October 20, 2020
They're more different than you think!
Yoga and Pilates studios, along with class sharing apps, are popping up everywhere! The options to try new fitness classes are endless, but the variety can also be overwhelming. So what is the difference between yoga and Pilates? How can you benefit from either, and which one meets your fitness needs?
Before comparing the two, let’s begin with what each one entails. Molly Messana, a contributor at Prevention Magazine says, “Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise that combines deep breathing with gentle stretching to boost strength, balance, and mobility.” This exercise is traditionally practiced on a mat, although some classes use resistance bands as well as a reformer.
Yoga is a practice that, “Focuses on stretches and poses designed to stimulate inner peace and physical energy,” describes Hannah Nichols, a writer from Medical News Today. This form of fitness is similarly practiced on a mat. However aerial yoga, which is becoming an increasingly popular fitness trend, incorporates the support of an aerial fabric hammock in addition to the yoga mat.
Both are low-impact exercises that improve range of movement and balance. Yet, there are a number of differences. Yoga emphasizes the practice of meditation, fixed postures, and mental health. Pilates, on the other hand, focuses on strengthening, high-intensity movements, and resistance training. Both exercises practice breathing techniques, but with different goals in mind. Yoga concentrates on deep abdominal breathing in order to relax and alleviate stress and muscle tension. Pilates focuses on isolating muscle strength to challenge each movement.
Neither exercise will result in instant and extreme weight loss, though both are effective in toning and strengthening all muscle groups in your body. Both forms of fitness have also been attributed to alleviating stress, headaches, and back pain. Additionally, Bridget March, a writer from Harper’s Bazaar says, “If you’re looking to develop core strength and balance, when practiced regularly yoga and Pilates are both ideal exercises for this.”
Yoga is all about exercising the body’s full range of motion and form which helps with muscle tension, helping to offset symptoms due to poor posture including back and joint problems. In addition, Timothy McCall M.D., a columnist from Yoga Journal, says that, “When you contract and stretch muscles… and come in and out of yoga postures, you increase the drainage of lymph… This helps the lymphatic system fight infection, destroy cancerous cells, and dispose of the toxic waste products of cellular functioning.”
Pilates, on the other hand, strengthens and stretches your limbs to create long, lean muscles without the mass. More specifically, this exercise targets your core.
“Most Pilates moves require you to keep proper alignment and challenge your stability to stay balanced, which helps fire up your midsection,” states Cedric Bryant, PH.D., an author from Women’s Health.
While both Pilates and yoga are great forms of exercise and possess similar benefits, they are still very different. Yoga really hones in on physical and mental peace, while Pilates challenges your physical and mental health. Here are a few questions that can help decide which exercise suits your fitness needs and lifestyle the most.
What are your primary fitness goals?
A. Flexibility and Meditation.
B. Core Strength and Mobility.
C. Toning and Balance.
How do you feel about resistance training?
A. Not a big fan.
B. Love it! Give me resistance bands all day.
C. I appreciate resistance training, but not all the time.
What are your thoughts on guided meditation?
A. I would love to incorporate meditation into my fitness routine.
B. I do not desire to learn meditation.
C. I would like to try it, but not practice it regularly in my fitness classes.
What kind of additional fitness equipment are you comfortable trying?
A. I prefer mat work with some training tools like yoga blocks.
B. Resistance bands and the reformer machine do not intimidate me.
C. I like the idea of having a variety of fitness equipment to choose from.
Results
Mostly A’s: If you answered mostly A’s, then yoga will fit your needs and lifestyle best.
Mostly B’s: If you chose mostly B’s, then I would say Pilates would meet your goals and needs the most.
Mostly C’s: If you selected mostly C’s, then change it up a little and practice both forms of fitness in your regimen.
Whether you choose Pilates, yoga, or would like to try both, the most important choice is to practice self-care and self-love. Visit ENTITY Mag for more articles about self-care, such as 5 Self-Care Tips for Thriving During Quarantine, and other inspirational content to promote confidence in #WomenThatDo.
