Yoga and Pilates are the hottest topics in Fitness. You've probably taken a class or two of each. Maybe you own a Yoga mat or a Pilates ball, but what's the difference between Yoga and Pilates?
I've been a fitness-buff for many years now and I've practiced Yoga and Pilates. Now that I work at beYOU.tv, I watch a lot of Yoga and Pilates videos! Based on this experience, I'd like to share my knowledge on these two fitness activities and highlight their differences.
History
Yoga is old, really old! According to Wikipeida, "Several seals discovered at Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300–1700 BC) sites depict figures in a yoga or meditation like posture." Yoga is as much a physical experience as it is a spiritual one. Yoga blends the physical (postures) with the spirit (meditation) in an effort to reach enlightenment.
Pilates, however, is much, much younger! Pilates (also known as "The Pilates Method") was created by Joseph Pilates during the First World War (1914) to improve the rehabilitation program for the returning veterans. Pilates is purely a physical activity, it is not designed to affect your spirit (although you'll feel good afterwards).
Practice
In daily practice, especially in the West, the main difference between Yoga and Pilates is precision. Yoga's goal (enlightenment) is ambiguous. Enlightenment is different for everyone, thus each persons' yoga practice will be different (not precise) to reach this goal.
The goal of Pilates is specific: improve a muscle or gain strength, ect. For example, I practice Pilates to strengthen my core. This is accomplished through precise and meticulous exercise. Crunch this, raise that and hold, then release and repeat! Our bodies are more similar than our spirits. This is how Pilates and Yoga differ. Pilates focuses solely on the body, while Yoga focuses on the body and spirit!
The Evidence
Don't take my word for it, check out these videos to see the difference between Yoga and Pilates for yourself.
Pilates Inspired Matwork - Progressive
Come and experience a Joseph Pilates inspired teaching with this thoroughly enjoyable video. Pilates Inspired Matwork - Progressive will help you attain well-toned muscles and core strength.
Ashtanga Yoga - The Primary Series
"Ashtanga Yoga allows the body itself to become the ground for enlightenment," teaches Richard Freeman. With Ashtanga Yoga, The Primary Series, you will learn the core practices of this challenging, fulfilling path - a precise union of breath, alignment and flowing sequence of postures.
Know that you know the difference between Pilates and Yoga, spread the word - check out beYOU.tv's embeddable player!
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