Yoga vs Pilates...

YOGA vs. PILATES…

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Both Yoga and Pilates have become a popular part of many health enthusiasts’ workouts.  Yet is there is one that is better than the other, or are there even any differences at all?  To avoid any potential showdowns at the gym with your friends over who’s exercise program is better, read this over and decide for yourself.

Both Yoga and Pilates are low impact exercises for those who want to develop their flexibility and their “core” strength, while also concentrating on their breathing and reducing stress levels.  Core strength is created through concentrating on the area of your abdominal muscles and lower back to be the source of strength for all yoga and pilates positions. Yoga and Pilates increase in difficulty, complexity, and intensity of the poses based on the skill level of the individual.  Although the exercises may not look hard, the key of each pose or position is your ability to execute it properly.  If not, the workout is not beneficial, and you could also risk hurting yourself.

The beauty of both yoga and pilates is that the time commitment required is up to you and as long as you practice it correctly and frequently, you will see and feel results.

Yoga and Pilates are always gaining in popularity and classes can be found at most gyms, in private classes or by watching videos or reading instructional books.  However, it is recommended that beginners take a class before trying out the exercises on their own.  This will give you a better sense of the right way to do the movements and give you a sense of the pace that you are supposed to execute each exercise.

The only technical difference between the two regimes is that practicing pilates can also involve using a pilates machine, and it looks fairly intimidating to the beginner.

Yoga also has close ties with meditation, while pilates does not, and focuses on the relationship between the mind, the body and the spirit.  A typical yoga class ends with  meditation, which should not be confused with nap time.

So whether you are doing the Downward dog or the Hundred, both yoga and pilates will leave you feeling relaxed and peaceful.