The Difference Between Yoga and Pilates

Pilates and yoga have become popular additions to many people's exercise programs. While both use similar movements and focus on breathing, they are quite different. The goal of pilates is to increase the core strength and core stability of the body. The abdominal muscles, lower back and buttocks, called the "powerhouse," serve as the center of all movement, allowing the rest of the body to move freely. Pilates also incorporates extensive work on a mat and machines emphasizing control, precision and concentration of movement; the focus is on quality not quantity.

The system of yoga is built on three main concepts: exercise, breathing, and meditation. The exercises are a series of poses called asanas. These can range from gentle fluid stretches to vigorous flowing movements that invigorate, strengthen and balance the body and mind. Yoga offers many breathing techniques that can help bring out a specific mind/body effect. One of the most useful breathing techniques, called Ujjayi, helps to calm and center the mind, maintain the body's flow of energy and prepare the body for meditation. The goal of meditation is to focus and quiet the mind, to free the mind from the constant stream of thoughts so that it becomes still and silent.

Whether you chose yoga, pilates, or a combination, both techniques and beneficial and with the help of an experienced instructor, you will surely reach the goals you set up for yourself!