Yoga & Pilates Connecting Consciousness & Whole-Body Commitment

By Dominic Pereira

Yoga and Pilates are both excellent forms of exercise, offering a variety of health benefits to people of all ages. While the two may have many similarities, they are two very different disciplines with vastly different origins, purposes and techniques.

To the casual observer, Yoga and Pilates can look very similar. Both practices are often done in a group or class and make use of a mat and small props. They both focus on breathing techniques and controlled, repetitive movements to improve overall health and fitness.

For someone looking to take up Yoga or Pilates, it can be tricky to decide which will be a good fit for them. Or even figure out how to incorporate them into existing workout schedules. To make things easier, we’re going to break down the similarities and differences so that you can make the right decision for yourself.

Yoga: Connecting Human Consciousness with The Universal Consciousness

Yoga is an ancient spiritual practice (around 5000 years old) that aims to connect human consciousness with universal consciousness.

The Asana, or physical practices of Yoga that we are all familiar with today, came about much later, around the 19th century. Since then, Yoga Asanas have blossomed into a wide array of different systems; beginner-friendly Hatha Yoga, dance-like Vinyasa Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga for the perfectionists among us, and many more.

Yoga often incorporates meditation and deep breathing into its routines. As a result, it can help to improve not only your physical health but also your emotional and spiritual well-being.

“Yoga is an ancient spiritual practice that aims to connect human consciousness with universal consciousness.”

The Benefits of Yoga

Among many other benefits, regular Yoga practice can:

Improve the flexibility of your body and joints.
Help manage stress, depression and anxiety.
Ease back pain and arthritis.
Aid with rest and digestion through an increase in vagal tone.
Decrease inflammation.
Protect brain function.
Lower the risk of Cardiovascular related problems.

Pilates: Breath, Whole-Body Health and Whole-Body Commitment

Originally called Contrology, Pilates was developed in 1920s in New York by Joseph Pilates and his wife, Clara. They built on techniques Joseph had developed as an orderly to assist in the physical rehabilitation of wounded soldiers during World War One.

Pilates aims to create balance in the body by strengthening and lengthening specific muscle groups through controlled breathing, precise and flowing movements and deep concentration.

There are two main variations of Pilates to choose from. Classical Pilates entails doing the same 34 poses in the same order every session. Contemporary Pilates can incorporate other physical movements like choreography, HIIT training, the use of small props and equipment and more.

“Pilates aims to create balance in the body by strengthening and lengthening specific muscle groups.”

The Benefits of Pilates

Among many other benefits, which are similar to Yoga in most respects, regular Pilates practice can:

Increase strength, flexibility, and lean muscle tone.
Improve posture.
Help manage stress.
Increase energy levels.
Eliminate toxins.
Aid with digestion and metabolism.
Help boost the immune system.

Choosing an Option

The choice between Pilates and Yoga is often purely personal taste but usually people choose Pilates to address specific issues, imbalances, or injuries in their bodies and often on the recommendation of their Physiotherapist, Chiropractor, Doctor, or Specialist.

Since Yoga has a basis in spiritual practices some people feel more comfortable with Pilates as there is no religious connotation or influence in the practice and classes.

Glossary

Asana is a Sanskrit word meaning “posture,” “seat,” or “place.” Asanas are the physical positions we assume during a hatha yoga. yogabasics.com
Vagal Tone – Vagal tone tells us how well the vagus nerve is functioning. drruscio.com
HIIT Training – HIIT training stands for High Intensity Interval Training – a form of cardiovascular exercise. moveon89.com

References

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