Yoga and Pilates are easily two of the most popular forms of movement currently in existence. Although fitness enthusiasts often categorize them together and talk about them as if they’re the same, the difference between Pilates and yoga is undeniable. Beginning with their history, we’re going to explore what makes these forms of movement stand out as independent from each other.

The Difference Between Pilates and Yoga: History

The origins of most things at least partially dictate what they become. This is the case for both of these exercise forms. History definitely plays a role in the difference between yoga and Pilates. Here’s how. 

The History of Yoga 

Yoga is a practice that contains ancient origins and has shape-shifted throughout time. Many scholars and practitioners link yogic history to the Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita, texts that all have roots in what we contemporarily call “Hinduism.” More recently, a text called The Yoga Sutras by Patanjali was unearthed and helped establish a specific system of reaching samadhi, an enlightened state of being. The system includes the 8 limbs of yoga that emphasize a higher way of living and acting as well as posture work, breathing exercises, and different forms of meditation.

Eventually, some modern yogis from India decided to create an expansive set of yoga postures aimed at opening the body and preparing it for long hours of seated meditations. When yogis such as B.K.S.Iyengar brought yoga to the West, great emphasis was placed on posture work. This established yoga as primarily an exercise system for many Westerners, and it continues to be practiced as such today.   

The History of Pilates

Pilates was developed in the early 20th century by a German man named Joseph Pilates. During World War I, Pilates was held at an internment camp on the Isle of Man called Knockaloe Internment Camp. It was there that, inspired by other German exercise systems and movements such as physical culture, corrective exercise, and medical gymnastics as taught by the father of Swedish massage, Pehr Henrik Ling, Joseph Pilates created his own exercise system.

Joseph Pilates eventually designed apparatuses such as the Reformer, Cadillac, and Pedi-pole to help people more quickly strengthen and stretch the body. In 1934, he wrote a book describing his exercise method. He titled the book Your Health: A Corrective System of Exercising That Revolutionizes the Entire Field of Physical Education. Many of his first students went on to teach his method which gained widespread popularity throughout the 20th century and into the 21st century. 

The Difference Between Pilates and Yoga: Class Styles

A major difference between pilates and yoga is the different forms of classes they offer. While both forms of exercise offer “mat” classes, that is, classes completed in a studio setting with a  “yoga” mat, the classes still often take place in different forms. For example, yoga classes focus on a system of yoga asanas or postures specific to the practice of yoga. Meanwhile, Pilates has its own set of exercises that are specifically designed to increase core strength. Yoga focuses more on increasing flexibility. 

Let’s dive into some different class styles to more deeply examine the difference between yoga and Pilates. 

Hot Yoga 

Hot Yoga (originally called Bikram Yoga) contains a series of 26 specific postures to be completed in a room heated to 104 degrees Fahrenheit and placed at a humidity of 40 percent. These conditions are apparently made to mimic the natural climate of India. The goal of a Hot Yoga class is to increase body strength, increase flexibility, improve range of motion, and to detox the body through sweating. 

Reformer Pilates

Reformer Pilates involves one of Joseph Pilates’ exercise inventions called the Reformer. A Reformer contains a bed-like frame or “carriage” that slides up and down a platform with the use of foot bars, shoulder blocks, and straps. Reformer classes, often led by certified Pilates instructors, allow participants to experience exercises in their full range of motion. Reformers are excellent for increasing strength, flexibility, and core strength simultaneously. 

Finally, Yoga Contains a Spiritual Focus 

A major difference between yoga and Pilates is that yoga contains a spiritual component while Pilates doesn’t. Today, the word “yoga” usually brings to mind the yoga asanas that make up a system of exercise to bring flexibility and strength to the body. While this is one important component of the practice, yoga actually has origins in meditation and a goal of attaining enlightenment. Luckily this core piece of the practice has also wiggled its way into contemporary yoga practices. 

To further understand the spiritual implications of yoga, we should look to this quote by Patanjali, the author of the Yoga Sutras. 

“Here is, in truth, the whole secret of yoga, the science of the soul. The active turnings, the strident vibrations, of selfishness, lust and hate are to be stilled by meditation, by letting heart and mind dwell in spiritual life, by lifting up the heart to the strong, silent life above, which rests in the stillness of eternal love, and needs no harsh vibration to convince it of true being.”

The spiritual component of this “science of the soul” makes for the biggest difference between Pilates and yoga. As stated by Patanjali, we must use meditation, not only exercises, to dwell in a spiritual life worthy of “the stillness of eternal love.” Luckily, many modern-day yoga classes emphasize a focus on the breath and even meditative postures such as savasana, or corpse pose.

Pilates, on the other hand, was developed strictly for exercise and doesn’t have roots in spiritual practice. Take this quote, now, by Joseph Pilates:

“Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. Our interpretation of physical fitness is the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily, and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure.”

While happiness and “a sound mind” is emphasized and can arguably be an important component of spirituality, Pilates’ obvious focus is on the “physical fitness” aspect rather than something more along the lines of yogic enlightenment. 

Overall, the practices are similar in many ways, including the fact that they’re both systems of exercise focused on limbering and strengthening the body (when we’re talking about the yoga asanas at least). Yet, there is definitely a difference between Pilates and yoga. For those keen on adding some variance to their workout routine, adding in a yoga or Pilates discipline can be very rewarding for bodily wellness and mental health. Give it a shot!

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