Pilate, yoga, Yogilates, PiYo. They all seem to offer similar workouts, so how do you choose? Pilates and yoga are both low-impact workouts that focus on using your bodyweight for resistance. No matter what your age or fitness level, both are great for improving balance and mobility, which is important as we get a little older and worry about the risk of falling down.

Pilates and yoga workouts provide huge benefits and can increase overall health, leading to better quality of life. Both have evolved drastically in recent years. Different variations are available at gyms and studios around the world, there’s something for almost everyone.

Pilates

Pilates was developed by Jospeh Pilates at the end of World War I. It was created to help with rehabilitation for wounded soldiers. Pilates brought his methods to the United States in 1923 and spend years refining his approach.

If done right, Pilates may:

• Increase muscle strength and endurance

• Improve flexibility and posture

• Lead to better balance

• Result in decreased joint pain

Pilates consist of small movements that require the use of important stabalizing muscles of the back and core. There is a strong emphasis on starting each exercise with controlled breath that initiates a contraction of the core muscles.

Evidence suggests that pilates may be beneficial for those with the following conditions:

• Arthritis

• Urinary Incontinence

• Respiratory conditions

• Joint injuries

• Back Pain

Yoga

Yoga originated from ancient India. It’s been around for at least the past 3,000 years. Yoga has roots in shamanism, Buddhism, and other eastern religions. It’s centered around the five belief of:

• Proper relaxation

• Exercise

• Breathing

• Diet

• Positive thinking and meditation

Mindfulness and deep breathing are key features in a yoga practice. There are many types of yoga, holding various poses and flowing through different series of movements is standard in most classes. Yoga is known to be a form of mind-body fitness. It combines physical activity and mindful focus. This brings increased awareness to the breath and energy.

Pilates AND YOGA COMPARISONS

Both pilates and yoga can be done with little equipment. They require only the use of a mat and a few additional props like a block or a Pilates ring, if desired. In pilates, you breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. You use the exhalation to help you empty your lungs and tighten the abdominals. In yoga, you breathe in AND out through the nose to create heat inside the body.

Pilates focuses on the body to lengthen and stretch muscles groups to improve flexibility, balance and overall strength. Yoga on the other hand brings both the body and mind together thru exercise, breathing and meditation. One way to know for sure which is best for you is to try both and see which feels better for you. It doesn’t have to be an either or. Some people do both.