Many think Pilates is another form of yoga because they are so much alike. Some do not know even one difference of the two exercise routines. There are, in fact, many significant differences. Yoga and Pilates differ in principles and purposes, workouts, and even the equipment used during workout. Yoga techniques date back to more than five thousand years ago (Eisler, par. 2). Yoga is considered holistic practice because it incorporates mediation. It unites the mind, body, and spirit, while reducing stress.
According to journalist, Melissa Eisler, “Exploring spirituality is a huge part of yoga practice, especially through mediation. ” (par. 4) Yoga is more of a lifestyle than an exercise. Pilates was created in the early 20th century by a man named Joseph Pilates (Eisler, par. 3). Unlike yoga, Pilates is pure physical focusing on core and spine. It improves core strength, muscle control, flexibility, coordination, and body tone, while producing lean muscles (Kristal, par. 4). It has six principles: centering, concentration, control, precision, breath, flow, which helps with the aspects above (Kristal, par. 5).
Free lance writer, Marissa Kristal, claims, “Safe and effective for all ages and fitness levels due to its low-impact nature, Pilates is injury preventative and rehabilitative. ” (par. 14) Besides being spiritual, yoga workouts contain breathing techniques, muscle strengthening, and flexibility. In a yoga exercise, breathing techniques are taken to a deeper level, which are controlled and mindful (Eisler, par. 11; Kristal, par. 11). Core strength is a tool used to work every muscle equally while improving posture. A Pilates workout is a total body workout focusing on building the core and straightening the spine.
Pilates uses calisthenics to separate each muscle group. Inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth is the deepest breathing goes in Pilates. The equipment used in yoga is a thin, “sticky” mat. “Sticky,” so the mat will not slide on the floor during the execution of poses. Some use a yoga block for proper alignment. Beginners may want a yoga belt or strap for achieving a full and complete pose. Pilates uses a thicker mat to support the spine on harder floors. The use of hand weights can provide more weight resistance for those who need a challenge.
For more serious Pilates gurus, there are machines, which use pulleys, springs, and weight resistance for different positions. Yoga and Pilates were created with different principles and purposes, which make the workouts, concentrate on different positions. The different equipment helps accomplish those positions and fulfill a satisfying workout. Yoga and Pilates may contain the same overall aspects such as: strength, flexibility, and toning but use the aspects in different ways. Outline Introduction Thesis Statement: Yoga and Pilates differ in principles and purposes, workouts, and even the equipment used during workout.
Principles and Purposes: yoga Principles and Purposes: Pilates Workouts: yoga Workouts: Pilates Equipment: yoga Equipment: Pilates Conclusion: Yoga and Pilates were created with different principles and purposes, which make the workouts, concentrate on different positions. The different equipment helps accomplish those positions and fulfill a satisfying workout.
Work Cited
Eisler, Melissa. “Yoga Versus Pilates: Which One’s Right for You? ” Active. com. Active. com, n. d. Web. 28 Sept. 2012. Kristal, Marissa. “Yoga vs. Pilates: What’s Right For You? | Fox News. ” Fox News. FOX News Network, 11 Feb. 2009. Web. 28 Sept. 2012.
