In recent times, the term Pilates has gained significant popularity. It is presented as a discipline suitable for the young and old alike; an activity that increases flexibility and strength in much the same way as yoga. While Yoga and Pilates do have several commonalities, these disciplines are quite different and distinct as well.
What is Pilates?
Pilates is named after and was developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. It was a physical fitness system that he referred to as ‘contrology’ because of the way that it teaches people the way to control movements. Over time, Pilates has become very popular and widespread particularly in North America and parts of Europe. It is thought that there are about 11 million practitioners and 14000 instructors of Pilates all over the world.
Joseph Pilates’ mother was a naturopath and his father a gymnast. It is thought that he developed this regime based on the physical training regimes available in Germany at the time. He incorporated the use of several specific apparatus such as the Wunda Chair, the ladder barrel, spine corrector, pedi-pole and so on. He claimed that Pilates could cure ill health and certain medical conditions. There is some evidence to show that Pilates can help ease lower back pain and improve balance in older practitioners.
The similarities between Yoga and Pilates
It is believed that Joseph Pilates also studied yoga in the process of formulating this discipline propounded by him. The similarities between Yoga and Pilates are many: both are mind-body disciplines that improve strength and flexibility, increase mental awareness and reduce stress. They can be low impact exercises suitable for all ages.
Like Yoga, Pilates is also described as a mind body discipline which concentrates on stretching, developing a strong core, maintaining proper body balance and alignment and the correct methodology of breathing. Again, like Yoga, Pilates is aimed at developing both the mind and the body because of the perceived correlation between the two.
The differences between Yoga and Pilates
Unlike Pilates, which is a modern creation of a single person, yoga is an ancient discipline that has evolved from the collective wisdom of several learned sages and ascetics. Yoga is not just a set of exercises or poses; it is a philosophy and an entire lifestyle. Yoga encompasses several doctrines on how to lead the ideal life: how to eat right, how to relinquish preoccupation with the petty aspects of life, to live in harmony with nature and to be accepting of others and of one’s own self.
Yoga also encompasses a spiritual aspect in addition to the physical and mental aspects. It teaches meditation that centers the mind and helps improve concentration and even memory. There is an entire yoga segment devoted to correct breathing techniques and exercises (Pranayam). Exploring spirituality is a huge aspect of yoga; one of the reasons why yoga became so very popular in the Western world grappling with materialism and with emotional and spiritual emptiness.
Over time, modern medical practitioners have also realized the benefits of yoga in rehabilitation of patients with certain types of injuries and in those dealing with diseases such as cancer. Among older people dealing with stiff joints and reduced mobility, yoga safely helps to increase flexibility and improve balance; thereby lowering risk of falls and injuries.
Yoga can safely be performed anywhere; without the use of any apparatus or special equipment (which Pilates often requires). Yoga is also used as an adjunct for the training of athletes; to increase suppleness, speed up recovery of muscles and enhance lung capacity. Top athletes; specially runners benefit by stretching muscles that may be shortened through overuse.
In conclusion, I would say that while Pilates is a discipline in its infancy; yoga is a fully developed discipline that helps with practically all aspects of life.