Yoga And Pilates:  Is There Any Difference?  Which Is Best For You?

There really is no debate between Pilates and Yoga because each technique has a distinct approach.

As to whether you are inclined towards Yoga or Pilates depends really on your own personality and individual philosophy.

Yoga is considered the most “time-tested” as well as the best route to mental and physical well-being.

Yoga is founded on the basis of Eastern idea that moves energy all throughout your body, aimed generally in uniting the spirit, the body, and the mind.

In contrast, Pilates exercises is primarily geared towards physical conditioning giving little or no importance to spiritual development.

The main difference between Pilates class and Yoga is more on their philosophy than physical. Whereas Pilates carry out a mind and body technique, Yoga's objective involves mind and body plus the spirit. 

The teachings of Yoga encourage every individual to act kindly to every being, and to ourselves.  It inspires its students to seek for a life of balance. These are teachings where it can not be acquired from a Pilates course or Pilates DVD, whereby it focuses only on one’s mental concentration, smooth flow of movement and breathing.

Pilates and Yoga have very different techniques as well, primarily in their contrasting physical outlooks and goals. Yoga's method is holistic, giving much emphasis in balancing in all body areas strengthening equally all groups of muscles, producing mental as well as physical balance and instilling moderation in all entirety.

Pilates works primarily on the body’s core muscles (trunk area known the powerhouse), and mostly increasing strength there.

Guidelines for your Pilates and Yoga practice:

1. Yoga postures, specifically inversions and certain poses which squeeze your abdomen must never be performed just after eating or when your stomach is full.

2. Wear comfortable outfits; one’s that you are able to freely move when doing Yoga or Pilates positions.

3. Make certain that the exercise room is well ventilated and a spacious area where you can freely extend your legs and arms in different directions.
 
4. When performing a particular pose and suddenly you feel shaky, go back to your normal position. You will be able to build your strength up gradually, then be able to hold the position longer.  So do not force it.

5. Never exceed your limitations; know what you can handle and give time to positions that needs extra work.  Never strain yourself. 

6. Keep focusing on your breathing all throughout your workout; breathe properly.

Yoga or Pilates ? 

The choice really will be influenced by what results you expect to achieve and the lifestyle that you live.  If you are searching for an exercise program that will improve your flexibility at the same time tone your muscles, most specially your abs then with Pilates, you will be able to accomplish these.

If you are searching for a technique that concentrates on flexibility more and less on muscle toning, plus you need something that will efficiently help you reduce stress and enable you to find quite quality time for yourself, Yoga will help you to achieve all these.

Yoga and Pilates are two popular mind and body exercise techniques that offers satisfying results.  There is no need to choose between the two, because both are designed to suit your every needs. 

Try them both, to see what fits you; you have nothing to loose, but everything to gain!