Both yoga and pilates are ancient practices, but they have been highly valued due to the benefits they provide. Many people who wish to have a healthier life, practice one of the two options. However, it is common to have some doubts; although they have some very specific differences at first glance, they are quite similar.

Besides, there has been a long created belief that to carry out both modalities it is necessary to have several equipments or even a lot of money, which is not true. To understand a little about Pilates and Yoga and to know what suits you better, just keep reading the text.

Yoga: Mind and body connected

Yoga is an ancient technique used by those who want to increase balance, flexibility, to relieve stress and to improve muscle tone. Such technique combines breathing exercises with relaxation and meditation and has been largely able to provide the happiness feeling.

This occurs because while practicing Yoga together with breathing techniques, the movements provides relaxation, making a person feel less stressed and in a good mood.

Yoga has several modalities, and the postures, philosophy and attitude change according to each of them. For beginners, for example, Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is often the most recommended, since it is possible to learn the postures slowly and they are more focused on relaxation.

On the other hand, Bikram Yoga is advanced and still more complicated, it is indicated for athletic types who want to test complex postures.

Pilates: Strengthening muscles

Created by Joseph Pilates, this practice had an initial aim of providing robustness and strength. Over the time, Pilates has undergone some modifications that altered its purpose. Currently, the main purpose is to promote the welfare and to improve the quality of life of those who practice it.

Pilates has breathing techniques, which improves blood circulation, and increases strength and flexibility. You can do exercises to tone the abdomen, legs, buttocks and some other body areas. It also favors the stretching, posture alignment and balance.

Unlike Yoga, which works with the whole body at once, Pilates works the parts alone, which makes them to be strengthened as they are exercised.

Pilates or Yoga: what to consider before making your choice

Choosing between Pilates or Yoga it is necessary to take into account several features, like the goals you want to achieve and which philosophy you most identify yourself. This is because each one carries certain concepts and only you will know which will be more adaptable to your lifestyle and thoughts.

Regardless of your choice, it is noteworthy that both practices can be easily done at home, just having a proper space and to know how to perform the movements properly. Therefore, it is not necessary to recruit an instructor; there are online available courses that teach you to perform the movements correctly.

If you have been interested in knowing a bit more about the two modes, learn about traditional pilates courses: from beginner to intermediate and basic Yoga: Developing emotional balance. Pilates series, will teach you the practice principles, as well as how to be aware of your body as a whole. Regarding Yoga, in addition to the basic teachings, you will work postures variations and emotion knowledge and control.