Yoga vs. Pilates: Bring Balance to Your Fitness Routine
As popular wellness practices, both yoga and Pilates are highly regarded for their wide-ranging health benefits, encompassing stress reduction, body awareness, enhanced flexibility, strength, control, and endurance. While interpretations of these disciplines may vary, they share a few characteristics that unite them.
Origins and Focus of Yoga & Pilates
Yoga has ancient roots in Indian philosophy and encompasses physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), meditation, and spiritual teachings. Pilates, on the other hand, was developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. Both focus on strength, stability, alignment, and controlled movement. Pilates and yoga use principles of breath, concentration, and precision but Pilates is considered primarily a physical conditioning method.
Both yoga and Pilates can have spiritual aspects, but it ultimately depends on your approach and intention. The relationship with the body itself can be seen as a spiritual journey. How individuals express their spirituality through practice is a personal choice. We aim to create a tranquil and earthy environment that allows for individual interpretation and expression.
Common Misconceptions
Pilates is only for core strength: While core strength is indeed a significant component, Pilates focuses on precision of movement, which requires the coordination of the entire body. It’s a system that builds flexibility, muscular strength, endurance, and body awareness. It targets various muscle groups and promotes overall functional movement helping you to move more efficiently.
Yoga is just for stretching: Both Pilates and Yoga use a combination of exercises that create concentric, eccentric and isometric contractions of the muscles. As a result, some muscles get actively stretched while others (opposing muscles) get strengthened. Some styles of yoga are “stretchier”, the Yin tradition being a prime example of one that targets deeper connective tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, and fascia through passive stretching. It is important to have a well rounded fitness routine to introduce new movement patterns and explore unexpected strength.
Yoga and Pilates are only for women/moms: The amount of people who walk into the studio saying their mom did Pilates in the ‘90s… We understand this was the norm, which is why we work to create an environment for different walks of life to thrive. Both yoga and Pilates are beneficial for all genders and ages. However, each class may not be suited for everyone. Our teachers vary in style and tempo to help you find a practice that feels good for you.
Pilates is only done with machines: Pilates can be performed using specialized equipment, such as the reformer or Cadillac, but it can also be practiced using only a mat or props. Mat Pilates traditionally relies solely on body weight and gravity. This lack of external assistance can make it more demanding as your muscles have to work harder to control movement and maintain stability. We add props, such as balls and foam rollers, when necessary to provide resistance, feedback and support.
Breathing in Yoga and Pilates
Transitioning between yoga and Pilates, one of the most challenging adjustments for people is adapting to the different breathing techniques. Both practices require a deep engagement of the core muscles throughout the entire routine. However, the breathing and emphasis is different partially because of the pace and flow of the movement. Here are some key differences:
Yoga Breathing:
Diaphragmatic Breathing: Yoga often emphasizes diaphragmatic breathing, also known as belly breathing or deep breathing. The breath originates from the diaphragm, allowing the abdomen to expand on inhalation and contract on exhalation. This deep breathing promotes relaxation, increases oxygen intake, and helps to calm the mind.
Pranayama Techniques: Pranayama refers to breath control and regulation. Techniques aim to influence the flow of vital energy (prana) in the body and can include practices such as alternate nostril breathing, breath retention, and various rhythmic breathing patterns.
Connection to Meditation: Often, the breath is used as an anchor for meditation in yoga. The focus on slow, deep breaths helps to ground in the present moment, calm the mind, and deepen the mind-body connection.
Pilates Breathing:
Lateral Breathing: Pilates typically uses lateral breathing, also known as ribcage or lateral expansion breathing. The emphasis is on expanding the rib cage sideways during inhalation while keeping the abdomen relatively stable. This breathing technique promotes core engagement, stability, and alignment in the Pilates system.
Coordinated with Movement: Exhaling is often associated with the exertion phase, as the spine flexes, or the most challenging part of the movement, while inhalation occurs during the preparatory, spinal extension, or return phase. This coordinated breathing pattern supports proper muscle activation and control during Pilates exercises.
Core Activation: Pilates places a strong emphasis on core strength and stability, and the breath is used as a tool to engage the deep abdominal muscles, including the transverse abdominis. The exhale is often used to initiate and enhance core activation, creating a connection between the breath and core engagement.
Why Do Both?
According to research conducted by MindBody, a significant majority of individuals practicing yoga or Pilates (70%) reported experiencing stress relief through these practices. Both disciplines incorporate techniques that can effectively alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety. Additionally, both traditions encourage students to cultivate a mindful connection between the body, mind, and spirit, emphasizing the importance of self-care and providing dedicated time for personal well-being. However, they’ll inspire you and challenge you differently. Think of each practice being a different tool in your self-care belt. Each discipline offers valuable avenues for improving and challenging physical fitness, mental clarity, and holistic health.
Different Rhythms for Individual Bodies
Power Flow : Experience a challenging vinyasa practice led by master teacher Anika de Vore.
Slow Burn: Find balance in a gentler-paced vinyasa class, infused with moments of deep holds for an added burn.
Beats & Flow (Not recommended for beginners): Explore an experimental vinyasa class that incorporates rhythmic sequencing to enhance your creative flow. Stay tuned for Slow Beats, a beginner-friendly version coming soon
Rhythms Pilates : Break free from traditional sequencing as we fuse yoga asanas and principles from modern dance. Joseph Pilates' legacy is honored through our innovative approach.
Rhythms Roll: Take your matwork up a notch with the added challenge of an unstable roller. Experience a juicier workout and enhanced feedback for deeper engagement.
