Pilates and yoga – they often go hand in hand. You’ll find them next to each other on the schedule at studios, side by side on online workout platforms, and you may have even tried a fusion of the two, affectionately known as ‘Yogalates’.
Despite being complimentary, the two are actually pretty different. From their history and principles, to their movements and breathing techniques, we caught up with the team at CorePlus to take a look at the main differences between these equally beneficial forms of movement.
The origins
“Yoga has a seriously long history. It’s hard to pinpoint an exact timeline, but let’s say it originated in India thousands of years ago. Yoga in itself means ‘to yoke’ or unite, referring to the joining of the body, mind and spirit, and it’s something that filters into every part of your life, not just the 45 or so minutes you spend on the mat,” explained the CorePlus team.
Pilates on the other hand is a newer practice.
“Founded by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, the practice of Pilates was originally known as ‘Contrology’ and was refined during World War I when Joseph was working as a nurse and assisted injured soldiers to maintain their muscle tone while bed-bound. He created his own equipment using the hospital bed springs – and there you have it, the Pilates reformer was born.”
Upon moving to the United States, Joseph opened his first Contrology studio with his wife, Clara, which was very popular with dancers, and Pilates has since become a hit with people of all ages and backgrounds.
The practice
While both Pilates and yoga can increase your strength, mobility, endurance and flexibility, there are some key differences.
“At its core, the practice of yoga really is about connecting your body, mind and breath,” mentioned CorePlus. “Your movement will be guided by your breath, and your breath by your movement. It’s an invitation to turn your attention inwards and observe how you’re feeling both physically and spiritually.”
There are so many types of yoga, and each has its own vibe. In a vinyasa flow, you’ll move a little quicker through your practice, with breath guiding your movement. In a slow flow, you’ll take the pace down and spend a little more time in each pose, and in yin yoga you’ll melt into stretchy poses for long periods of time, allowing for your muscles to release and your mind to quiet.
“Pilates on the other hand focuses on strengthening, lengthening and toning the muscles, while also improving your alignment and flexibility. This is true whether you’re practicing on the mat or with the reformer. There’s a strong focus on the core and stabilising muscles in Pilates, making it great for injury prevention and rehabilitation (with guidance from a physio or medical practitioner).”
Although Pilates does encourage mindfulness and is great for reducing stress levels, you’ll find less explicit emphasis on your spiritual body in Pilates than in yoga.
You may also notice that you use your breath in different ways in Pilates and yoga. In Pilates you’re invited to exhale on the effort – so when you’re lying on your belly to find a chest lift, you’d exhale as you lift up away from the mat. In yoga, you’re invited to inhale to find expansion, so you would be taking your inhale breath as you lift your chest or find your ‘cobra’.
So which one should we choose?
Pilates and yoga are both beneficial in their own right, but are also super complimentary. Everyone is different and some people prefer one over the other, while others love a balance of both, so give them a go and see what works best for your body.
You could also base your practice around how your body and mind are feeling on any given day – you’re feeling a little overwhelmed and anxious, perhaps yin yoga is on the cards; you’re feeling a little lethargic and in need of an energy boost, you might turn to Hot Mat Pilates.
Listen to your own body and find the movement that helps you get out of bed in the morning, move or sit better throughout the day, and find sleep easier at night.
With heated Pilates, yoga and reformer under one roof, and classes open to all levels, CorePlus has a movement style for everyone. Studios are judgement-free spaces, every class is instructor led, and members move to feel good. With studios in Greater Melbourne and Brisbane, and more locations coming soon, you’ll find a movement community like no other.
