Which is better? How are they similar? What is the difference between them? The commentary on the two most popular forms of exercise is a short and comprehensive view from one of today's Pilates coaches who have also taught yoga for 35 years.

Breathe

Pilates and yoga are strangely similar, and they are also very different in terms of breathing. Both methods emphasize breathing, but put it in different directions.

Breathing is one of the most important principles of Pilates. The founder, Joseph Pilates, emphasized breathing in his books and instructions.

According to my teacher and Pilates elder Mary Bowen, Joseph Pilates has never developed any special breathing mechanisms, although some of his students developed several techniques after their death. Joe Pilates does create a breathing pattern for every movement, and natural breathing can breathe fully and frequently as you move. This effect is exciting, in fact, even after the most rigorous training, Pilates will be full of energy rather than exhaustion.

In the development of specific respiratory mechanisms, yoga far exceeds Pilates. The complexity and depth of breathing [breathing] yoga techniques include breathing different nostrils with different inhalations, exhalations, and breathing, all of which are designed to create and move the body's energy. I have explored breathing techniques in Pilates and Yoga and found them to be very energetic.

Physical and mental

There are very few exercise methods that connect the body and mind like Pilates and yoga.

Focusing on your movement is the key to both approaches. Yoga goes one step further by adding spiritual or religious dimensions to meditation and some traditional chanting and dedication to teachers.

history

Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in 1883. He studied all forms of sports at the time, including oriental forms such as yoga. He began researching his methods almost 100 years ago.

He moved to New York in the 1960s and introduced his method to the dance community for the first time, where it was immediately hit. From there it gained worldwide welcome. It is used by elite athletes, celebrities and physiotherapists and is particularly effective for physical recovery such as back pain.

Since the death of Joe Pilates in the late 1960s, this method has evolved into many schools and fusions such as yoga, Zumbalates, tangolates and even piloxing [Pilates and Boxing].

In contrast, yoga can be traced back thousands of years. The earliest evidence appeared on the 4500 seal of the Indus Valley. Experts believe that the yoga tradition may be much older. Light on yogaThe Bible, widely regarded as yoga, lists hundreds of ways to treat diseases using specific yoga postures.

Yaga has also evolved into many different schools and integrations.

No machinery

Although both methods are easy to use balls, bands and other props, they don't require any equipment. You can do it anytime, anywhere – for the ultimate convenience.

Pilates has specially designed equipment, but it is not necessary. In fact, the mat exercise program that does not use any equipment is the original Pilates method that Joe Pilates calls "Contrology."

Stretch

A review of these two methods of exercise should not neglect their different forms of stretching. However, I have never read any other discussion.

Yoga function Static stretching. This means maintaining a posture while the muscles are stretching. In contrast, Pilates is Dynamic stretching The place where your muscles will grow longer as you move. Studies have shown that dynamic stretching brings more benefits due to increased muscle recovery and reduced risk of injury.

According to personal experience, as a teacher and practitioner of Pilates and Hatha Yoga, I found that static elasticity is very suitable for relaxation and stress relief. On the other hand, I found that dynamic stretching is a better choice for relieving joint and back pain and improving athletic performance.

Strength and aerobics

Sports science has proven that our body needs three different types of exercise – strength training, stretching and cardiovascular regulation, often referred to as aerobics or aerobic exercise. These three basic exercises are rarely included in one method. Pilates always includes 2 – stretching and strength training. Advanced Pilates pad exercises also include aerobic exercise, which is a very complete exercise method.

In contrast, yoga is mainly stretched and rarely includes strength training or aerobic exercise. There are some exceptions, such as the very sporty form of yoga found in the Iyengar, Ashtanga and Bikram methods.

Which is better?

I believe I can provide an interesting point on this issue because I have practiced and taught for nearly forty years. According to my experience, you can get more spiritual aspects and relax from yoga. However, studies have shown that any exercise can effectively relieve stress. But if you want a complete power building, stretching and aerobics, Pilates is my favorite choice.

Pilates and Yoga – a new perspective was originally published on Spring