Have you ever wondered what the difference between Yoga and Pilates is? This Infographic on the right explains it pretty well (click on the image to see a bigger version). I actually started with Pilates before I gravitated to Yoga. 
It had been recommended to me for my back problems (I’ve got a scoliosis and chronic back problems) and I found it also really useful as post-natal exercise as it focuses on core strength which I hardly had any of after giving birth – especially my second baby!
I have to admit, however, that I personally find Pilates a little boring… Yes, it can be very challenging but to me yoga postures are much more diverse and there is more to explore and always somewhere further to go!
In Pilates you do small but dynamic movements to strengthen the core whereas in Yoga the poses are usually held much longer. A lot of postures are actually quite similar but one of the main differences is the breath!
In Yoga you breathe in and out through the nose whereas in Pilates you breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth. It seems like a small detail but breathing out through the nose is much more controlled and has a more meditative effect I find.
I agree with most of what is said in the Infographic but do think that the benefits of yoga are the same as the ones mentioned for Pilates and more! To me Yoga is a more holistic approach but obviously I’m biased and have to admit that I’ve never studied Pilates in depth.
Both forms of exercise certainly bring huge benefits and at the end of the day it doesn’t really matter what you do as long as you feel the benefits and enjoy it most of all!
I have a prolapsed uterus after 3 children and have tried all types of exercises but I’ve been afraid to join a yoga class as I’m not flexible and wouldn’t be able to manage some of the poses. Perhaps I should try a dvd first before attempting a class.
Don’t worry about what you can and what you cannot do! Everyone has got different challenges and there is usually always another option available if a yoga pose seems to difficult! Don’t be afraid to give it a go!
love all the information you have about yoga really inspiring.
Ooh how interesting. My spine is collapsing (unfortunate) and I am trying to avoid very invasive surgery using physiotherapy and exercise. My surgeon and physio both advised pilates as part of my initial recovery from yet another disc herniation and it really helped. But after an amazon mix-up I ended up with a yoga DVD and then found a yoga instructor – and I am finding the relaxation and flexibility side of holding my yoga poses is really improving my well being and pain management. I am no expert but I do enjoy both disciplines – but yoga is definitely more engaging and leaves me buzzing. Either way – it’s keeping me pain-free and no where near a surgical ward! Win 🙂
Thank you for your comment. I’m so glad you found something to help you manage the back pain! I’m not sure why physios recommend pilates over yoga… Maybe they don’t know enough about it? Take care and keep practicing!
I love this post! I recently wrote a post about the barre trend versus classical ballet. So glad that I found your blog 🙂
xx, ss || A Little Seersucker Sass
Thanks for stopping by! Will check out your blog now!