Session 15

Pilates vs. Yoga, what’s the difference?…Since I have started practicing Pilates I have been asked this question quite a bit. Not knowing how to explain the difference myself, I turned to the owner of Body Mind Balance, Julie, for an explanation.

“Pilates is about stability and strength through body organization from the powerhouse (or core area). Equipment is used to challenge and support that connection. Yoga is about stretch primarily using your own body weight for strength. Depending on who you work with alignment
may or may not be emphasized, and there is a huge variety of challenge
to yoga. A lot of positions in yoga are held for long periods of time,
this is not the case in Pilates as you are always moving and building
to where you are continuing each exercise into the next through
transitions.”

There is also philosophical difference between the systems Yoga is based on the Eastern idea of moving energy through your body. It is a holistic spiritual discipline with its roots in Eastern forms of meditation. The physical postures, although they condition the body, are really aimed at the mind. They symbolize the goal of living your life in the state of balance and composure.

Pilates is physical conditioning first and foremost. The exercises stretch and strengthen and are unique in their ability to encourage coordination between the muscles that stabilize the body. (Additional information provide through iVillage.com & Kathy Smith Which is better, Yoga or Pilates?)