Max Mueller, a German scholar, in his appreciation for India once quoted: “If I were asked under what sky the human mind has most fully developed some of its choicest gifts, has most deeply pondered on the greatest problems of life, and has found solutions, I should point to India.”
This Indo-German connection in sharing and appreciating each other’s exploits can be traced through the example of Joseph Pilates, who developed the Pilates method from Eastern influences such as Zen Buddhism and ‘hatha yoga’ while also imbibing the idea of aerobics. Although the underlying philosophy between these systems of exercise is evidently similar, there are distinct differences to the Yoga Vs. Pilates argument that are worth discussing.
What’s remarkable about this system is that the motivation to develop it was his childhood experience in being afflicted with rickets, asthma and rheumatic fever. A happy childhood one can hardly call that! And this caused to him to devote his energy and efforts to improving to such as an extent that by the time he was 32 years of age and had moved to England, he was fit enough to take up professional boxing, being a circus-performer, and a self-defense trainer at police schools and Scotland Yard. He remained in this fantastic physical condition until he passed away at the age of 87 in New York. (Look at the picture to the left)
Yet it was during World War I when he was moved to a camp on the Isle of Mann that he began to devote his efforts towards building a system of an integrated, comprehensive system of physical exercise that came to be known as Contrology later on.
One similarity between yoga and Pilates is that they’re founded on principles in esoteric philosophy. Even though, the Pilates method is based on the principles of centering, concentration, control, precision, breath and flow and is very similar to the practice of yoga, its emphasis lies on building strength whereas yoga emphasizes on ‘stretching’. And even though both systems do develop strength and flexibility, the difference lies in the focus mentioned above.
In particular, the Pilates system encourages one to develop a strong core such as a strong back and flat abdominals, whereas Yoga is focused on developing flexibility.
Most experts actually consider these fitness systems to be complimentary to one another due to their similarities, and hence it is advisable to work out using both these methods for both strength and flexibility.
Yet beneath the obvious, observable traits in comparing these two systems of fitness, the Pilates system seems to be a more practical one as his desire was not to shirk from the pleasures of daily life (much like Yoga), but in building a strong body so that one can enjoy these pleasures that life has given you and not fall prey to diseases due to a weak body. It is said that he enjoyed his drinks and cigars [read as ‘hedonism’ by the anally-retentive types] while working out as well. And this is what is known as keeping your life in balance or in check rather than going to extremes either health-wise or in enjoying life’s pleasures. And this to me is useful, pragmatic and applicable for everyday living in today’s world.
In summary, Yoga and the Pilates System might have their similarities and differences, yet in terms of contribution both of them have made an impact on people across all sections of society, with great results.
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Max Mueller, a German scholar, in his appreciation for India once quoted: “If I were asked under what sky the human mind has most fully developed some of its choicest gifts, has most deeply pondered on the greatest problems of life, and has found solutions, I should point to India.”
This Indo-German connection in sharing and appreciating each other’s exploits can be traced through the example of Joseph Pilates, who developed the Pilates method from Eastern influences such as Zen Buddhism and ‘hatha yoga’ while also imbibing the idea of aerobics. Although the underlying philosophy between these systems of exercise is evidently similar, there are distinct differences to the Yoga Vs. Pilates argument that are worth discussing.
Yet it was during World War I when he was moved to a camp on the Isle of Mann that he began to devote his efforts towards building a system of an integrated, comprehensive system of physical exercise that came to be known as Contrology later on.
One similarity between yoga and Pilates is that they’re founded on principles in esoteric philosophy. Even though, the Pilates method is based on the principles of centering, concentration, control, precision, breath and flow and is very similar to the practice of yoga, its emphasis lies on building strength whereas yoga emphasizes on ‘stretching’. And even though both systems do develop strength and flexibility, the difference lies in the focus mentioned above.
In particular, the Pilates system encourages one to develop a strong core such as a strong back and flat abdominals, whereas Yoga is focused on developing flexibility.
Most experts actually consider these fitness systems to be complimentary to one another due to their similarities, and hence it is advisable to work out using both these methods for both strength and flexibility.
Yet beneath the obvious, observable traits in comparing these two systems of fitness, the Pilates system seems to be a more practical one as his desire was not to shirk from the pleasures of daily life (much like Yoga), but in building a strong body so that one can enjoy these pleasures that life has given you and not fall prey to diseases due to a weak body. It is said that he enjoyed his drinks and cigars [read as ‘hedonism’ by the anally-retentive types] while working out as well. And this is what is known as keeping your life in balance or in check rather than going to extremes either health-wise or in enjoying life’s pleasures. And this to me is useful, pragmatic and applicable for everyday living in today’s world.
In summary, Yoga and the Pilates System might have their similarities and differences, yet in terms of contribution both of them have made an impact on people across all sections of society, with great results.
Other Posts You'll Find Useful: