Pilates vs Yoga - What Makes Them Different Makes Them Unique

Pilates vs Yoga. They often get categorized into the same grouping of exercise. They are sometimes labeled mind-body or gentle exercise and although those are not false statements, Pilates and Yoga are very different breeds of animals.

We need look no further than their heritages to understand the differences between Pilates and Yoga. Yoga is firmly based in the eastern tradition. Its roots began in India and possibly even eastern Asia and traveled west from there.

Joseph Pilates was born in Germany and so was his method of exercise. As a nurse in the German army, he rehabilitated the injured soldiers with his imaginative exercises. He brought his regime to New York City and today Pilates is everywhere.

They are both effective forms of exercise and a good choice for someone who is looking for a change in their routine or for someone who requires a lower impact approach to exercise. But to say they are related in any great way is incorrect. Yoga is Yoga. Pilates is Pilates.

There are many reasons why both have experienced an upswing of popularity over the last ten years. Baby Boomers are aging and are looking for something other than high impact aerobics to keep them healthy. Gone are the days of Jane Fonda and feeling the burn. And you can't ignore the fact that as soon as Hollywood gets its hands on something, it becomes an instant trend.

One thing for sure, Pilates and Yoga are here to stay and are not a fad. They've both been around long enough to stand the test of time.

* Yoga dates back centuries. Pilates to the late 1800's

* Yoga strives to unite mind, body and spirit. The postures are physical in nature, but Yoga is about a peaceful lifestyle and focused mind.

* Pilates is first and foremost about physical conditioning, though emphasis is placed on using your mind to control your body.

* Yoga requires a mat and if necessary, a few props and can be practiced inexpensively.

* Pilates also uses a mat, but has specialized machines developed by Joseph Pilates that can be an expensive investment.

Both Pilates and Yoga are breath-oriented exercise and they both help to develop strength, stamina and flexibility. Though different, they complement each other beautifully.

Pilates vs. Yoga. Try them both to decide which one is best for you. Or better yet, practice them both. Then you'll get the best of both worlds.

Susannah Marchese is a certified Pilates fitness instructor and a senior contributing writer to the popular an informative web site http://www.everything-about-pilates.com/pilatesvsyoga.html