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What is the difference between Pilates and Yoga? We often hear both forms of exercise and movement used in the same breath as they share many similarities and appeal to a similar demographic. These low-impact exercises share a number of postures and work to enhance one’s strength and flexibility. Though often grouped together by their notable similarities, these two exercises also have quite a few distinct differences, the most pronounced difference being their purpose as well as their focus.
Yoga prioritizes spirituality and flexibility while Pilates focuses far more on strengthening.
Differences
History
Perhaps one of the more notable differences between Yoga and Pilates is their age and origin stories. The practice of Yoga is thousands of years old, originating in northern India. It began as an entirely spiritual practice that stemmed from one of the oldest texts in human history, the Rig Vida, an ancient Hindu scripture.
Eventually, the spiritual practice of yoga evolved to include caring for the body and became what we now know today as Hatha Yoga; the practice includes various flowing physical postures. These ancient, spiritual roots undoubtedly influence the focus and goals of this practice.
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Comparatively speaking, Pilates is quite young. Pilates was created in Germany in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, a wrestler and gymnast turned trainer.
The practice of Pilates actually started in a WWI internment camp where Joseph taught fitness and self-defense to fellow detainees. All of the minimal-equipment exercises he taught were a bit of a coalescence of the exercises he had studied and practiced over the course of his life.
These eventually evolved from what he taught at the internment camp and became what he called “Contrology;” which we know today as Pilates.
Pilates was born out of necessity in an era where people were exercising to treat or alleviate illness. Because it was a product of a cultural fitness and health craze, it is inherently more utilitarian than Yoga as. Undoubtedly, Pilates incorporates the mind and body, but it is nowhere near the spiritual practice that yoga tends to be.
Flexibility vs. Strength
Yoga and Pilates have fundamentally different purposes. While Yoga boasts many benefits for the body, it is primarily a meditative spiritual practice. On the other hand, Pilates, while it has mental and even spiritual benefits, focuses almost entirely on the body.
Pilates was created to improve mobility and strengthen the core. It is a corrective exercise, and in this way, Pilates is actually closer to Physical Therapy than it is to yoga. It compliments sports training, helps with pain, corrects posture and improves balance, and it’s really no wonder that the founder was an acclaimed athlete himself.
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Flow vs. Sets
Last but not least, one of the main differences between Yoga and Pilates is the pacing and order of poses.
In Yoga, you will either find yourself holding a pose or flowing through it. In Pilates, this isn’t the case. Poses include movements that are counted in reps, with the movements being treated like curls or squats from any generic workout routine.
For example, in yoga, the tabletop pose may flow inward and outward for cat cows. In pilates, from the tabletop position, one would extend and contract alternating opposite arms and legs for a predetermined number of sets.
Additionally, Pilates uses gym-like equipment called “reformers,” whereas Yoga only requires a mat. Pilates is more of a structured workout regime while yoga almost takes on the shape of dance.
Similarities
Postures
One of the most obvious similarities between Yoga and Pilates is the postures they share. While they use different names, the two share poses like boat pose, cobra pose, plank pose and more. It would make sense to assume many of the postures in Pilates were inspired by that of Yoga, though it may be that Joseph Pilates had separately come to many of the same conclusions as yoga about what is good for the body.
Modernization of Yoga for Fitness
Yoga started as a spiritual practice, however as it evolves in and with the western world, often spirituality is more of an afterthought than the heart of our practice. Many studios today operate as fitness centers, with many of the Yoga classes closely resembling the structured and high-intensity workout of mat Pilates.
Since Yoga’s spirituality is the main aspect that sets it apart, as the spirituality dwindles, the less separation there is between the two. Depending on the Yoga studio you attend, you will find varying levels of similarity to Pilates.
Benefits
While they have different focuses, Yoga and Pilates seem to often reap many of the same wonderful benefits. Those who practice either Yoga or Pilates report having improved flexibility, mobility, and balance. Both have been shown to improve posture, reduce stress, and increase our energy. Yoga and Pilates may well be two ways to reach the same outcome of an improved sense of well-being.
Perhaps Siblings, but not Twins
It’s no wonder that Yoga and Pilates so often get lumped together. While their purposes and origin stories differ, their execution and outcomes are very similar. The untrained eye could easily see two low-impact workouts using similar poses and confuse the two. But while they appear very similar, they differ in their approach and their motivations.
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Frequently asked questions
Pilates is considered a strength training exercise that focuses primarily on your core. Pilates is not an aerobic exercise, so it is important to find other ways to incorporate cardio into your exercise regimen.
Yoga and Pilates reap similar benefits of increased strength, flexibility, mobility and balance. Pilates has an iteration that includes equipment, but both yoga and pilates can be practiced using just a yoga mat. These exercises also share a handful of poses like boat pose, cobra pose, plank pose and more.
Unless you are practicing with a reformer, we strongly recommend using a mat. While you could rough it and go without, a mat provides a cushion for your joints and a firm foundation for your workout which helps to prevent injury. A mat gives you a safe and comfortable place to do your exercises.
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