Yoga and Pilates: Which One Do You Prefer?

While there are seemingly a plenty of women's exercises to be chosen from nowadays, these two are by far the most famous of them all. Mostly gaining popularity through the celebrities who use them, yoga and Pilates has become at one point, the most commonly used trainings by the feminine side especially in the United States.

Though many believe they have more likeness than distinction, in reality, these two exercises have so much of a difference it can make or break your decision (if you have already made one). It's about time to compare the two.

Definition

Yoga - The term "yoga" is derived from the Sanskrit root word "yuj" which means "to unite" or "to integrate". Yoga therefore, is the process of being in harmony with the inner self and the environment. To do this, the "yogi" (the one who performs the yoga) balances his intellect, physique, and spirit in the form of exercise, breathing, and meditation leading to a stress-free and peaceful mind and body.

Pilates - Coined after its founder, Joseph H. Pilates, "Pilates" is the kind of exercise that focuses on core strengthening and body shaping through the use of a mind-body technique. Simply put, Pilates makes use of the mental aspect to control the physical movements of the person performing it. As a result, practitioners gain flexibility, agility, and gracefulness towards moving their own body.

History

Yoga - Dating back to more than 5000 years ago, yoga is an ancient form of discipline that originated from India. The earliest remnants of yoga being in existence are the stone seals unearthed from the Indus Valleys which illustrated yoga positions.

Pilates - Developed in the early 20th century by a self-defense instructor, Joseph Pilates strongly believed that exercises could treat illnesses. With this belief he modified hospital beds to make his patients perform resistance exercises that later on led to his more effective equipment designs. He then moved to the United States and opened up his own fitness studio and taught several other trainees his system.

Approach

Yoga - Mind-body-spirit approach. Yoga is centered on these three main structures, intellect, which controls the movement of the entire body for it to perform exercises coupled with proper breathing to prepare the mind for meditation (relaxed state of mind) so a person can be relieved of stress and will be cleansed with nothing but positive energy.

Pilates - Mind-body approach. As described above, Pilates makes use of the mind to have power over the body thus resulting to a more efficient and economical movement.

Practice

Yoga - Makes use of a yoga mat. This activity can be done in groups, usually in a yoga class with the help of a professional yoga instructor. It is generally inexpensive in terms of the use of apparatus.

Pilates - Makes use of biomechanically designed equipment. To name some: reformers, barrels, Cadillacs, stability chairs, and matwork equipment such as pilates mats and pilates edge.

And, there you have it. It is important to take time to learn the facts about yoga and Pilates exercises before ultimately deciding on which one to choose. This will enable you to determine which one suits your lifestyle best, among others - and when you finally do, make sure to have all the fun in the world doing it.

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