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Moment of truth: If you had to choose between yoga or Pilates, which one would be your go-to exercise routine?
If you enjoy inner wellness, a clear mind, and connecting with your soul - then you are a yogi.
On the other hand, If you are ready to tone and sculpt your body, then Pilates is the best decision.
Depending on your goals and what you are looking for, either may be a good starting point.
Both Pilates and yoga share close similarities; when using the mat and your body weight for resistance.
What is Yoga?
Yoga was created to lead an individual on a spiritual journey, bringing harmony to connect the mind, body, and soul.
There is a long and fascinating history of yoga, dating back thousands of years ago.
Long before, one of the first well-known teachers, B.K.S Lyengar renowned for the style of Lyengar yoga.
The practice started on the knowledge of religious beliefs, such as the Universal Consciousness. This discipline solely focuses on science, technically of the body, and the highest level of the connection of human life and inner peace.
Yoga takes its practice a step further to cultivate the body and mind and help bond mental and physical health.
Source: pxhere.com
Let’s take a look at a few different types of yoga:
Hatha yoga. It’s a great starting place if you are new to learning the routine and the basic positions. The movements are gentle and move at a slow relaxing pace.
Yin yoga. Just as gentle as Hatha yoga, the focus is to teach meditation, slowly stretch and learn more beginner poses that rely on blocks or scraps.
Hot yoga. Now, this one is not for the faint of heart! This form is very beneficial to practice in a hot temperature-controlled room; with this, your muscles seem to loosen, and you can stay in your poses longer.
Ashtanga yoga. This one is my personal favorite; this type of yoga fluidly moves your body, repeating different poses.
Vinyasa yoga. Enjoy a faster pace; you are flowing from one pose to the next while breaking a sweat with a quicker heart rate.
What is Pilates?
Pilates pushes the body towards more of a physical fitness routine.
Founder Joseph Pilates an athlete, using the combination of technical exercises he developed to help rehabilitate detainees and soldiers during WWl.
He produced floor routines and anything available to him to help heal and train the body.
When he moved to New York City, he began a career training dancers and taught them to maintain their physique for the ballet.
Pilates stabilizes the muscles with fewer moves but with intense movement to focus all the attention on the muscles and ligaments.
Similar to yoga, Pilates focuses on mental and physical health, which would coincide with healing.
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The benefits and differences of incorporating Pilates:
Strength Training. Ability to build muscle without creating too much bulk with resistance training and repetition. Muscles are long and lean and heal from injuries better.
Posture. Like yoga, Pilates focuses on the lower and upper back for alignment and helps with coordination and balance.
Energy levels. The ability to think clearly and develop better circulation increases energy and focus.
Confidence. Moving at a slower pace helps with listening to your body and understanding your body’s needs and wants.
Purification. The movements with the abdomen and lower back muscles aids in the release of toxins in the digestive tract kidneys.
Conclusion
Deciding between Pilates and yoga may seem like a challenge because both contain similar techniques and mantras.
Choosing both would not only benefit your health and challenge your mind further.
Both will help with flexibility and mental clarity if you stay consistent and enjoy the process.