Pilates vs. Yoga

Yoga began as a philosophy and evolved into a meditative and healing art that uses movement, breathing, posture, relaxation and meditation to create a harmony between body, mind and spirit.

Pilates is a popular method of exercise and rehabilitation focusing on strength and flexibility and strength. It tones and lengthens muscles instead of bulking them up.

Pilates exercises concentrate on physical conditioning. While yoga is physically demanding, the poses are aimed at the mind.

In Yoga balance is emphasized in all areas; strengthening muscles, and creating mental and physical balance. Pilates focuses mostly on the core muscles and building strength there in this area. Yoga uses poses; Pilates uses movements. Yoga emphasizes flexibility over strength and Pilates emphasizes toning over flexibility.

Another way to explain the difference is that Yoga is more about how you feel, and Pilates is more about how you look.

The two disciplines need not be separate, though. Many find practicing both yoga and pilates very satisfying and has even sparked a new method called "Yogalates".

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