Linking Yoga and Pilates

When you talk about Pilates, you can't possibly not talk about Yoga as well.
That's because the latter is a very dominant force on the former's fundamental principles.
Specifically, Yoga is such a big influence in the routines espoused by the Pilates exercise regimen which mainly focuses on gaining physical strength, achieving mental balance and the healthy benefits that come from the combination of both.
In other words, Pilates, as influenced by Yoga, is an exercise that does not only aim to provide physical wellness but also an inner sense of health through proper breathing techniques that can include anything from Pilates ball exercises to traditional mat-based routines, while achieving more control over one's body.
While Pilates and Yoga are very much connected with each other both in terms of moves and goals, there remain differences between them.
Yoga originated in India where a combination of physical and spiritual exercises were developed with the aim of making the practitioner achieve total control over mind and body.
Of course, position is integral because it is only through certain anatomical alignments that a person is able to effectively perform Yoga and achieve the goals it was created for.
For example, during meditation, it is necessary for one to be in a specific position that has been proven to be disruption or obstruction-free.
And only with a position that removes obstruction or disruption can yoga be effective for a person who seeks mental, spiritual and physical wellness.
On the other hand, Pilates was created in the name of its inventor, Joseph Pilates, who also espoused the importance of mind control but this time, with emphasis on such mind control's effect on the muscles.
Correct breathing is also an integral part of any successful Pilates exercise, although Pilates requires a higher level of physical activity compared to Yoga.
This is because with this type of exercise, importance is also given to the body's shape and how this may be sculpted in a way that allows one to make the most of his existence out of the benefits of a trim body.
Pilates or Yoga, each one has proven itself in terms of achieving the goals that they promise would be achieved as long as one follows the requirements of either or both exercise regimens.
Of course, it also pays for a beginner to open himself to the many possibilities that Pilates or Yoga might be able to help him.