What are the differences, similarities and benefits of doing both?
Besides its physical activities Yoga is a life style, rooted in thousand year old
philosophies. Meditation and chanting are the basis for spiritual enlightenment which leads to reduced stress, strengthening of the immune system and overall well-being.
Pilates is a set of exercises founded about 100 years ago by Joseph Pilates. About 500 different exercises were identified to strengthen the core musculature in order to restore the natural posture of the human body.
The physical component of Yoga is comprised of up to 900 different exercises that teach balance, flexibility as well as strength. Exercises are eiher poses held for several breaths or a set of fluid movement such as the sun salutation.
Pilates uses various apparatus to support, align, and challenge the body. Pilates employs few repetitions of exercises to build up the "girdle of strength", which includes the abdominals, buttocks, low back, and inner thighs. The gymnastic vigor with which Pilates exercises are performed is in drastic opposition to Yoga exercises.
The vigorous exercises for Pilates use a breath that oxygenates the body, whereas the slower inhale and exhale during Yoga calms the nervous system, and changes levels of consciousness.
Despite these differences Yoga and Pilates have some similar poses and exercises, but in general they complement each other perfectly. The muscular strength that you build with Pilates can be applied in Yoga poses to achieve better balance. The stretching poses of Yoga are beneficial for improving the overall flexibility of your body.
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