Some people may tell you that Pilates is better for you and some may say Yoga. In actuality Pilates and Yoga are very different. They were created for different purposed, different people, and different healing processes. Sometimes Yoga and Pilates may even be used together to enhance core strength and flexibility. It is ok if you have a preference for either one, but don’t let any popular or social bias stop you from trying both! Who knows, they may both be for you!

What is Pilates? Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates and is defined as the science of art of coordinated body, mind, and spirit to develop total fitness. Pilates was derived from yoga postures and was developed over 80 years ago. Pilates uses your body’s resistance to perform movements in precise sequence. These movements stimulate every muscle, tendon, and organ in the human body. Pilates can help you tone your muscles, lengthen your body, improve strength, flexibility, balance, and posture. Pilates helps you to achieve physical and emotional well-being. Pilates focuses mainly on cultivating core strength. Pilates has been practiced for decades by dances and has been popular recently for aesthetic body sculpting.

Pilates works the whole body using control, precision, and concentration in the mind and body to help tone and exercise your body. The movements are performed slowly and do not necessarily use repetitions. In Pilates the focus is quality not quantity. Pilates works on the core, otherwise known as the “powerhouse” of the body, which includes the abdominal muscles, lower back, and buttocks. This focus allows the rest of the body to move freely. The focus upon the powerhouse makes one stronger inside and out and can protect your body from injury. “The low impact nature of Pilates makes it ideal for injury prevention and rehabilitation. Its six principles-concentration, control, centering, breathing, flow and precision-train the body to move efficiently with minimal impact on the body. The balance between strength and flexibility creates a healthy, vigorous and symmetrical workout for all muscle groups resulting in a leaner, more balanced, and stronger body,” (Deborah Harris).

While Pilates and Yoga often seek to reach the same goals, the major difference is that Pilates not only has a full complement of mat work, it also includes Pilates machines. Pilates is able to balance overall strength and give your body a longer, leaner, dancer-like form.
Breathing is closely focused upon in Pilates. Proper breathing helps to distribute adequate amounts of oxygen to the muscles you are using and helps to prevent any unwanted tension. A relaxed and full breath pattern will help you to focus and concentrate. The Stott Pilates breathing pattern encourages a full expansion of the rib cage along the sides and back without lifting the shoulders. By engaging the lower part of your lungs there will be a more efficient gas exchange. Stott Pilates breathing is deep, coordinated, and initiates movement throughout your entire body.

What is yoga? Yoga is a popular path to physical and mental well-being. Some people may consider Yoga simply as exercise, but it can include a system for complete well-being. Yoga includes postures, healthy diet, breathing, and relaxation techniques. The most advanced forms of Yoga include meditation and self realization. Yoga postures effectively stretch and strengthen your body. However, it is sad that the most profound effects are to your internal body. “By bending, stretching, twisting, and flexing in the various postures, you bathe your internal organs with oxygenated blood and prana, also known as life force energy or chi,” (wailana.com). Yoga postures can sooth and tone your nerves, and many people believe it can help regulate the body’s endocrine system. Yoga postures, breathing, and relaxation are effective in relieving stress; it is the Yoga meditation that can help you relieve deep-seated stress. Yoga is considered to be very therapeutic because of the way it makes you more aware of your body’s posture, alignment, and movement. Yoga is able to help you find calm in the midst of a stressful environment, which is often why people begin practicing Yoga. “The Yoga movements are performed, mostly, in a group setting on a special Yoga mat with an aid of a Yoga instructor. The body's own weight is used for resistance and a great deal of focus is accorded to the flow from one posture into the other. There are many different Yoga styles and they differ in their emphasis. No one style is better than the other. The Style you use is a matter of personal preference or a matter of need,” (Deborah Harris).

Breathing is an important component of Yoga. By reprogramming your natural breathing to use your lungs to their full extent, you can help prevent recent lifestyle diseases such as cardio-vascular and nervous system disorders. Full Yogic Breath, or Yoga breathing is important in your every day life and, of course, when practicing Yoga.

In Yoga there are a few steps to begin breathing properly:
“Step 1: Abdominal breathing : Observe your natural breath. You will notice that as you inhale the abdomen rises and then falls with exhalation. Watch this for a few moments to check this flow. Now begin to deepen, lengthen and extend that movement. That is, while inhaling, let the abdomen rise to its limit and at exhalation let it fall completely. Keep the chest still during this entire process – only move the abdomen. Continue this for 20 breaths and then rest.

Step 2: Thoracic (chest) breathing: Again observe your normal breath, this time focusing your attention on the chest. You will notice the chest moving slightly up at inhalation and down with exhalation. Again observe this pattern for a few moments. Now again, begin to deepen, lengthen and extend that movement. This time, on inhalation expand and lift the rib cage, filling the lungs completely. Then on exhalation, let the lungs collapse fully, sinking to the limits. In this step, keep the abdomen still, moving only the chest. Do this for 20 breath cycles and then stop
Step 3: Full Yogic breathing: This combines the above 2 steps in the following way: First inhale by filling the abdomen and then CONTINUE inhaling as you expand and fill the chest. Then exhale first from the chest as it empties and falls and then CONTINUE exhaling from the abdomen as it draws inwards completely. This is one round of the full yogic breath. Repeat this for 20 rounds. Remember the pattern… Inhaling - abdomen then chest; Exhaling – chest then abdomen,” (Arun Goel).

Above all, in Pilates and Yoga, breathing should be done without strain! Breathing should be smooth and effortless. Breathing properly in Yoga and Pilates will offer the following benefits: