PURE Pilates

My most frequently asked question: “Is Pilates Like Yoga?”

Check out my answer:

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Is Pilates like Yoga?

Ahhh, if I had a shekel every time I heard that question!!

Short Answer: no

Longer (But Still Very Summarized) Answer:

From the outside in, a Pilates mat class might look similar to a Yoga class- well, at least until the class actually begins. In both classes, we use mats. We take off our shoes and socks. We wear the same kind of clothing. We start by centering, slowing down the breath, and turning our attention inward as both Yoga and Pilates are rooted in the mind-body connection.

But beyond all that, it’s actually totally different.

▫️PILATES is a 100 year old core-centered fitness modality which facilitates strengthening, flexibility and rehabilitation. In Pilates, the body is always moving from one repetition-based exercise to another. The movements coordinate with the breath in such a way that enables the core muscles to engage and supply power to the rest of the body.

▫️YOGA is a 5,000 year old practice which involves holding poses for a length of time and moving from pose to pose with smooth flowing transitions. Yoga is both a spiritual practice as well as a physical practice (Pilates, in contrast, is just straight up exercise). In Yoga, there are many more standing poses and lots of deep stretching to facilitate better balance, increased strength, and flexibility.

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