Monday 6 October 2014

Yoga and Pilates: Know the Difference

Yoga practitioners often come across the question, ‘what is the difference between Yoga and Pilates?’ Beginners most often find the two workouts identical and even experienced practitioners get confused while describing the difference between these two exercise routines. So, the real understanding about the difference between the two forms comes by knowing the core purpose behind doing each of the forms.

The Purpose of Yoga Practice

As we go deeper into yoga practice, we come to realize that yoga is about our whole well-being. Even if we ignore the spiritual aspect of yoga and stick to its effects on our physical body and mind, we see that scope of yoga is so vast with different forms and different styles of doing them that it cannot be associated with a specific purpose and can only be regarded as a workout for the whole body.

Same asana in different forms of yoga is performed in different styles, thus, serves for different purposes or for the same purpose at different levels. In addition to that, every asana has a distinct purpose and benefits our body and mind in a different way. From body alignment to muscle strength and flexibility, yoga practice is for all-round fitness.

The Purpose of Pilates Practice

Like mentioned before, on the surface Pilates and Yoga seem pretty much the same workout, since both are practiced on yoga mats usually and blend breathing patterns with physical poses, however, the introduction of the reformers has given Pilates practice a distinct look. The reformers allow better stability even with increased resistance while doing the physical poses.

Pilates practice was first introduced as a rehabilitation workout and unlike Yoga the main purpose behind Pilates practice is to achieve better abdominal stability and to strengthen core muscles. Pilates also prevents from, as well as cures muscular injuries. For instance, with regular Pilates practice, you can keep shoulder, neck and back pain at bay.

By knowing the difference between the purposes of Yoga and Pilates practice, you can choose either of the workouts to cater your specific needs. Or, better include them both in your practice to get the benefits of both workouts. While Pilates practice will improve your core stability, yoga will work for your general well-being while enhancing the effects of Pilates as well.

Apart from knowing the difference between the purposes of these two forms, another important thing is to learn how each form is practiced. You can purchase DVDs, attend local studios that teach Yoga and Pilates, or even join a yoga retreat in Rishikesh or Bali or at any other yoga hub, to get proper instructions and guidance on how each of the exercise routines is performed. However, the thing you need to emphasize on is to know how to blend the practice of both workouts to benefit yourself in best possible manner.

No comments:

Post a Comment