As I teach both Pilates and Yoga -as a health practice rather than a spiritual one- I’m often asked what is the difference between both practices and which one is the best.
Both movement practices aim at rebalancing the body, at gaining strength, stability and flexibility and at calming the mind for better general health. Both practices address the entire body rather than muscle groups and require body awareness.
In a nutshell, Pilates will do it thorough exercises and Yoga through poses.
Pilates vs Yoga?
Pilates Classes
Pilates classes teach you good posture and how to move well.
Pilates exercises coordinate the breath with movement and require good alignment to free the joints, improving concentration (one point focus/task orientated) and relaxation (no unnecessary tension in the body).
Pilates starts with building a strong balanced frame that you eventually load progressively, with the emphasis on good posture and freeing the movement. It is a very safe practice, easy on the body but mentally challenging to start with. As you progress, the exercises challenge the body more.
Pilates is a very pragmatic approach to health -Josef Pilates was German and named his method “Contrology”.
It is the weapon of choice for movement reeducation and rehabilitation. Physiotherapists and Osteopaths love recommending Pilates as a complement to their treatments.
Pilates is very versatile. Exercises are varied, with thousands variations and can be taught on a mat, with or without small equipment like bands, balls, rollers… or on machines, Reformer, Cadillac and Pedal chair.
Yoga Classes
Yoga is originally a spiritual practice from India but has been exported to the west mainly as a fitness practice.
Different Yoga styles suit different personalities. The Vinyasa styles are more “yang” -strong flowing moves and yoga postures, while Iyengar, Scaravelli, British wheel are more “Yin’ -stilling holding yoga poses.
Yoga uses a series of Yoga postures to open the body improving Prana (energy) flow throughout the body to boost its healing mechanisms.
Yoga also starts with building a strong balance frame by opening/stretching the body fascia lines -the connective tissues lines that holds your body together.
It also coordinates the movement with breath and requires good alignment to free the joints. It improves mindfulness (body sensations/experience) as well as concentration.
Pilates vs Yoga – Me Personally
I love both practices.
I like Pilates for its versatility and yoga for its holistic approach.
After a Pilates session, I feel strong, centred and energised. After a Yoga session, I feel open, elastic and calmer. This is my experience.
Yours might be different. Different practices suit different bodies and personalities and different teachers suit different students.
Your best bet is to try both Yoga and Pilates with different teachers and find what you enjoy most!
Find out about classes for: Yoga in East Sheen and Pilates in East Sheen.