If I had a pound for every time I get asked what is the difference between Yoga and Pilates, I would be drinking Matcha Lattes and wearing a new pair of Lululemons everyday because those things are expensive...
SO there are a couple of things that as a movement practitioner, I personally feel are super important when it comes to any form of exercise/ movement/ practice/ rehab. Firstly, why are you doing it? and Secondly, how do you come away feeling from it? I'm just going to leave those there, you will have mostly thought an answer to one of them, our whys and feelings are always top priorities when it comes to our bodies and our health!
There are many similarities between both Pilates and Yoga. They both have a mind and body unity. They both have a focus on breath. They both work around how the nervous system is affected by breath, and movement. They both where taught by men in pants... They both have traditional sequencing. They both focus on off the mat lifestyle changes, like mindset, breathing, posture etc. They both have become incredibly popular. They both have now many different variations of the traditional practise, with both good and bad aspects! Plus hundreds more!
Their differences are sometimes not as obvious! However the main ones are as follows...
Yoga has a spiritual focus, and the movement (known as Asana) is one aspect of the practice. The Asana is to be a preparation for strengthening the body to then meditate and find focus. (that's ONE very,very mini description!)
Pilates has a holistic focus for the whole body, starting with breathing, then with posture, and then how we move utilising our optimum movement capacity combining posture and breathe. As well as teaching Pilates to better enhance our everyday life, like being outside etc. (again ONE very very brief description)
Yoga practises date back to teaching young Indian boys to prepare for battle.
Pilates was created by a man named Joseph Pilates, and for the purpose of better his own health, and then the health and after care of people who fought in war.
Yoga works around ideas of Chi, Chakras and energy systems.
Pilates works around ideas of movement patterns, balance, mobility and stability.
Overall, there are so many differences and similarities between the two, it can become difficult to put a definitive description on the topic. Which is why I personally think its important to come back to those questions earlier; Why are you doing something? and How does it make you feel afterwards?
Which leads me onto the next important point. Every person who teaches something, or creates something, or sells something; is pouring a part of themselves into it. In terms of Pilates and Yoga, every teacher that teaches you will have once upon a time, found themselves in a class for the first time. Seeking joy, sweat, knowledge, safety, a pass time, community, strength, rehab, flexibility or something else from that offering. They then will have also done their training with the maze of teacher training establishments available, and then popped in their preferences and interests into their classes. WHICH is fantastic. Its the reason there are so many wonderful classes available, for mediation, mobility, for pre and post natal, the list could go on.
SO I suppose what I am trying to say is; It really depends what class you go to, and that will bring the differences of the two. It will also bring out your answers of How you feel, and Why you go. Whatever movement practise you choose; whether it is Pilates, Yoga, Cross Fit, Swimming, or Salsa Dancing; It should bring joy, it should make you feel strong and capable, it should fill you with knowledge of why your body is so amazing, and it should leave you with a sense of energy and confidence.
Movement should be an exploration of your body, it should be guided with knowledge, and fun! Even if it means performing glute exercises, it should be because its for the better good, to support you climbing trees, or walking pain free to meet your loved ones, or to help your running!
Both can be taught beautifully, with creative flows, clear anatomical ques, an openness for individual needs, and the curiosity to learn more for their students or know when to offer guidance to someone who knows something that may be of more service!
So whilst I understand that it can be a vague world out there, make sure you feel good, make sure you feel safe, make sure you are doing things that support your why, and have a good time.
If you ever want to know more specific questions, always feel free to message me!
Hydrate and have fun,
Meg x
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