Yoga and Pilates are the two most prominent mind/body classes around, but what sets them apart?

You do them both on the floor and often see them in the holistic settings of the exercise realm. But despite the similarities, yoga and pilates were created in different ways and matured with crucial differences.

Yoga is the elder of the two (starting in India over 5000 thousand years ago) there are now several types of classes including Ashtanga, Iyengar, Bikrams, Integral, and Kripalu yoga. Pilates meanwhile was born over 60 years ago and has less derivatives then its counterpart.

In the west, yoga duration is 1 - 1 1/2 hours focusing on a set of physical postures, breathing exercises and meditation. Different types of classes will give you different experiences. Iyengar yoga is a very precise, slow form which uses cushions, straps and wooden blocks. Ashtanga (aka power yoga) is quicker, more fluid type of practice flowing through several different postures. It's a great way to build up a good sweat.

Most yoga classes these days are a fusion of the two, giving you a mix of meditation, slow movements and a few quicker, dynamic poses also. Yoga is done in bare feet on a mat allowing you to twist and turn in multiple challenging poses. The spiritual side is explored in varying depths depending on the class and instructor, it may include meditation, chanting or both. The benefits include improved strength, flexibility and mental clarity. The ultimate goal is to connect with your true self.

Pilates consists of some 500 exercises developed by a German athlete named Joseph Pilates. A pilates session typically lasts between 1 - 1 1/2 hours concentrating on a number of very precise, localized exercises. Some classes include group practice on a mat or private one-on-one sessions using special machines involving pulleys, springs, and weights.

Mat work is done in bare feet and each tiny movement is repeated in succession several times. The most important part of to remember of pilates is that it is concerned with the alignment of the spine. Therefore the exercises are designed to work the hips, knees and shoulders. Pilates also teaches you about breathing with movement, body mechanics, coordination, strength and flexibility.

Pilates is more regimented than yoga, while pilates works the whole body, it aims to develop core muslces, which involves working the pelvic floor and ab muscles in order to strengthen the lower back and improve posture.

Yoga alternatively works the entire body equally - legs, arms, stomach; back and core. While pilates focuses on the connection between mind and body, yoga focuses on the connection between mind, body and spirit.

So how do you know which one is for you? Well it is quite simple, it is up to you! Many people choose pilates because it can strengthen lower backs and flatten tummies (especially after having a baby). In addition, pilates if often recommended for those who need to maintain their body strength while recovering from an injury.

But you may find the spiritual side of yoga appealing. You may agree that it helps to reduce stress and sculpt your body into a leaner, stronger and more flexible physique. How sexsi!

So can you practice both........ absolutely. In fact I think they compliment each other very effectively. So try them both and post your opinions.

In light and health,
Michelle