As Pilates and yoga are both done on a yoga mat, they are both physical and mental exercises, and there are many static support movements, so most people have difficulty distinguishing the difference between the two.

Difference 1: Origin

Yoga originated in ancient India and is rumored to have a history of 7,000 years. Pula mentioned it originated in Germany. During World War I, it was founded by Joseph Huberts Pilates in order to rehabilitate campers in concentration camps.

Difference 2: Concept

Yoga pursues the balance and connection of body, mind, and spirit. Unlike most people think, yoga is not a practice of flexibility, but flexibility and strength coexist, yin and yang balance, and complement each other. Pilates, based on the principle of axis extension, focuses on training the core muscles to improve core strength and stability. Similar to the strength exercises in the gym, but more precise and precise.

Difference 3: Practice method

Yoga practice includes meditation, breathing, asanas, chanting and other aspects. Among them, static exercises of asanas are the main ones. One action lasts for a few seconds to a few minutes. Through the coordination and series of different asanas, with the adjustment of consciousness and breathing, the unity, balance, connection and common development of body and mind are achieved. Pilates is mainly based on low-intensity, repetitive strength exercises. A simple movement can achieve the purpose of accumulating effects and strengthening strength through multiple repetitions. There are exercise methods on the mat, and there are also exercise methods on the equipment.

Difference 4: Effect

It takes a long time to get started with yoga, and the initial effect is not significant. It takes long-term persistence to get better results. But from the long-term development point of view, yoga has room for continuous improvement. From the initial strengthening of the body, to the purity of the heart, to the growth of spirituality, there will be considerable development. Pilates has a short entry time and quick results, especially for partial recovery after injury, fatigue damage, and loss of core strength, which have an immediate effect. But in the long run, because Pilates only has an effect on the improvement of core strength, and does not involve deeper levels, when the core strength is already strong, there will be no greater progress. Pilates has a short entry time and quick results, especially for partial recovery after injury, fatigue damage, and loss of core strength, which have an immediate effect. But in the long run, because Pilates only has an effect on the improvement of core strength, and does not involve deeper levels, when the core strength is already strong, there will be no greater progress.