I’ll admit straight up, I’m biased. I teach Pilates, practice Pilates and run a business centred around Pilates. So in the interest of fairness and to ensure a well balanced article, I’ve teamed up with Melissa Shemanna, esteemed Yoga instructor and owner of Nectar of Life Yoga in Healesville. We go one for one answering questions on each of our disciplines.
My hope is, by the end of this article you’ll have a better understanding of Pilates and Yoga and hopefully an idea of which will be best for you.
What is Yoga?
Melissa – “The practice of Yoga has very ancient roots and origins. It is made of eight essential tools… the 8 limbs of the tree of YOGA.” They include physical postures, breathing techniques, concentration and meditation. Each class will take on physical movements that encompass these tools.
What is Pilates?
Stemming from the work of Joseph Pilates in the early 1900’s modern day Pilates is a combination of mat based exercises designed to strengthen and lengthen your entire body. There is a particular focus on engaging the core muscles, controlling breathing and maintaining correct alignment.
What are the benefits of Yoga?
Melissa – “Participating in Yoga classes can assist on SO many levels for your commitment to health and quality of life. Physical, mental, emotional etc, Yoga offers tools to break through stagnation, find focus and clarity through developing utmost strength and flexibility.”
What are the benefits of Pilates?
Pilates is best known for strengthening your core; these are the muscles that support your spine and pelvis. This can help in preventing injuries, improving posture and flattening your stomach. There is also a big focus on flexibility and releasing tight muscles through mobility and stretching exercises.
Who is Yoga suitable for?
Melissa – “Anyone can benefit from Yoga, whether you have a spiritual propensity or not. Just simply learning how to breathe properly and come into a relaxed state of being, can change things dramatically for your health.”
Who is Pilates suitable for?
I recommend Pilates for anyone that wants to strengthen and tone with controlled exercises. Perfect for mothers both pre and post pregnancy. It’s also great for those with injuries of the low back, neck or shoulders. However if you are looking for Pilates to treat injuries look for somewhere that offers Clinical Pilates under the supervision of an Exercise Physiologist or Physiotherapist (watch the video below for more info on this).
Ok then, so which ones better? As you might have guessed, Yoga and Pilates both offer so many benefits that it’s hard to say one is better than the other. Both are similar, stemming from physical movements and incorporating strength, flexibility and breathing components, however both are different in many ways. So to say one is better would be a discredit to the other. Instead I recommend that you look for which one is most suitable for you and what you want to get out of it.
And last but not least; find a practitioner you resonate with. This is of key importance, not just in exercise but in everything you do. The people you work with should be people that you resonate with best. This will make for a much better relationship and allow you to get the most out of your classes.
So I hope this article has given you some insight into both Yoga and Pilates and what might be best for you. But if you’re still not quite sure, just try them and see. Come down and do Pilates with us at the Healesville Chiropractic Clinic (click here to learn more) or go see Melissa at Nectar of Life Yoga in Healesville (I can personally vouch for Melissa’s fantastic Yoga classes). Either way you will be in great hands!
Want more info?
If you’d like to learn more about Nectar of Life Yoga visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NectarOfLifeYoga. Or if you’d like to read the full interview I did with Melissa click here.
As always if you’ve got any questions or feedback please leave a comment below – we’d love to hear from you!
-Chris