Pilates Studio in Sedona
Pilates vs Yoga

Pilates vs. Yoga – Learn the Actual Difference Between them

You’re not the only one asking this question.

 

In fact, it’s one of the top questions we get at Sultivate, our Reformer Pilates Studio. While the answer isn’t completely cut and dry – today… we’re going to do our best to answer it.

 

First, let’s talk about the differences in origin between Pilates vs. Yoga.


A (Very) Short History Lesson of Pilates and Yoga.


Understanding where Pilates and Yoga each started will set the framework for their similarities and differences.


The newer craze… Pilates


Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates. He used ingenuity and a knack for fabricating machinery to create exercises and exercise equipment during WWI and WWII when he was a POW.

 

Pilates didn’t make its way to the United States until the 1940s. But it didn’t become mainstream until the 1980s-1990s.

 

Something important to note is that Joseph did quite a bit of Yoga before he created Pilates in the first place which is why there are some similarities.


The OG craze… Yoga


This one is trickier, because Yoga was founded centuries ago. Records of Yoga date back as far as 2700 B.C.1

 

From its roots as a spiritual discipline, it has grown into a mainstream worldwide exercise method. People practice Yoga with so many different intentions and goals.

 

Because of its rich history, there are hundreds of different Yoga disciplines and it has evolved significantly throughout time.

 

This makes comparing Pilates and Yoga a bit tricky. While many practice Yoga merely for the fitness benefits – our discussion today will also talk about how Yoga is rooted in spirituality.

 

With lots of different styles in both Yoga and Pilates, plus their extensive histories, we’re going to compare the two using some of their core principles.

Pilates and Yoga classes

The Main Principles of Pilates vs Yoga


We’ll start by looking at this from the perspective of:

 

  • The 6 principles of Pilates that Joseph Pilates outlined in his books.
  • The 8 limbs of Raja Yoga2 one of the most important texts on the practice of Yoga. It acts as a ‘code of conduct’ for all original Yoga practices.

6 Principles of Pilates

  1. Breath control
  2. Concentration
  3. Center or Core
  4. Control of movement
  5. Precision with body placement
  6. Flow or rhythm

8 Limbs of Raja Yoga

  1. The restraints – no stealing, no lying, no theft
  2. The observances – cleanliness, contentment, discipline
  3. Postures – of the body
  4. Breathing
  5. Withdrawal – sensory withdrawal
  6. Concentration
  7. Meditation
  8. Uniting with the universal consciousness

Based on these lists, let’s talk about the similarities and differences of Pilates vs Yoga.

 

How Are Pilates and Yoga the Same?


If you think about Pilates relative to Yoga – you might consider them as two different exercise systems that share similar goals, and some of the steps to get to those fitness goals are also similar.

 

But if we look at the principles of Pilates and the ‘code of conduct’ a couple are directly related to each other.

 

  1. Breathing
  2. Concentration

Moving on from the principles – many of the exercises in Pilates and Yoga are similar as well. If they aren’t the same, they’re close – and they have the same purpose and end goal – to strengthen the body and mind.

 

In fact, Pilates and Yoga are both known for incorporating a series of exercises that work together to create the benefits you’re wanting to achieve.

 

This differs from single exercises like burpees or squats that are supposed to achieve full body fitness alone.

 

You can see this very clearly with Yoga as there are many Yoga practices that are meant to be performed in the same order every time to get you the best benefits like Sun Salutations.

 

Pilates is similar as you put a string of movements together to get the desired result. However, there is often more flexibility to Pilates movements – especially with progressions where you make an exercise harder, and regressions where it’s made easier.

 

Let’s talk about some of the clear-cut differences between Pilates and Yoga…

How Are Yoga and Pilates Different?


When we think about the 6 principles and the 8 limbs of Raja Yoga… we know there is a big difference between the purpose of the two.

 

While Pilates celebrates the mind-body connection it is less of a lifestyle than Yoga can be. While many people may practice Yoga in a similar manner to Pilates – at its core Yoga was initially meant to create a way of life.

 

You certainly don’t see the principle: ‘take a bath’ in Joseph Pilate’s books.

 

Now, let’s move away from the theoretical talk…

 

One of the easiest-to-spot differences between Pilates and Yoga is the exercise equipment. One of the more popular styles of Pilates is Reformer Pilates. You don’t use a Reformer in Yoga.

 

The Reformer is a bedlike rolling platform that uses springs to create tension and resistance for your workout.

 

But there are other styles of Pilates – and not all use the reformer. So let’s talk specifically about Mat Pilates vs Yoga.

 

Mat Pilates is the closest to Yoga as it is performed on a mat. However, there are still key differences.

Pilates and Yoga near me

Mat Pilates Exercises

  1. Can be similar to yoga – but they’re often performed in different planes than corresponding Yoga exercises which can make them easier or harder. For example, they may happen seated or lying down while the Yoga posture may be standing.
  2. It’s unlikely to include static poses and focuses more heavily on movement.
  3. While there is a focus on a mind-body connection it’s more about recognizing how your body and muscles are performing the movements you’re making.
  4. You are more likely to incorporate equipment into a Mat Pilates workout.

Yoga Exercises

  1. The original version of an exercise that is often used in different ways for a Pilates exercise
  2. Often a series of static poses and the movements to get to them don’t matter as much (this depends a little on which Yoga style you’re doing)
  3. There is a huge focus on your inner self and often a spirituality component to Yoga exercises.
  4. Some styles of Yoga may incorporate small pieces of equipment but it’s less likely for equipment to play a large role and not for most exercises.

As you can see… they’re similar but different.


Is Pilates or Yoga Better?


If you really want to get down to the nitty-gritty of how Yoga and Pilates are different, you have to look at the motivations behind both exercise systems.

 

Pilates principles are all about how to follow the exercise routine to receive maximum physical benefits. Then the mental/emotional benefits and a happy life comes as a result of your work.

 

Meanwhile, in Yoga, the 8 Limbs of Raja Yoga incorporate both the journey to a better life AND what the better life should look like. It being a code of conduct makes it a bit stricter.

 

However, as we’ve discussed, not everyone practices Yoga as a comprehensive spiritual journey.

 

Every Yoga studio is going to be a bit different in their goals as well.

 

Answering the question “Is Pilates or Yoga better?” really comes down to personal preference.

are Pilates and yoga the same

Pilates vs Yoga at Sultivate


Sultivate is a Reformer Pilates studio in Sedona and Cottonwood AZ. But we also offer Mat Pilates and two types of Yoga classes at our Group Fitness Studio in Cottonwood.

 

  • Yoga: taught as a series of poses that flow from one to the next – the goal being to build balance.
  • Restorative Yin Yoga: holding isometric poses through the use of bolster Yoga blocks and Yoga straps – with a goal of stretching muscles and releasing tension.

Our Yoga classes aren’t particularly spiritual – as we prefer to focus more on community building.

 

Our Mat Pilates classes are taught using slow controlled movements to specifically target your core muscles. All 6 Pilates principles are focused on throughout the class to give you a great workout… and help you feel amazing throughout and when you finish.

 

The great thing is that yoga and pilates isn’t an either/or – it’s an AND. You can do both! We’d love to see you at our next Yoga or Pilates class. Take one of each and see for yourself what the differences are in our studio.

Resources:

1 History of Yoga – Government of India

2 Yoga Sutra – Yoga Well