For those of us who aren't the most physically inclined, in terms of exercise and aerobics, yoga and Pilates may seem like two sides of the same coin. Yet, to the experienced yoga connoisseur or the faithful Pilates student, these two methods of fitness and meditation are quite different. For the benefit of less knowledgeable readers, let’s examine yoga and Pilates by first considering their histories.
Yoga is an ancient system of health and fitness that originated in India. The precise details of its invention are unknown, but patrons of the art estimate yoga to be approximately four thousand years old. The 20th century witnessed a rebirth of yoga in India, which caused a globalization of this ancient tradition. Although different schools have emerged, with varied philosophies regarding the practice of yoga, all of them agree on the fundamental purpose of yoga, which is to foster harmony in the body, mind, and environment.
On the other hand, Pilates is a much younger art that was named after its founder, originated with Joseph Pilates. This German-born gymnast drew inspiration from his background in yoga, Zen meditation, and martial arts, and developed the Pilates exercise system in the 1920s. He devised a unique sequence of movements that strengthened muscle and mind in harmony. In today’s exercise world, Pilates is used to lengthen the spine and create long, lean muscles.

The Same, Yet Different

Now that we have clear foundations of the emergence of both yoga and Pilates as fitness methods, let’s look at their similarities and differences closely.

First of all, both methods work towards sculpting the body and increasing flexibility. Neither exercise will work the heart or lungs like a cardiovascular workout will, but they both add to an overall state of mental and physical fitness. The techniques of both workouts are so similar that they're often fused together. For example, yoga-Pilates classes are offered across America, and they employ workout videos combining both arts.

Now, let’s look at the differences so you can decide with method serves your needs better.

1. Yoga is an entirely holistic program that encompasses diet, meditation, breathing techniques, religious proclamation, and a moral code. Meanwhile, Pilates is simply a form of exercise, which provides techniques for body sculpting.
2. While yoga aims to unite mind and body, as well as to cleanse the body of toxins, Pilates was created to strengthen, define, and improve posture.
3. Additionally, your yoga instructor will show you how to inhale and exhale through the nose; Pilates utilizes the traditional athletic mode of breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth.
4. Yoga can generally be done with a mat, while instructors ensure everyone's in proper form, while Pilates, on the other hand, employs specific machinery for its workouts.

Yoga or Pilates?

We’ve learned that Pilates stems from yoga, adopting its mind-body approach. Both methods have proved increasingly beneficial for physical, mental, and spiritual health. How you get to your fitness and health goals is completely a matter of preference. Are you a gymnast or other athlete looking for the advantage of long, lean muscles? Or are you a stressed individual wanting to achieve inner piece while making yourself more flexible? Either way, the choice is yours.

Some experts recommend the Pilates workout for a long, streamlined physique, but for the stressed individual, yoga is the relief you need. It will provide an outlet of ‘letting go,’ a method of peaceful meditation and spiritual freedom. If you are really set on the advantages of both practices, make use of both experiences. Alternate your workout routine weekly: yoga one week, Pilates the next.
Whether you do one or both, these two fitness arts are guaranteed to be liberating, strengthening, and refreshing. Take an advanced step toward a healthy existence, body, mind and soul!