‘Pilates and Yoga - What’s the Difference?’

This is a question I am frequently asked, or when I tell someone I’m a Pilates instructor, they will often reply along the lines of “Oh, that’s like Yoga, right?”

Yes and no is my answer!

A major difference in the two is longevity. Yoga has been practiced for around 5000 years and is a spiritual philosophy with eight parts, the movement or physical practice is just one of them. Pilates, having been developed in the 1920s by Joseph Pilates, is relatively new in comparison and while it does have recognised ‘principles’ such as balance, concentration and coordination, it is not generally considered a spiritual practice.

Pilates was influenced by Yoga and those familiar with both practices will notice similarity in some of the movements and poses. Both are typically performed on a mat with various props and tools such as balls, blocks, straps and bands incorporated.

Pilates, unlike Yoga, also has a whole repertoire that involves the use of larger studio equipment. The most well-known of these is the reformer which many think of as a relatively new invention. It has however, been around since the start of Pilates and its design has not changed that much since Joseph Pilates created the first one. Other equipment such as the Wunda chair, trapeze, tower ladder barrel and step barrel were also invented by Joseph Pilates and they too are becoming more well known and appreciated with the increasing popularity of equipment based studios.

Generally, Yoga and Pilates are similar, both emphasise breath awareness and use movement patterns that can be physically challenging and/or physically restorative. When practiced consistently each modality can help people tune into the centre or core of the body, mind and spirit and bring about a greater awareness of self.

I certainly don’t consider myself a Yoga ‘expert’ but I do enjoy practising it and based on this experience, the key difference, I believe, is how each movement practice gets us to that place of awareness…

Yoga begins with stillness. Each session focuses on breathing, letting thoughts go and coming to a place of harmony between mind and body. From this state of presence, the movement sequences and poses help us find balance and move energy through the body to create a sense of ease. Yoga’s path towards harmony starts from within and slowly expands out through the body.

Pilates uses action. Exercises, breath, and precise movement patterns are given to encourage a state of focus and intention, that brings us to a state of presence. Through movement that occurs from the outside our focus is slowly and purposefully drawn inwards to gain a greater sense of mind-body connection and balance. Pilates is often associated with the term ‘core strength’- a phrase often interpreted as meaning a well defined six pack! While this is certainly an aesthetic bonus that can be achieved with consistent practice, core strength in Pilates works on a much deeper level. By encouraging the engagement of deeper muscles around our spine and joints Pilates provides strength and stability to our posture and movement patterns. Stability means focusing on the movement of a particular muscle or group of muscles while keeping the rest of the body still and provides unique benefits for people of all fitness levels. The use of stability exercises in Pilates strengthens muscles and increases control, range of movement, and decreases strain on primary muscle groups, thus preventing us from injury.

Often I see posts and articles declaring Pilates Vs Yoga, which I am not a fan of. Both practices clearly have a myriad of benefits enjoyed by many people. Neither is ‘better’ than the other and I really don’t like to see them pitted against each other. While my favourite is Pilates (of course!) there are many times when a beautiful Yoga class has been just the thing my body and soul needed. It is something I enjoy without compromising anything I want to explore in my Pilates routines. I enjoy the similarities and the differences and find together they make great companions!

How about you?

Until next time

CC x

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