Pilates and yoga are still commonly confused, but they are very different activities. Both are becoming increasingly popular as we become more aware of the mental health benefits in physical activity and invest our time and energy into improving our overall wellbeing. We spoke with Daniela de Silva, the Founder of partner studio, Blue House Yoga to understand the real differences between yoga and Pilates:
Intensity
Both yoga and Pilates offer similar physical benefits as the classes provide exercise full-body exercises that engage all muscle groups and improve flexibility. Pilates was established as a physical rehabilitation program, however, the same benefits are also a byproduct of yoga . In comparison to some types of yoga (yin, restorative, Hatha), Pilates might offer a more physically intensive session and better opportunity to tone-up. However, Power Yoga,Ashtanga, Vinyasa and other dynamic styles of yoga, also offers flow routines that can challenge the body and build muscle.
Mental Wellbeing
The origin of yoga was to improve individual consciousness and to connect the mind with the body. Yoga has been shown to support mental wellbeing, as it focuses on internal reflection. It offers a multidimensional experience that encompasses ancient philosophy and spirituality. Not only the Asanas ( poses ) offer explicit frameworks to the practitioner, but the breathe ( Pranayama ), sight ( Drishti ) and gestures ( mudras ) will enrich your experience. Yoga can be integrated with therapeutic and explorative sessions to strengthen mental stamina and resilience as well as the body. However, Yoga maybe a little heavy for some and in such a case if you are looking for a low-impact great results activity then Pilates can be more suited.
Breathe
Breathing in Pilates is used to provide the muscles with oxygen, focusing on muscle relaxation and engagement to maintain poses, offering physical benefits that are indisputable, but breathing (also known as Pranayama), some would argue the strongest pillar in the whole practice. Pranayama or breathwork will not be restricted to physical benefits but used as a direct tool to influence a person’ss mental, emotional and physical state. Pranayama is a versatile and powerful yogic tool also used for purification. A controversial yogic breathing technique commonly known as alien yoga or Nauli has recently attracted attention for promoting abdominal fat loss while massaging internal organs in rather advanced practice.The breathing as one can verify has a more diverse role in the practice of yoga when compared to Pilates .
Both activities provide multiple benefits that transcend physical aspects and are typically low impact forms of exercises. Ultimately, they can be combined for an ambitious but rewarding transformation. The best way to decide is to take a few classes of both Yoga and Pilates to decide what feels best for you.
