A lot of people wonder what is the difference between pilates and yoga. One of the main differences is that Yoga can be used for improving the flexibility of the body and it will also gradually increase the flexibility of your joints. Whereas Pilates focuses on trying to relax muscles which are tense and provide strengthening of the numerous muscles of the body, it also may be better for recovery after injury, improving posture and for core strength.
One of the biggest difference is the focus in yoga on the spiritual side. Yoga is an integrated system using breath, movement and meditation to unite mind, body and spirit. Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates who was an anatomist and a mechanical genius. It is a physical system that uses very specific targeted exercises to improve strength, flexibility and posture with particular focus on the core. It is a disciplined practice that needs to be done on a regular basis to provide benefit.
So which one is right for you?
The benefits of yoga have been studied extensively. As well as physical and mental benefits, yoga is also believed to have a positive effect on the following medical issues:
Chronic pain
Anxiety & depression
Multiple sclerosis
Arthritis
Respiratory conditions
High blood pressure
Type 2 diabetes
Evidence suggests that Pilates may be beneficial for those with the following conditions:
Arthritis & joint injuries
Urinary incontinence
Respiratory conditions
Back pain
We have several brilliant Yoga instructors, Nadia, Dorit, Rita and Dani who cover Aargau, Luzern, Schwyz, Zug and Zurich. In Zurich we also have 2 Pilates instructors, Dan and Viviane.