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I often get asked about the difference between Yoga and Pilates; the answer depends on you physical, emotional and spiritual goals. Simply put, the difference between Yoga and Pilates is that between the East and West. Both systems build strength, flexibility, balance and co-ordination; the difference between them is not so much physical as it is philosophical and spiritual.
Yoga is based on the Eastern idea of moving energy through your body. The more freely the energy flows, the healthier and more energetic you feel. Physical tension hinders the flow; over time, areas of tension in your body become tight and rigid, even painful. One of the goals of Yoga is to keep the body |
supple through movement and stretching, but there is another dimension. Yoga is a holistic spiritual discipline with its roots in Eastern forms of philosophy and meditation. The physical postures, although they condition the body, are really aimed at the mind. They symbolize the goal of living your life in a state of balance and composure.
When I spend an hour in a Yoga class, I melt into a meditative state and emerge relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated.
Pilates on the other hand is physical conditioning first and foremost - rather than spiritual development. Its creator, Joseph Pilates, was looking for a way to rehabilitate himself as well as injured soldiers during and after World War 1. He developed an assortment of mat exercises and curious machines using cables and trolleys and unusual body positioning. Pilate's exercises stretch and strengthen and are unique in their ability to encourage co-ordination between the muscles that stabilize the body.
Pilates techniques are very popular with dancers and athletes as they are a highly effective way to improve body awareness and alignment and promote graceful, fluid motion.
Yoga is more about how it makes you "feel" while Pilates is more about how you "look"- how you carry yourself and move.
My recommendation is to try them both. Experience it all!
See what works best for you!
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General Resources:
Importance of Breathing
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