Yoga vs. Pilates

Yoga

Yoga originated in India and is meant to not only be a physical form of exercise, but spritual as well — it’s about creating balance in the body by developing both strength and flexibility.

A typical yoga routine has the student perform a series of poses on a mat.  Each pose has specific physical benefits, and uses the body’s own weight for resistance.  In addition, yoga classes may also include instruction on breathing, chanting, or meditation, depending on the individual teacher and the type of yoga in which he or she has trained.  There are six different styles, all unique in emphasis so that you can choose the one that’s right for you.

At home options

Since all you need is a mat, yoga is one of the easiest workouts you can do outside of a gym.  Just make sure you have a DVD player, because yoga is instructor-dependent. 

There are countless yoga DVD’s out there, so my advice is to scour Amazon and check out the bestsellers and read the user reviews.  Because there are so many different types of yoga, newbies should even check out their local library or Netflix to avoid buying something that may not end up being for them.  And, it’s always best to start out with a beginner video first.   

Pilates

Pilates, created in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, focuses on the core postural muscles which help keep the body balanced.  Each workout emphasizes mind over matter, breathing, control, centering, concentration, precision, and flow.

The Pilates method emphasizes quality over quantity, and so exercises are done precisely and slowly rather than in many repetitions.  Exercises are done on a mat, or on a piece of equipment called a Reformer, which utilizes the student’s own body weight for resistance.

Pilates devotees say that they have become stronger, longer, leaner, and more graceful after incorporating Pilates into their fitness routine. 

At home options

Many Pilates moves and routines can be done via mat work on the floor (making following a DVD an easy at-home alternative), using resistance accessories to add more of a challenge to your workout.  To get the full benefits of Pilates, like you would if you were taking instructor-led lessons, you will need to invest in a serious piece of equipment called a Reformer.

Tip: if you’re looking to save money, do your mat work via DVD at home, and take classes if you’re looking to take it up a notch using the Reformer.