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 M¢25  Funded By Mahalo ? |  July 20, 2009 03:43 PM

What are the essential differences between Yoga and Pilates?

I'm exercising more to get in better shape, and one of my buddies told me that he's doing Pilates instead of weights. He's looking ripped, too, so I'm thinking of doing the same. I'm curious though, is Pilates more or less just a variation of Yoga, or are there more fundamental differences between them?
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July 22, 2009 03:55 PM
Yoga was developed in India and East Asia over thousands of years. It was codified and popularized by a few specific teachers from the East. There tends to be a stronger spiritual aspect in Yoga practice.

Pilates was developed in the 1920s by a German-American immigrant, drawing from several sources including Yoga, gymnastics, and Western martial arts like boxing. Was first used for soldiers, then dancers, before gaining more widespread popularity.

I believe Pilates can also involve the use of machines to provide the correct resistance and alignment. Yoga can have some "props" like foam blocks and straps.

As such, many of the movements in yoga and pilates are similar, if not the same. Also, these days especially, the line between them tends to blur. A good friend does a "yogalaties" class twice a week. Is it Yoga? Is it Pilates? Yes and no.

The instructor you have is also going to make a huge difference, too. A good instructor, who helps you learn the movements, and guides you safely to improve, is more important IMHO than the type of exercise you do.

I'd say observe some classes if you can, or drop in on a few if it's allowed, and see what you like.
Source(s):
http://www.pilatesinsight.com/pilates/pilates-history.aspx

http://www.yoga-insight.com/

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November 15, 2009 05:02 PM
Yoga - It came way earlier

Yoga has been around for over 5000 years. It is something much more than just a way of exercising. In fact, it is a lifestyle change that many people need to take seriously. This type of program is centered on the spiritual healing of the body as well as the physical aspects. It uses a wide combination of breathing and movements to get the body back into its targeted range. Yoga is something that encompasses the entire lifestyle in ethical, spiritual and physical form.

It is important to note that yoga is centered on meditation and that the poses that are done are done to allow for better concentration and better meditation abilities.

Pilates - It's a whole different animal

Pilates, on the other hand, is a physical healing process that uses movements and breathing to work. In Pilates, the body is taken from one movement to the next in a fluid change. This allows for continuous improvement in the body in a normal way. Pilates uses Contrology in its dance form. In this, the poses that are done are more fluid and provide for a more natural movement from one to the next.

Both of these types of programs allow for individuals to improve in their health and well being through breathing techniques. Controlled, regulated breathing is very important to the success of yoga or Pilates. Which Should I Choose?

In order to know which of these you should choose, the best way to know which the better choice is for you is to actually give them a try.

http://www.pilates-shop.net/yoga-vs-pilates.htm

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