Difference between Pilates and Yoga
Yoga and Pilates are often grouped in the same category of fitness. Both incorporate flexibility, core strength, mats, props, and breathing. But there are numerous differences between yoga and Pilates that are important to note, and even subsets within each modality.
This article explains the differences between yoga and Pilates, breaking down what you need to know about each. If you’d like further advice or you’re interested in clinical Pilates, feel free to give our friendly team a call.
What is Yoga?
Yoga was created in India over 5,000 years ago. It focuses on the mind and the body together, connecting them through movement and focused breathing. There are many different types of yoga, including the slower Hatha yoga that’s great for beginners, flow-focused Vinyasa yoga which is common in yoga classes, and ‘hot’ Bikram yoga which is performed in temperatures of up to 40 degrees!
Whichever style you choose, yoga has great benefits such as:
- Gaining strength and flexibility— practicing yoga increases your range of motion through its stretching exercises, helping you to improve your balance and posture as well as creating strength and flexibility.
- Better sleep— yoga calms your mind, leading to less stress and in turn, a better sleep.
- Improving focus— taking notice of your breath and movements trains you to be present in the moment, which extends outside of class time.
- Promotes body positivity— learning new poses helps you achieve goals, increasing your confidence in your mind and your body.
What is Pilates?
Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates approximately 100 years ago to assist injured athletes and soldiers to regain strength and fitness. It differs to yoga in that it uses fewer and more exact movements to achieve correct body alignment. The benefits of Pilates include:
- Stress relief— focusing on your mind and body working in harmony can help relieve stressors from everyday life.
- Improved posture— Pilates concentrates on proper body alignment and posture, helping you to sit and stand in the most optimal way to improve balance .
- Strengthening and toning— Cardio can be added to Pilates exercises, making it more effective at strengthening muscles throughout the body.
- Injury rehabilitation- Pilates offers incredible rehabilitation benefits. It offers a low-impact and tailored exercise that can be customised to suit your needs.
How is Clinical Pilates Different from Fitness Pilates?
Dedicated Pilates studios tend to offer fitness Pilates. They focus on improving general strength, flexibility, and fitness are and suited to anyone. Fitness Pilates classes include a range of exercises and all participants follow a lead instructor. The instructors are typically qualified in Pilates, but generally do not have medical or allied health training. Taking a regular Pilates class can offer a variety of benefits, but the goal differs from that of a clinical Pilates program.
Clinical Pilates is a low impact exercise focused on injury rehabilitation and prevention. It assists in improving your core stability, reducing your risk of re-injury and improving fitness and balance. It is also a great option for during and after pregnancy, as it can assist in strengthening pelvic floor muscles. At Muscle Joint Bone, we offer clinical Pilates run by qualified instructors who specialise in injury rehabilitation.
During a clinical Pilates class, you can expect to complete a series of personalised exercises planned to help you achieve your unique goals. Your instructor will consider your injury and assign exercises just for you. Even if you complete a Pilates class at the same time as others, everyone will complete different exercises!
What are Reformer Pilates Classes?
If you’ve ever seen a Pilates class using machines, that’s reformer Pilates. The reformer machine is a flat platform for you to lie down on your back, and uses springs and long straps with handles. The platforms include adjustable foot bars and shoulder blocks, so you can adjust it to suit your needs. It’s a great workout to improve posture and core stability while also getting in a low-impact, full-body workout. Reformers can be used in clinical and fitness Pilates. At Muscle Joint Bone, we offer clinical reformer Pilates classes.
Book a Clinical Pilates Class at Muscle Joint Bone
If you’re experiencing aches and pains, want to improve your balance and strength, or are recovering from an injury, we encourage you to try clinical Pilates. Muscle Joint Bone’s clinical Pilates classes are led by professional instructors who excel in injury rehabilitation, and we want to see you use your body to the best of its ability.
With locations at Doreen and Epping, we are taking new clients and would love to help you live your life to the fullest. If you have any questions, please feel free to give our friendly a helpful team a call.
Contact Muscle Joint Bone Doreen on 9715 0582 or Muscle Joint Bone Epping on 9088 8228.