Pilates versus yoga

Pilates versus Yoga, whatever you pick among these two, you can definitely bet that your body will be the ultimate winner. You can tell that these two are popular judging by the coverage that these two get from newspapers and magazines. And by going online and by checking lifestyle websites, for sure you have observed the attention on Pilates versus Yoga. What are these two exercises? Why the sudden attention? What is so special about these two? And between Pilates versus yoga, what is your pick?

Here are details that you might want to know before taking your pick. Yoga is a traditional and mental exercise originating from India. Its purpose is to unite the body, the mind and the spirit. Therapeutic in nature, the Yogis believe that body and mind are one and if it is given the right tools and led to the right environment it can find harmony and heal itself. It makes us more aware of our body’s alignment, posture and patterns of movement. And in a stress stricken environment, Yoga can help our body to be flexible and be relaxed. Mostly performed in a group setting with a Yoga instructor and a special yoga mat, the body’s own weight is used for resistance and the main focus is to the flow of one posture into the other. People are into yoga because they feel fit, happier, and energetic and most of all they experience peace every time.

Pilates is a unique form of exercise, developed by Joseph H. Pilates in 1920’s, which was intended for the rehabilitation of immobile and bed ridden patients and soldiers of World War I. Pilates exercise works the whole body using the six Pilates principles, concentration, centering, precision, control, breathing, and flowing movements using both mind and body. Pilates movements are not rapid and repeated excessively; the exercises focus on quality and not quantity. The core strength (torso) serves as the center of all movement allowing the entire body to move freely. There are two ways of Pilates exercise, the mat exercises and the equipment to tone and strengthen the body, both using the body’s own weight as resistance. The balance between flexibility and strength constitutes to symmetrical workout of muscle groups, thus producing a leaner, healthier and stronger body.

Pilates versus yoga; no matter what you choose you can bet that your body and health is the winner.

Pilates versus Yoga

Pilates versus yoga, which one works better? Just like any other health fanatic, you too have probably asked this question yourself. Both types of exercise have been promoted on television and magazines and both claim to be effective. To answer your question, let us take a look at their difference and similarities.

As you probably know, yoga aims to unite the mind, body, and spirit of the person. It is a therapeutic exercise that helps you become aware of your body’s alignment, posture, and movement patterns. It keeps your body flexible and helps you relax in the middle of a stressful environment.

Pilates Yoga Workouts

Yoga is has several styles. The Vinyasa Yoga use modified yoga poses that are intended to increase healing, flexibility and strengthens your joints. Other forms of yoga exercises also include meditation, study of classic elements, and reflection.

Pilates or Yoga?… on the other hand, has the same objective as the yoga but includes using pilates machines, like the torturous looking Reformer. Like yoga, pilates also uses controlled movements and full matwork. Its emphasis places on strengthening the abdominals, spine, posture, and enhances balance and total strength.

Pilates lets your whole body work and emphasizes a lot of concentration in both your mind and body. The movement focuses on the abdominal muscles, lower back, and buttocks and lets the rest of your body move freely. Pilates centers on six principles, control, concentration, centering, flow and precision, and breathing. With the use of these principles correctly, the person ends up getting leaner, stronger and more balanced.

Now that you have a fair idea what differs pilates versus yoga, you can now choose which of these two exercise you think will work well for you. If you’re still a bit confused, then I suggest do a combination of both. Since both exercises pretty much uses the same techniques, these two will actually complement each other. You may employ the stretching techniques from yoga and do abdominal strengthening with the use of the reformer. Combine both breathing and meditation techniques of the two exercises.

Now let me ask you, which among the two would you prefer? Pilates versus yoga, I’d say I’ll choose both.