Summary: Pilates is a standard exercise routine while yoga focuses on exercise as well as and spiritual meditation. Find out more about the differences between yoga and Pilates with expert tips from a fitness instructor in this free workout video.
Ashley Ludman, OTR and ERYT, is co-owner and director of Seaside Yoga. She has been leading yoga teacher trainings and retreats since 2002. Ludman has over 500 hours of study in...read more
"Hi my name is Ashley Ludman from Seaside Yoga, here to talk about the difference between Pilates and Yoga. The first of all, Pilates is essentially an exercise regimen, focusing on core control, engaging the deep abdominal muscles and progressively strengthening the body. There is some similarities to Yoga based on the type of breathing, the mindfulness and the mind and body connection that you must have to successfully perform this type of exercise. Yoga on the other hand, can also be just a physical exercise if you choose to come into in that way, but also, it tends to have a little bit more of a spiritual connotation to it. It's not a religion, but it does help you to connect to a deeper part and a deeper aspect of yourself. So it's not just about the physical postures, but you're also learning how to become mindful, how to become calm and observe, not only at yourself, but how you relate to everything out surround you. So it differs from Pilates from its purpose, its intention. Whereas Pilates is truly a straightforward form of exercise, you have a lot of benefits of exercising in that way, and then the Yoga, takes another level deeper, takes into a consciousness of your mind, your body, your spirit and how that all in relates with everything else. So in essence, this is the difference between Pilates and Yoga."