Yoga and Pilates are forms of exercise that focus on strengthening the core while improving flexibility, breathing techniques and mental health. When comparing and contrasting the exercises, it is eminent that they share more similarities than differences, however, they do differ in certain aspects.
The origins of yoga are up for debate, but the general consensus is that yoga originated in India over five thousand years ago.1 The history of yoga is divided into four different time periods where it developed into the ever so popular mode of exercise it is today. The four time periods are pre-classical yoga, classical yoga, post-classical yoga, and the modern period.1 Pre-classical yoga was introduced over five thousand years ago by the Indius-Saravati civilization’s hallowed texts called the Rig Veda. These texts consisted of guidelines for certain ceremonies performed by Brahmans.1 These Brahmans and priests would practice relinquishing certain habits in order to achieve self-betterment and formed the first form of yoga.1 Following this was classical yoga which was a much more organized way of practicing yoga than pre-classical.1 Classical yoga established the first form of yoga with a formal instructor.1 The first yoga instructor, Patanjali, created a form of yoga called Yoga-Sutras that focused on teaching the steps to take to reach enlightenment.1 Many recognize Patanjali as the father of yoga and note that many of his methods are still used in yoga today.1 Post classical yoga was the first instance of yoga that focused heavily on the spiritual and mind-body connections that are often present in westernized yoga exercises.1 The modern period introduced western cultures to yoga in the late 1800s and early 1900s.1 Yoga instructors from India travelled across the globe to implement yoga into western culture.1 This produced a colossal wave of westerners interested in the exercise and formed yoga into the internationally revered form exercise that it is today.1
Joseph Pilates, the father of Pilates, was a German man born in1883 who created a mode of exercise that incorporated specific exercises that focused on both the mind and body known today as Pilates.2 Joseph Pilates suffered many health inclinations, such as asthma, as a child and utilized exercise to combat them.2 From a sickly child to a dynamic athlete, Joseph would excel in many sports such as boxing, gymnastics and skiing.2 His drastic change sprung a eureka moment that would inspire him to spread the news of his life changing discoveries.2 Joseph would later present his exercise methods in England to Scotland Yard detectives where he would train them as a self-defense instructor.2 Shortly following his arrival to England, an influenza outbreak would devastate England killing thousands, but not a single one of the detectives trained by Pilates died from the epidemic.2 Upon his return to Germany, Joseph would become very popular in the dance community for his mode of exercise and would eventually move to the United States where he would introduce Pilates to the Americas. Joseph and his wife would open a fitness studio in New York City where he would turn Pilates into a worldwide sensation.2
Both Pilates and yoga compare well when it comes to the reported outcomes because they focus on a mind-body connection through specific breathing patterns, controlled body movements and with high levels of concentration.3 The outcomes of the exercises are nearly identical, but the only difference is yoga foes offer enhanced spiritual awareness and Pilates generates more physical results.3 Acute outcomes such as increased relaxation, lowered stress, improved focus and decreased fatigue are present with both yoga and Pilates.3 Chronic outcomes such as cardiovascular health improvements, strengthened skeletal system and improved blood circulation.3 Between the exercise modes, some outcomes may be more considerable than others, but they share every outcome mentioned.3 Very much like the outcomes of yoga and Pilates, the associated concepts and deliveries are also very similar. Yoga and Pilates incorporate exercises, stretches, and breathing techniques that strengthen the body and mind.3 The physical aspect derives from the strenuous exercises that differ among the exercises. Yoga is strictly bodyweight exercises, and Pilates utilizes both body weight other pieces of equipment.3 Yoga is also seen as more strenuous where Pilates is basically suitable for anyone and everyone.3
Choosing an exercise that is right for you may be difficult because there are so many variables that can make or break a type of exercise. Variables such as your body type and personal preferences are things to consider when weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each mode of exercise.3 Advantages for yoga has over Pilates can be seen as improved flexibility, spiritual awareness, and more vigorous exercises.3 Disadvantages of yoga in comparison to Pilates include the difficulty of yoga, finding a suitable instructor and the lack of equipment used.3 The only advantage of Pilates has over yoga is freedom to go at your own pace and not have to follow an instructor.3 Pilates has over five hundred exercises for just about every ability level.3 This is why Pilates has gained so much popularity over the years.3 The advantages and disadvantages of yoga make it more suitable to populations that want more of a challenge, populations with high regards for spiritual health and even those who just want to be more flexible and agile where Pilates can be suitable for just about any population within reason.3