what is the difference between yoga and pilates? We often look for exercises and workouts to help us shape as well as relax and meditate. We often perform exercises like yoga and pilates but what is better and what to choose?
What is yoga?
Yoga is the skill of developing the course of action, where all five senses are in attaining to achieve the highest level of spiritual satisfaction
Yoga is to integrate the mental and physical practices to provide spiritual disciplines and connection which dates to ancient India. Yoga has not remained in just one religion it has existed in hundreds of cultures as a source of reaching the highest state, and so as result, its definition varies from culture to culture. Yoga is defined as the patterns of consciousness when all the five senses are undistracted and restraint from the worldly intellect. yoga stands on the four pillars i.e. perseverance, faith, aspirations, and means.
Yoga leads to relaxation and spiritual connection. Yoga applies to both genders and even online classes are given for yoga.
Summary: Yoga is the spiritual enlightenment that has transferred from generation to generation, tradition to tradition so many evolvements have been made into poses and differing principles.
Different Types of Yoga, varying from yoga at home and yoga at the gym
- Hatha Yoga is the basic type of yoga in which you have to hold the breath in a certain pose, it is best considered for beginners it does not force you to stimulate you physically but gently working on your limbs. Because it works at a slower pace does not work in rush.
- Ashtanga Yoga: this is the type of yoga that follows the six certain yoga poses through each breath to attain the internal heat, this yoga is best for the individuals who want to achieve a certain perfectionist approach in their routine. Consequently, improving the blood circulation of the body, and providing improvement in spiritual attainment.
- Vinyasa Yoga: the ideal type of yoga for individuals who enjoy music and dance because this type of yoga follows dance-like patterns. A great to increase your breathing patterns, stabilizing heart rate, keeping you light-headed in a fun environment.
- Iyengar Yoga: this type of yoga is followed in the orderly way certain pose is held for a certain period of duration. This type has more inclined to use ropes, straps, and blocks. It is best for the individuals who want a speedy recovery from injuries but before attaining this yoga those individuals must consult their doctors.
- Bikram Yoga: the most strenuous type of yoga in which you are placed in a heated room up to 100 degrees and humidity up to 40 percent, with the 90-minute duration in that room. Skill tip keeps yourself hydrated, drink tons of water because the vigorous exercises can drain you out.
- Hot Yoga: it almost follows the same pattern as Bikram Yoga individuals are placed in the hot room, but the poses differ from Bikram yoga.
- Kundalini Yoga: this type is different from all other yoga discussed previously. It challenges you physically and mentally in which you must repeat a series of poses with breathing exercises while along you are singing, dancing, and meditating. The challenging patterns of this yoga push you to attain the physical goal which is good body posture and the mental goal of achieving the highest level of self-awareness.
- Restorative Yoga: This yoga type is best for individuals who are workout freaks and want to attain balance in their life. This is not a normal yoga but is inclusive of ■■■■■■■■ poses which are at slow pose means holding each pose for longer duration which helps you to pace in your breathing patterns which allows you for deeper relaxation. To perfect your pose, in this yoga you will be assisted by blocks, bolsters, and blankets.
- Yin Yoga: the ideal type of yoga which ameliorates your physical and mental health. Moreover, through its key essence of meditation, it restores your length and flexibility. It helps you stretch your joint muscles through the involvement of varying supine and seating pose, accessing fascia layers deeply. It improves your overall posture and functioning of muscles.
Summary: Since it belongs to ancient times, it has many variations and types. The different types of yoga depend on beginners to perfectionists and the level of attainment between body and mind they want to achieve. As the level of attainment increases, the complexity of poses increases with it.
Benefits of Yoga
You do not have to go to the gym to attain a good body posture and alignment. You can also begin by working out at home. When you read these benefits
Spiritual benefits of yoga
- Increases tolerance
- Improves self-awareness
- Reduces anxiety
- Gives peace of mind
- Spiritual connection of the body with the mind
Physical benefits of yoga
- improves blood circulation
- the best exercise for weight loss
- increase the elasticity of the body
- improves monitory and respiratory functions of the body
- increase the stamina
- recovery from injury
- improves posture
- improves metabolism
- improves the balance of the body
Summary: Yoga’s physical and spiritual benefits lead to the improvement in the functioning of the body as well it increases the functioning of the brain. Because it has been resulting in the health of the individual from speedy recovery to the alignment of the posture.
What is Pilates?
Pilates work on the principles of concurrency, correction in alignment, focus, command, accuracy, patterns of breathing, and circulation. These principles were formulated by Joseph Pilates, to improve the strength, stabilization, and flexibility of the soldiers in World War I.
To improve the physical capability and mental health of the individuals with an emphasis on lengthening and alignment of the body posture.
Summary: Pilates is one of the exercises that leads to better alignment, strengthening, and stabilizing the body posture. As result, it improves the flexibility and energy to attain new challenges.
Health benefits of Pilates
Pilates focuses on the physical improvement of the body and physical fitness of the body. it rejuvenates your inner energy to challenge yourself.
- focuses on strengthening and lengthening of the body
- improves the overall flexibility of the body
- improves the body posture
- coordination of the body parts
- relaxation and stress relieving factor
- boost stamina and energy
- eliminates harmful toxins by improving the digestion system
- improves pelvic floor function
- improves lung capacity
- improves metabolic rate
Summary: Just like yoga, Pilates has its own health benefits but mainly focused on physical benefits. It is ideal for people recovering from injury. It has been a relaxing factor for individuals who have this habit intact.
Similarities and Differences between Yoga and Pilates
Difference between Yoga and Pilates
| Yoga | Pilates | |
|---|---|---|
| Difference in histories | Yoga was created 5000 years ago. It is a sacred tradition and its purpose to connect the individual’s consciousness to universal conscientiousness. | Pilates was the physical fitness system created by Joseph Pilates in the time of World War-I to improve the functioning of the soldiers. |
| Level of spirituality | Yoga is a meditative practice, and the aim is to connect the human at a spiritual level. It is more working in the mind than in your mind. | Pilates is more inclined to push you physically and improve the physical strength and lengthening of the individual. It does not work on spiritual enlightenment. |
| Movements | Slow-paced, longer holding periods with each pose and repetition of poses are involved. | No repetition of the same poses and less holding period with more control and precision. |
| Output | Focuses on mental health improvement, leading to more stress relief, a peaceful mind, and high-level spiritual attainment. | While Pilates focuses on building physique, maintaining the overall physical appearance of the body, its posture, strength, and flexibility |
| Use of components | Yoga mainly uses the mat along with some other components as blocks, straps, and blankets. | Pilates uses heavy machinery such as Cadillac, Wanda chair, spine corrector, small barrel, etc. |
| Methodology | It works on building the connection between the mind and body. Spiritual enlightenment is the key component of yoga. It aims to relax the body | Pilates forces individuals to push their bodies to certain to realize their real potential. |
| Intention | Prime focus is on spiritual attainment. | Prime focus is on physical attainment. |
Similarities between Yoga and Pilates
- They both focus on improving breathing, alignment of body, and technique when doing the poses.
- On a basic level, they both use the mat as their main component.
- Health benefits especially correlate with both such as improvement in blood circulation, metabolism, and eliminating the toxins.
- They reap fitness and stress relief if kept intact in the routine.
Summary: Pilates and yoga have many differences but they both lie on the same grounds of alignment, health benefits, stress relief, and eliminating harmful toxins. They both help in attaining a good body posture and flexibility.
Yoga vs Pilates: Which one is better for you?
It is not necessary to stick with one form, still confuse. Listing the key points to consider before selecting in between two depending on the motive.
- Weight loss: if you want to lose weight Pilates is the best option to go for. Because it makes use of machines. Pilates focuses on physical training more; it will motivate them to achieve more.
- Stress Relief: Yoga can be the best practice to reduce anxiety, depression, and helping individuals to achieve peace of mind and spiritual enlightenment. It works on the technique of breathing and how long you hold in it. Majorly, it makes you release the stress that you have been holding on to, with meditation it helps you attain peace of mind.
- Need quick results: Pilates is the go for its tool for you. It gives you a slimmer physique and aligned posture. Pilates is more intense and challenging. It is working on your blood circulation, metabolism, and muscles flexing.
- Having joint issues: if you are having joint issues or back pain issues, yoga is the best remedy to improve the back pain.
- Improve the flexibility: if you want to have lengthening and alignment in the body then yoga is the best option which improves the function of joints and body. If you want to attain a good body posture and improving muscle strength, then Pilates is the best option.
Summary: it depends on the attainment of the individual whether he or she wants to achieve physical or mental goals. To attain the physical goals, go for Pilates but if you want to achieve the mental goals go for yoga.
Different Types of Yoga mats and Pilates mats
- Thickness: A yoga is much thinner than the Pilates mat. It measures from 1/8 inch to 1/ 4 inch thick. The use of Pilates mats is required to roll around your back due to which they are thick while yoga mats can not be used for such sensitive areas.
- Density: The density of the Pilates mat is more than a yoga mat. Pilates mat is more tough and hard stuff while yoga mat is softer. Pilates differs from the structure of its PVC foam is molded.
- Material: Mostly the yoga mats and Pilates mats are made of the PVC or foam. Some mats are made of earthly products like recycled rubber.
- Size: The yoga mat is generally 68 by 24 inches while the extra-long mat is 72 inches long. While the Pilates mat is generally of the same size, but it is wider than a yoga mat.
- Texture: Yoga mats are generally rough in nature due to which they do not slide on the floor. While the smooth surface of the Pilates mat helps you glide easily.
FAQS
Is yoga or Pilates better?
It depends on the intention of carrying out in your routine. Yoga improves your tolerance, works on your resistance, stress relief while Pilates works on flexibility, strengthens your muscles, alignment of your body, and improves your posture. While both exercises work on the blood circulation, metabolism, and proper functioning of the body to its full potential.
Is Pilates based on yoga?
Pilates moves are much more like yoga poses but since yoga is a more ancient and traditional method involved for centuries. It can think that Pilates has derived from it. The only key difference is that Pilates pushes you to achieve more physical goals rather than spiritual goals.
What’s ■■■■■■ yoga or Pilates?
As you achieve the higher levels of both yoga and Pilates, so the difficulty level of both the exercises increase with it. It depends on which type of yoga you have taken and what level of Pilates you are at.
Can Pilates help me lose weight?
Pilates is the best exercise to reduce your weight because it involves the use of machines that could help you with eliminating toxins helping you with your digestion system hence improving your metabolism and giving you flatter and slimmer posture.
Difference between yoga and Pilates breathing?
The breathing style of yoga is much longer you have to hold your breath for a longer period for each pose with each repetitive set of poses while in Pilates, holding your breath is in shorter duration and there are no repetitive sets of poses.
Can you do yoga on a Pilates mat?
Yes, yoga mat can be used for Pilates exercises. If the size is not the limiting factor you can use a general mat to exercise your routine.
Is it better to have thicker or thinner yoga mats?
It is ideal to use thinner mats for yoga because they provide for stability, control, and balance while performing yoga. Even more, textured surfaces provide more grip to the floor giving you more stabilization while performing strenuous poses. Thicker surfaced mats are best for therapy type of sessions.
What is the best exercise mat?
Many companies sell the best of the mats which include Sunny Health & Fitness Exercise mat, Yes4All Interlocking Exercise Mat, SPRI Hanging Exercise Mat. You can shop online for the yoga and Pilates mat from Alibaba express and amazon.
Why use exercise mat?
Working on a bare surface can cause bruises on your elbows and knees. Using an exercise mat can give you balance, more focus, control, precision,, and concentration towards attaining your desired posture. Moreover, using an exercise mat will improve your alignment and lengthening of the body.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, now that we know what is the difference between yoga and Pilates. Now, whether you choose yoga or Pilates both are healthy exercises for the mind and body. You can achieve greater peace of mind, better elasticity, better alignment, conscientiousness towards your body, improved metabolism, cardiac, respiratory, and functioning of the limbs.
The type of mat you use for yoga and pilates differ ranging from its texture, surface, size, material, and affordability. Before choosing any mat look for the exercise you are aiming towards because it helps lead to the expected results. Eventually, it will improve your overall body performance.