What Distinguishes Pilates from Yoga?
June 4, 2025
“Both are low-impact.”
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Yoga and Pilates are similar low-impact exercises but they are not exactly the same.
One of the ways they differ is that yoga involves achieving a position or pose and holding it. With Pilates, once the pose is reached, the person pushes further to engage the core and challenge the body by moving the arms or legs, advises WebMD. Individuals can explore the differences between Pilates and yoga to figure out which discipline aligns bests with their fitness goals.
Pilates
At the end of World War I, Joseph Pilates, who grew up in Dusseldorf, Germany, developed a series of exercises that would ultimately bear his name. As a sickly child suffering from rickets, asthma and rheumatic fever, Pilates aspired to overcome these ailments and devoted his energy to bodybuilding, gymnastics and other physical pursuits. While interned at a camp during the war, Pilates developed and taught a physical fitness grogram influenced by yoga and the movement of animals. He also built apparatuses to aid in the rehabilitation of soldiers and prisoners of war. According to Pilates Anytime, some believe the iron bed frames and coiled mattress springs in these camps became the inspiration for the Pilates Reformer, which is a device used in Pilates studios.
Pilates is a low-impact exercise that focuses on building core strength, which is achieved through different movements on a reformer machine or a mat. These moves require stabilizing the back and core before going through various range-of-motion exercises. The exercises rely on a person’s own body weight to provide resistance.
Yoga
The origins of yoga can be traced to thousands of years ago in India. Yoga is first mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures, says Healthline. Although it is an exercise, yoga also is an ancient spiritual practice that blends physical poses with breathing techniques. WebMD says yoga is sometimes called “meditative movement,” because it features elements of mindfulness. Yoga can have a slow pace suited for beginners, but some variations are faster and more complex. Yoga may help to improve balance, enhance calm and ease stress-related illnesses, and it also promotes flexibility.
Both yoga and Pilates can lead to improved stamina, strength and flexibility, and these exercises do not necessarily require any special equipment. However, yoga may stand alone from Pilates in that it also incorporates meditation and spirituality. Pilates may be more active than yoga, but both exercises are difficult in their own right. However, some people find it is easier for beginners to start with yoga and then branch out to Pilates. Regardless of the approach an individual ultimately takes, both exercises can be excellent ways for people to improve physical health.
