Yoga x Pilates: what are the similarities and differences? – GOOD SHAPE

Yoga or Pilates: that is the question! The truth is, both yoga and Pilates are low-impact practices that are friendly to all fitness levels and are gentle on the joints—in fact, they may even reduce the risk of injury in other sports.

Both require a mat (famous little mat), work very well as complements to other physical activities or also work as main practices. And both in yoga and Pilates, you work on body awareness and breathing, even if in different ways.

So, if you are in doubt about which one to choose, check out details about each one:

ORIGINS OF EACH PRACTICE

“Yoga and Pilates are different activities, but they have several points in common, as well as similar benefits. The creator of Pilates, Joseph Pilates, was a yoga practitioner, and we can see elements of yoga in the essence and in some Pilates practices”, explains the doctor and psychologist Roberto Debskispecialist in homeopathy and acupuncture and facilitator of family constellations.

Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that is around five thousand years old. It is more philosophical/spiritual and includes posture, breathing and meditation to promote mental and physical well-being.

The intention of yoga is to deeply connect mind and body (by the way, the word yoga means “union”), doing physical postures while the focus is on the breath, in addition to mantras (sounds or chanted words).

Normally, one uses one’s own body as an instrument. “There are yoga practices that aim mainly at elements of meditation and breathing, and others that emphasize intense physical practice, with postures and complex movements, which are only possible for advanced practitioners, with better physical fitness”, says the doctor.

“Pilates, on the other hand, focuses on physical health, strengthening the ‘core’ — deep support muscles —, balance, stretching, strength and breathing. It is usually done on the ground and with the use of specific equipment for the practice”, differentiates the specialist.

Pilates is much younger than yoga. Joseph Pilates developed the method in the 1920s to help wounded veterans during World War I. The goal of Pilates is to develop muscles evenly and create postural awareness (through core activation).

It involves slow, precise, power movements with breath control (although yoga and Pilates breathing methods are not always the same).

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF EACH?

The benefits are very similar. Body awareness, more paused breathing, stretching, improved posture and more physical and mental health can be conquered in both practices.

However, Pilates can also offer more cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength. And yoga is very good for those who want to work more on spirituality and self-awareness.

YOGA OR PILATES: WHICH CHOOSE?

According to Roberto Debski, the answer may vary. This is because personal preferences and goals must be taken into account when making the decision. “The choice should happen after the interested person is informed and knows the details of each one well. And even conduct a trial practice to notice all the details, ”he recommends.

Another important tip from the specialist is to seek guidance from good professionals, especially if you have a specific spinal problem.