When I took my first Pilates class back in 1995, it was to seek solace from a dead-end job and a faltering relationship as I was told you could “get in the zone…” with Pilates. Feeling too old and out of shape to return to ballet classes, I thought Pilates would be a great place to go. And it was. Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates, who developed the ‘Pilates Technique’ back in the ’30s, which was modified for dancers, and is the basis for what is taught today.
The foundation of Pilates is strengthening of the core postural muscles which are essential to providing support for the spine while teaching awareness and alignment of the spine. This is done via a series of mat exercises, other equipment specific to the genre as well as machines such as the Cadillac and Reformer. I did them all for a good 2 years straight while slowing edging my way into yoga. And yes, my body was lean and toned.
But then yoga found it’s way into my life. The greatest way to distinguish between Pilates and yoga is that Pilates is an exercise regime and yoga is a spiritual and holistic lifestyle derived in India 5,000 years ago. Yoga is not a religion, but the spiritual aspect most certainly cannot be missed. While there are many styles of Hatha Yoga: Iyengar, Anusara, Ashtanga, they all come back to the source of a spiritual connection to the body and mind, while Pilates is devoid of chanting and restraining mental chatter as a means to come in to our true selves. However, since both disciplines do focus on core strength, you will find some poses in Pilates that are taken right from the Hatha play book.
If I were to advise someone on the differences I would say check out a Pilates Mat class and a yoga class. Today, on beYOU.tv, there are so many options for both. If you’re looking for a more regimented practice that purely focuses on developing core strength and a toned body, try Pilates. If you’re looking for a full mind, body and soul workout, try a yoga class. At the end of the day, you’ll stick with what you love and are drawn to.
Written by: Michelle Barge
When I took my first Pilates class back in 1995, it was to seek solace from a dead-end job and a faltering relationship as I was told you could “get in the zone…” with Pilates. Feeling too old and out of shape to return to ballet classes, I thought Pilates would be a great place to go. And it was. Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates, who developed the ‘Pilates Technique’ back in the ’30s, which was modified for dancers, and is the basis for what is taught today.
The foundation of Pilates is strengthening of the core postural muscles which are essential to providing support for the spine while teaching awareness and alignment of the spine. This is done via a series of mat exercises, other equipment specific to the genre as well as machines such as the Cadillac and Reformer. I did them all for a good 2 years straight while slowing edging my way into yoga. And yes, my body was lean and toned.
But then yoga found it’s way into my life. The greatest way to distinguish between Pilates and yoga is that Pilates is an exercise regime and yoga is a spiritual and holistic lifestyle derived in India 5,000 years ago. Yoga is not a religion, but the spiritual aspect most certainly cannot be missed. While there are many styles of Hatha Yoga: Iyengar, Anusara, Ashtanga, they all come back to the source of a spiritual connection to the body and mind, while Pilates is devoid of chanting and restraining mental chatter as a means to come in to our true selves. However, since both disciplines do focus on core strength, you will find some poses in Pilates that are taken right from the Hatha play book.
If I were to advise someone on the differences I would say check out a Pilates Mat class and a yoga class. Today, on beYOU.tv, there are so many options for both. If you’re looking for a more regimented practice that purely focuses on developing core strength and a toned body, try Pilates. If you’re looking for a full mind, body and soul workout, try a yoga class. At the end of the day, you’ll stick with what you love and are drawn to.
Written by: Michelle Barge