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In reality, there should not be a Pilates or Yoga debate. While each one is different from the other, it is in those differences that we also find many of the similarities. It’s simply a matter of personal choice as to what you think works best for you! Here are a few key differences:

Both emphasize concentration, focus and precision.

Yoga often involves holding static poses before moving to the next, whereas Pilates routines are a series of fluid movements.

Yoga is more about relaxation and spirituality, whereas Pilates is fundamentally about fitness and health.

Both Pilates and Yoga focus on coordinating movement with breath-ing, however in Pilates you inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth, whereas during yoga you exhale and inhale through the nose, arguably going to a deeper level.

Both help relieve stress and improve posture.

Most Yoga styles are performed on a yoga mat using limited props, such as blocks, straps and blankets, whereas Pilates moves integrate special-ized equipment, which allows you to target muscles that would otherwise be difficult to isolate safely.

Yoga emphasizes channeling chi energy through your body via different poses in order to create a strong, flexible and balanced body. Pilates fo-cuses on fluid movements that stabilize your Core while developing stronger, leaner muscles that realign the body.

While both are seen as whole Mind-Body conditioning systems, Pilates is practiced largely as an exercise regime to sculpt, strengthen and bal-ance your body, whereas Yoga is often seen more as a spiritual practice that uses movement to achieve harmony between the mind, body and spirit.

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