Pilates Yoga

Pilates and yoga are often confused, misunderstood, or interchanged to mean the same thing. The fact is, there is no such thing as Pilates yoga. Each is a separate, but similar way of conditioning the body and mind. There may be some schools or yoga instructors who are combining elements of both of these exercise styles together, but traditionally, Pilates and yoga are two different approaches to achieving good health.

What's the difference?

Pilates is a body conditioning system created in 1920's by Joseph H. Pilates to help injured dancers rehabilitate. This type of exercise focuses on lengthening the major muscle groups of the body while strengthening the core muscle groups (back, abs, glutes, and thighs).

Pilates can be done with specialized equipment that helps centralize the muscle work, or on a mat with no equipment. There is much less repetition than one would expect with a 'normal' workout, but the effects are just as powerful.

Yoga, on the other hand, was developed over 5,000 years ago in India. This type of exercise focuses on the mind and body alike by stretching and strengthening the muscles with particular emphasis on breathing. Depending on the particular style of yoga, one can focus on muscle strengthening, balance, breathing, stretching, endurance, or meditation.

Regardless of style, all yoga practices are designed to provide a well rounded approach to life, whereas Pilates is geared specifically for physical fitness.