Pilates vs. Yoga.
It used to be one of the first questions out of my mouth to new clients, “Have you or do you do Yoga?” Even I, a Pilates instructor, always assumed that Pilates and Yoga are close enough. Sure they have some overlap, but I will say that I was wrong. I am not a yogi in any way. It just isn't my choice of a workout; however, I had the privilege to sit and chat with Wahneta Dimmer, owner of Hands and Harmony and Yoga instructor about the differences and similarities of Yoga and Pilates. Let’s dive in.
First, let's talk about the different kinds. Each practice has a lot of different mutations/ varieties. In Pilates, there are contemporary, classical, large group classes and now, even different franchises such as Solid Core and Largree using Pilates as a key term to attract clients. Maybe it is Pilates? (Song for another time) In Yoga, there are also some battles going on. Ashtanga, Bikram, Heat, Hatha. The list goes on and on, and we can’t forget how unique each teacher is in teaching styles. Some teachers are stricter and others are not. Very similar to what you will find in both Pilates and Yoga; however, Wahneta and I agreed it is about the body(s) in front of you, what they need and moving with purpose.
When designing classes in Yoga and Pilates, there seems to be a lot of overlap because there is. “You can’t help it.” as Wahneta phrased it. Even I, as a Pilates instructor, like a lot of the concepts of Yoga such as warming up the body before going into deep flexion or extension. Although, I still love me some 100’s as a warm up. Wahneta uses concepts from Pilates as well to deepen her exercises in Yoga such as engagement of her glutes or Thass (from Lesley Logan.) It is my humble opinion that Joe Pilates borrowed some ideas and practices from Yoga while developing his contrology.
Overall when it comes to anatomy and core, Pilates takes the crown. As mentioned before, Wahneta and many other yogis have learned how to activate their deep core muscles through Pilates. They, like everyone else, have learned that the core goes beyond the 6 pack. The core and alignment is needed in Yoga, but not spoken of as often. Pilates takes time in classes and privates to break down muscle groups, i.e. retraction and protraction of the shoulders, glute engagement, etc. while most Yoga classes are looking for a flow. Again, this can depend on the teacher. Wahneta with her extensive background in Massage Therapy mentions anatomy a lot in her classes, and mentioned more anatomy being offered in Yoga training.
When thinking of breath, it seems that Yoga takes over. Many times, Yoga zeros in on breathing. We think of the Ujjayi breath and mainly nose breathing. It is a way to relax and really focus on yourself. Pilates is known for mouth breathing. In through the nose when the movement is easy and exhale through the mouth when the movement is more difficult, and the breath goes back to core engagement. We need breath in both, but Yoga’s breath lends more to meditation and spirituality.
Yoga is supposed to be a way of life. You cannot separate Yoga from spirituality. Yoga is meant to be lived in and out of the studio. Bikram 26 and 2 is focusing on your energy constantly through the work, and it starts and ends with deep breathing practices. We hear terms like third eye or chavasana. Yoga is always honoring yourself for showing up. Yoga was started by monks that lived yoga every day.
Not close at all to being a monk, Joseph Pilates was the founder and creator of what we know today as Pilates. I would say that the man had little to no spirituality in his personal life or in his workouts. He created sequences with breath to move and work the whole body, inside and out. He also developed the apparatuses that are used today in many Pilates studios. Both movement practices have unique histories and have evolved in many good ways.
Overall, there is no hierarchy. Each person should do what they are wanting to do but understanding that Pilates is going to offer them something different from Yoga. If you are feeling more breathy and meditative, go to a Yoga class like Vinayasa. If you are feeling deep core and more control, Pilates is your go to that day. Or just like me, you discovered that Yoga just isn’t the right fit for you or vice versa. Yoga and Pilates are different, no doubt! However, they each offer something unique and you might be surprised how much overlap there is.