If you have been practicing yoga for a while then you must have come across the question how Yoga is different from Pilates. For beginners, it certainly is a matter which is beyond their scope, since even experienced practitioners often seem unable to outline the differences between these two forms clearly. So, the real understanding about the difference between the two forms comes by knowing the core purpose behind doing each of the forms.

The Purpose of Yoga Practice

As we go deeper into yoga practice, we come to realize that yoga is about our whole well-being. People who start practicing yoga for specific purposes realize with time that yoga is benefiting them in more ways than they had thought of, and apart from fulfilling their specific purposes, yoga practice is also transforming them physically, mentally as well as spiritually.

A single asana serves different purposes, and when it is practiced in different styles in different yoga forms, its scope broadens further. On top of that, the scope of every pose widens when it is performed in different styles in different forms of yoga. Therefore, by and large, yoga cannot be associated with a specific purpose and can only be described as a complete body workout.

The Purpose of Pilates Practice

Like mentioned before, on the surface Pilates and Yoga seem pretty much the same workout, since both are practiced on yoga mats usually and blend breathing patterns with physical poses, however, the introduction of the reformers has given Pilates practice a distinct look. Reformers provide a little ease in practicing challenging physical poses and in achieving balance.

Pilates practice is primarily for building core muscle strength and abdominal stability. Pilates also prevents from, as well as cures muscular injuries. No doubt that Pilates is quite effective in relieving from back, shoulder and neck pain and other muscular pains.

By knowing the difference between the purposes of Yoga and Pilates practice, you can choose either of the workouts to cater your specific needs. Or, better include them both in your practice to get the benefits of both workouts. While Pilates will work as a rehabilitation method, yoga will enhance its effect and also improve your overall being.

Knowing how Yoga and Pilates are performed is as important as knowing the difference between their core purposes. You can learn Yoga and Pilates from various resources such as video or audio tutorials, by joining a local studio or a yoga retreat in Rishikesh or other yoga hubs across the world. However, the thing you need to emphasize on is to know how to blend the practice of both workouts to benefit yourself in best possible manner.