finish off the practice. 

Similarities

Both are considered mind-body practices with the ultimate aim to create a greater awareness of the connection between mind and body.

Both tend to be mat based, using body weight as the ultimate resistance tool. 

Both aim to lengthen, strengthen and tone the body to cultivate balance and well-being. 

Both are low impact, gentler forms of exercise, making them available to all levels of fitness and ability.

The best way to find out the differences between yoga and Pilates – try them yourself! To join us for a class click here!