Pilates Vs Yoga; the difference between the two and few similarities is what one needs to understand. Both are form of exercises and are beneficial to all.

Many yoga teachers imbibe Pilates and Yoga in their class. Some are exclusive only to one of them.

What is Pilates?

Pilates are form of exercises where you strengthen your body muscles for physical strength and stability.

The seven principles of Pilates are: concentration, control, centering, breath, flow, precision, and alignment.

Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates and now it has evolved into various forms and styles over the time. The other name of Pilates is Contrology.

Types of Pilates

Classical Pilates	Benefits
Origin: Joseph Pilates	Core Strength, Body Alignment, Breathing,  Flexibility and Toned Muscles.
Equipment: Reformer, Cadillac, and Wunda Chair	Not For Weight Loss

Contemporary Pilates	Benefits
Fusion of the Classical Pilates with influences from various fitness practices, such as physical therapy, yoga etc.	For body motion in case of injuries and Rehab
Equipment: Props like stability balls, resistance bands, and foam rollers.	Few contemporary Pilates such as Winsor Pilates and POP Pilates are for weight loss.

Stott Pilates	Benefits
Origin: Moira and Lindsay Merrithew	Support and restore the Spine’s natural curvature.
Equipment: Reformer	Spine injuries rehab and improves physical limitations.

Clinical Pilates	Benefits
Part of contemporary Pilates, clinical Pilates, includes exercises designed by certified physiotherapists	Rehabilitation and injury prevention
Equipment: Reformer, Cadillac, Split pedal chair and Arc barrel.	Reduces chronic pain

Mat Pilates	Benefits
As name suggest these exercises are done on floor.	Core strength, Flexibility, and Overall muscle toning.
Equipment: Mat	Focuses on bodyweight exercises

Reformer Pilates	Benefits
More than 60 different kinds of exercises.	Provide resistance and support, strengthen and stretch the body.
Equipment: Reformers	Improves body movements.

Pilates Fusion	Benefits
Combination of Pilates and other ways of fitness such as yoga, dance, or strength training.	Cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility.
Equipment: May vary	Improves body and mind.

What is Yoga?

Yoga is an art and science of healthy living. Yoga is essentially a spiritual discipline where you work on body, mind, emotion and energy.

The term “yoga” in the Western world often denotes a modern form of Hatha yoga and a posture-based physical fitness, stress-relief and relaxation technique, consisting largely of asanas; this differs from traditional yoga, which focuses on meditation and release from worldly attachments.

Originated in India, yoga has its origin thousands of years ago, long before the first religions or belief systems were born. In the yogic lore, Lord Shiva is seen as the first yogi or Adiyogi, and the first Guru or Adi Guru.

Types of Yoga

Types of Yoga	Benefits
Hath Yoga: Focus on basic yoga poses and breathing exercises.	Flexibility and muscle strength. Reduces Stress
Vinyasa Yoga: Links breath with movement in a dynamic sequence of poses.	Weight control, Cardiovascular Fitness, Reduce Stress, Muscle strength.
Ashtanga Yoga: Rigorous style of yoga that follows a specific sequence of postures, each linked with breath.	Emotion control. Stronger immune system, Better digestion, Faster metabolism, Better sleep.
Iyengar Yoga: With use of equipment it has poses for longer durations to develop strength and flexibility.	Tones muscles, improves strength and flexibility.
Bikram Yoga: Aso known as hot yoga, consists of a series of 26 poses practiced in a room heated to a high temperature.	Promote detoxification of every part of body through sweat, and increase flexibility.
Kundalini Yoga: Combines physical postures, breathing techniques, chanting, and meditation to awaken the Kundalini energy.	Balance the body chakras and cultivate spiritual awareness. Controls emotions, good sleep.
Yin Yoga: Focuses on passive, long-held poses that target the connective tissues of the body, such as ligaments, tendons, and fascia.	Calm mind, Reduces stress, increase mobility.
Yoga Nidra: Guided meditation and relaxation practice that induces deep relaxation.	Conscious awareness, Reduces stress. Helps in Insomnia.
Power Yoga: Vigorous, fitness-based approach to vinyasa-style yoga.	Builds Stamina, Strength and Flexibility.

Pilates VS YOGA

Following are differences and similarities:

Differences

Pilates	Yoga
Pilates is a fitness practice	Yoga is a spiritual practice
Involves mainly the body, limbs, muscles or the cores for strength and stability.	More of a full-body, balanced workout for mind and body.
It’s like working in gym or doing PT.	Involves holding certain poses or asanas with gravity

Similarities

1. They both focus on the connection between body and breath. 2. With deep breathing exercises both are stress relieving. 3. Both are suitable for all ages. 4. Yoga and Pilates give strength, flexibility and mobility.

Pilates Vs Yoga – What is Best

To strengthen your core muscles, improve your posture and increase your fitness and strength then Pilates is best.

Looking for peace of mind and connection with body and soul, yoga is best.

For yoga teachers or Pilates teachers; both practices are easy to learn and you can involve in your class both of them if you want. You can start from yoga giving instructions on basics and then move to Pilates on equipment.

Conclusion

Pilates Vs Yoga depends on your personal preferences. Each of them have their own benefits. If you are looking for relaxation of body and mind and spiritual growth then Yoga is best. For body fitness, Pilates is needed. You can have both of them if you want to have a healthy living.

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