Yoga and Pilates are both gentle fitness techniques,
challenging both the physical and the mental. They share so many similarities
that the public sometimes has great difficulty in differentiating them. Some people
come to believe that Pilates is ultimately a derivative of Yoga. However, these
methods have very distinct philosophies and a specific technicality. The
benefits to the body and mind will not be of the same nature.
Find-A-Course offers you an update on the differences
between Yoga and Pilates and helps you choose the activity that best suits your
needs.
The main principles
of Yoga
Lotus sitting in a yoga class originating in India, Yoga was
codified between 300 and 500 BC in a collection of Indian philosophy (Yoga
sūtra) written by Patanjali: a scholar who became famous. Yoga is above all a
relaxation technique designed to promote the link between the physical, the
psychic and the spiritual through different postures. Beyond the physical
virtues, this discipline has a strong spiritual dimension and depending on the
style chosen, it can be accompanied by meditation and a particular lifestyle.
Yoga generally reaches an audience in search of greater
flexibility, more gentle physical activity, better management of stress and
anxiety, greater concentration or a healthier lifestyle.
Yoga is declined in dozens of styles differing by the speed
and the fluidity of the movements, the duration of postures (asanas), the
presence of meditation or not, a work on the endurance or the force. This
diversity allows to reach a wide audience:
For a simple and
accessible Yoga for everyone
Hatha Yoga is the most popular version of Yoga. It is
executed by sequences of slow movements with simple poses held for 2-3 minutes.
Particular attention is paid to breathing and concentration.
For more dynamic
exercises
Ashtanga Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga or Power Yoga are fast
disciplines with vigorous movements. The program is based on rhythmic sequences
and postures, including slits and pumps, connected to breathing exercises.
Uninterrupted, the movements are harmonious and help to work strength and
flexibility.
For Experienced
People Long-time practitioners or experienced sportsmen will
be tempted by Air Yoga. A struggle of gravity is required, with postures and
movements performed in the air, the practitioner being suspended by a ribbon.
Aerial Yoga is a subtle blend of classical yoga, dance , Pilates, aerobics and
Swedish gymnastics, where flexibility and strength are king.
For Abundant Sweating
and Greater Weight Loss
Bikram Yoga, also known as Hot Yoga, is recommended for
those who wish to lose weight while working on the flexibility of their body.
Classes are taught in a room heated between 37 and 39° C. Therefore, each
movement causes more calories to be lost.
For a Focus on Body
Alignment
Iyengar Yoga and Anusara Yoga focus on the accuracy of body
alignment through postures held for a specific time. These two disciplines
involve the use of accessories (belts, chairs, blocks, tape, blanket) to
optimize stretching.
For a restorative
Yoga
To relax and fight against some of the problems caused by
stress or bad posture, slow yoga is perfect. Through simple poses held up to 20
minutes and the use of accessories (cushions, straps, bolster ...), the
practitioner completely relaxes his muscles and learns to relax.
For a spiritual
awakening
Finally, if the principle that draws you into Yoga is the
spiritual search, then turn to Yoga Sivananda or Juvamukti. These contemporary
methods aim to teach a lifestyle that is focused on relaxation, meditation and
vegetarianism through breathing exercises, singing and reading the founding
writings of yoga.
The main principles
of Pilates
Pilates classes for women to strengthen the musclesPilates
is based on gymnastic exercises, sometimes close to fitness, with postures more
sought after than Yoga. More than relaxation, it is the concentration that is
important in this discipline, to make the muscle groups involved work. This
method of fitness consists in developing certain parts of the body and learning
how to coordinate them.
By practicing Pilates exercises, the individual also learns
to control the intensity of his movements, including through accessories such
as gym ball, straps, rings or scales. This discipline lists more than 500
exercises, based on these 6 fundamental principles:
The concentration
All the sequences must be perfectly executed and modeled on
the breathing. The physical and the conscience must work in concert.
The breathing
Pilates learns to master the different types of breathing
(dorsal, costal, abdominal ...), in order to use it in the execution of each
movement.
Centering
The central area of the body, also called "Core",
is the most important part of Pilates practice. It is solicited at each
movement because it centralizes all the energy.
The order
Pilates sessions are performed according to a precise
sequence of movements and postures. It is important to respect it, to fully
enjoy the benefits of this method of fitness.
Fluidity
Flexibility and harmony of the body are at the heart of
Pilates practice. Each movement is slow and full of impulse.
Control
In addition to being fluid, every movement is perfectly
controlled and executed. If so, it should start again until it is acquired, in
order to move on to the next.
The different effects of Yoga and Pilates
Let's get to the heart of the matter to focus on the notable
differences, both in practice and in the short and long-term effects of his two
disciplines.
Weight loss
With regard to the loss of calories, which is often one of
the main objectives of fitness classes, it is equivalent in both cases. Indeed,
Pilates and Yoga focus more on the rebalancing of the body, on the harmony
between the mental and the physical, as well as on the general firming of the
silhouette. If your main objective is to say goodbye to unnecessary pounds,
then opt for fitness classes , much more effective.
The use of breathing
The first difference between these two disciplines lies in
the way you use your breath. In Yoga, breathing is the basis for relaxation,
while Pilates classes use breathing to oxygenate the muscles at the right time
to provide flexibility for movement.
Strength and
flexibility
After a few sessions of Yoga, the body and the joints
benefit from a reinforced suppleness and tonicity. For Pilates, the
practitioner has overall muscle building, increased stamina, and greater
physical strength. The back and hips also become more flexible, allowing you to
better live in a unique position every day (sitting or standing all day). In
addition, the silhouette is also firmed and thinned.
The reduction of back
pain
These two disciplines are useful for relieving back pain
because they help to strengthen the back muscles and to better support daily
postures. However, in case of chronic back pain, it is recommended to seek the
advice of a coach before starting a series of exercises.
Relaxation
To calm anxieties and learn how to better manage stress,
Yoga remains the best choice. Slow practices will help the practitioner to
release all tensions and learn to better manage his negative emotions .
Yoga mom-baby at homePilates and Yoga can be practiced by
everyone, at any age. Only more "sporting" versions of Yoga should be
reserved for experienced practitioners. As a result, even pregnant women can
enroll in these fitness classes. There are sessions dedicated to them, as well
as Mom-Baby Yoga classes for them to continue classes after delivery.
Therefore, it is up to you to probe your real needs. If you are more interested
in regaining control of your body, then Pilates will be more advisable. For a
spiritual need, where relaxation and well-being are kings, Yoga or meditation
classes will do you the greatest good.
Finally, know that it is possible to combine the two! You
can find the harmony of your body and learn to better manage your emotions
while developing your physical strength.
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