Isn’t Pilates Just Like Yoga??

As a Pilates teacher, this is a question I get A LOT! Although Pilates has become increasingly ubiquitous, there are still common misconceptions about what it is and why many people have chosen it as their go-to fitness and wellness program.

While there are some similarities in the benefits (flexibility, muscle lengthening, and breath, mainly), and even in some postures/exercises, Pilates and yoga are quite different in both theory and practice.

Yoga has an overtly spiritual philosophy with a focus on combining flexibility and strength from the feet upward and utilizing breath as a tool. Pilates is based on finding proper biomechanics in movement, with every exercise being initiated from a set of deep core muscles that stabilize and align the spine and entire body. Pilates also utilizes breath as an important tool in creating a deeper connection to the physical movements along with increased oxygenation of the musculature, allowing for more length and flexibility. It should be noted, that Joseph Pilates was somewhat of a yogini himself and modified some of the postures in yoga (swan/cobra and shoulder bridge for example) to include more of the stabilizing principles of his method.

So which one is better? Which one is for you? The answer lies in your personal preference; we think both methods are excellent complements to one another. People who practice Pilates regularly will notice their yoga practice improving due to increased strength, joint stability, and muscle length. Yogis who venture to Pilates will notice an improvement in their Pilates practice due to increased flexibility, lung capacity, and connection to their movements. Of course, we’re a little biased and think Pilates is the best thing since sliced bread… so go forth and explore — see what speaks to you, what feels right in your unique body, and you can’t go wrong.

And, when you realize that your body wants Pilates … we’re here for you!

— Donna Rosen, Owner and Instructor, Bolder Pilates

Ready to experience the benefits of Pilates for yourself? Join us at Bolder Pilates and discover how our method can transform your body and mind. Book your class today!