What are the Differences of Pilates vs Yoga

The differences between Pilates and yoga have always been an issue of discussion among people who are looking out for the best physical fitness regime for themselves. In fact, Pilates vs. Yoga has become a controversial topic, these days. Let us discuss the differences between Pilates and Yoga in detail, in order to understand the health benefits of yoga and Pilates separately. This would also offer you an idea of what type of physical fitness regime would suit you and offer you maximum health benefits.

Pilates is gaining as much popularity as the age old tradition of maintaining a health fitness regime, yoga. Most people, across the globe are aware of the benefits of yoga and Pilates.

Pilates is usually considered to be a physical activity rather than a cardiovascular workout. Both Pilates and yoga usually share the same technology and aim towards developing and strengthening of the muscles. Both the forms of exercises focus on the muscles of the arms, legs, abdomen and back.

Some basic differences for Pilates vs. yoga.
Yoga is a physical fitness regime originated in Northern part of India, in ancient period. The history of yoga dates back to almost five thousand years ago. Pilates is not an ancient practice as yoga. It is just eighty years old and invented by a German athlete, Joseph Pilates.

Pilates method, although inspired by certain yoga poses, is a complicated system. It works towards conditioning the entire body. Yoga, however is explained as a lifestyle, instead of just an exercise. It works towards offering a path to physical and mental well-being. It also includes all the exercise routines in conjunction with a healthy diet, relaxation, meditation, and breathing skills.

Pilates focus on developing the core strength inside the body and elongating the spine. This form of exercise would enhance strength and spread awareness on proper posture. Yoga basically emphasizes on the union of body with mind and spirit and works on the whole body. Yoga helps in relieving stress.

Both Pilates and yoga focus on breathing and concentration. The basic difference is that yoga focuses on employing breathing process on a deeper level. Pilates includes inhaling via nose and exhaling through the mouth and yoga concentrates on utilizing the nose for both inhaling and exhaling.

Yoga includes many styles and all these styles are usually performed in a group on a yoga mat; with the help of instructions offered by a yoga teacher. Although Pilates work on Pilates mat, but it also emphasizes on certain Pilates machines in order to build machines.

Pilates does not require any sort of extra props such as blocks, straps and blankets whereas yoga does.

There are several benefits of Pilates yoga. Let us discuss on the various benefits of Pilates and yoga, individually prior to deciding on which one is best.

Benefits of Pilates:
Pilates refreshes your mind and body with the help of some non-strenuous workout. Since, it focuses on proper breathing techniques and instructs on maintaining a correct posture and pelvic alignment, you would be able to learn about the correct body posture and the importance of maintaining one. One can easily learn to control body movements and follow a proper breathing schedule. Remember that proper breathing is extremely essential to reduce stress. Pilates is the best way to build strength without attaining those bulky muscles. Bulky muscles have more tendencies to succumb to injuries. Pilates help in strengthening, lengthening muscles, enhancing muscle elasticity and joint mobility.

Pilates would help you developing a flat abdomen and a strong back. Within few weeks of practice, you would feel enhancement in your joint mobility, flexibility and following a better posture.

Benefits of yoga:
Yoga is an exercise pattern that focuses on physical as well as mental well being of an individual. It works towards enhancing flexibility, lubrication of the joints, tendons and ligaments. You would be surprised to know that yoga is the only medium through which you can offer a massage to all the internal glands and organs of your body. This physical fitness system works towards a complete detoxification of the body and toning of the muscles. Yoga is the best way to keep your body away from diseases.

Doing them both in conjunction would be a better choice. You can easily enjoy the benefits of both the forms of exercises. Try getting the stretch from yoga and strengthen your abdominals via Pilates.

Try learning the breathing techniques of Pilates and the meditative spirit of yoga and you would definitely experience the relief from stress in your daily life and hectic routine.

In a nutshell, both Pilates and yoga are beneficial for health and compliments each other. None of the physical fitness system has negative or side effects on the body, if performed correctly. The benefits of Pilates and yoga have been alluring many people towards them and millions of people, across the globe have already practiced these exercise and benefited from them. You need to look out for an option that would suit your specific requirements and schedule.

Reference from http://www.fuelthemind.com