Yoga and Pilates

Yoga and Pilates Many think Pilates is another form of yoga because they are so much alike. Some do not know even one difference of the two exercise routines. There are, in fact, many significant differences. Yoga and Pilates differ in principles and purposes, workouts, and even the equipment used during workout. Yoga techniques date back to more than five thousand years ago (Eisler, par. 2). Yoga is considered holistic practice because it incorporates mediation. It unites the mind, body, and spirit, while reducing stress. According to journalist, Melissa Eisler, “Exploring spirituality is a huge part of yoga practice, especially through mediation.” (par. 4) Yoga is more of a lifestyle than an exercise. Pilates was created in the early 20th century by a man named Joseph Pilates (Eisler, par. 3).Unlike yoga, Pilates is pure physical focusing on core and spine. It improves core strength, muscle control, flexibility, coordination, and body tone, while producing lean muscles (Kristal, par. 4). It has six principles: centering, concentration, control, precision, breath, flow, which helps with the aspects above (Kristal, par. 5). Free lance writer, Marissa Kristal, claims, “Safe and effective for all ages and fitness levels due to its low-impact nature, Pilates is injury preventative and rehabilitative.” (par. 14) Besides being spiritual, yoga workouts contain breathing techniques, muscle strengthening, and flexibility. In a yoga exercise, breathing techniques are taken to a deeper level, which are controlled and mindful (Eisler, par. 11; Kristal, par. 11). Core strength is a tool used to work every muscle equally while improving posture. A Pilates workout is a total body workout focusing on building the core and straightening the spine. Pilates uses calisthenics to separate each muscle group. Inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth is the deepest breathing goes in Pilates. The equipment used in yoga is a thin, “sticky” mat. “Sticky,” so the

Cited: Eisler, Melissa. "Yoga Versus Pilates: Which One 's Right for You?" Active.com. Active.com, n.d. Web. 28 Sept. 2012. Kristal, Marissa. "Yoga vs. Pilates: What 's Right For You? | Fox News." Fox News. FOX News Network, 11 Feb. 2009. Web. 28 Sept. 2012.