Both Yoga and Pilates emerged in the world of Western health around the same time. In the 60’s, workouts of any kind were seen as the new-age hippy thing to do. Even jogging was considered weird. What were people running for? There were a lot of things that we underestimated in the 60’s, and exercise was certainly one of them.
Yoga and Pilates were unlike anything that anyone had ever seen. Even though Yoga had been practiced for over 5,000 years in one form or another, Americans were shocked that it was catching on so quickly. Pilates on the other hand, began to develop in the 20th century as a means of strength building and rehabilitation. Both aimed to improve the health of the mind and the body.
Today, Pilates and Yoga are two of the most popular forms of exercise in the modern world. Because of the ease of practice – both can be done just about anywhere with minimal equipment. Both are great for wide demographics. In fact, we’ve taught yoga to both extremes – small children and people in their 70’s. Yoga and Pilates have amazing benefits for heart health, weight loss, strength, and flexibility. Many times, the two practices cross paths and finding a distinction can be difficult. Each class is different; but generally there are some important factors that separate the two.
The Class
There are TONS of different types of yoga. Almost no class will ever be the same. There is Hatha, Bikram, Prenatal, Power, and tons more. Some yoga is done in extremely hot rooms and you’ll sweat a lot. Some yoga is more meditative and you’ll hardly exert yourself. It’s important to keep trying new types to see which one is right for you. There is no special equipment required – not even sneakers. You’ll just need a mat. In a typical yoga class, you will go through a series of postures that aim to strengthen you – mind, body, and soul.
In most yoga classes, there will be very little cardio. Power yoga will provide a bit more of aerobic workout, but in general your heart rate will stay low. The focus is on the breath, meaning you’ll be doing a lot of deep breathing during your postures.
Pilates is more structured and you’ll likely be able to anticipate what you will be doing before you schedule a class. Your workout will be done on a mat and may involve various contraptions that will help to give you a better workout.
The Workout
Both practices aim to improve strength and flexibility. You’ll find that both are great for really toning and building the core. After your first class of either Pilates or Yoga, you’ll have worked muscles that you didn’t even know you had. Pilates tends to focus more on core and spine strength, whereas in yoga it is just one component.
Pilates is based around about 500 core movements which aim to strengthen muscles without adding bulk. Yoga is more free flowing and is focused around postures as opposed to movements. You’ll learn to breathe through the struggle and maintain balance. You’ll stretch your muscles, and you’ll relax.
In terms of calories burned, an hour of Power yoga will burn about 350 calories for the average person. In a constant movement yoga (such as Flow), you’ll burn upwards of 600. Pilates will burn between 200 and 300 calories for the average person during a one hour session. Neither yoga nor Pilates is designed to burn tons of calories. You’re better off combining Yoga, Pilates, and other forms of cardio like running and spinning if calorie burning is your goal.
Yoga is known to give you a better, deeper stretch with an allover workout. Pilates is known to really work your core while providing a gentle stretch.
Which one is right for me?
Whether you’ve already decided that Yoga or Pilates is better for you, it’s best to try both. Many of our clients like to switch between the two because they both have different benefits. Either way, you should certainly try both before you make a final decision.
