Pilates vs. Yoga
Often times, I am asked by a patient which form of exercise I would recommend they pursue as they leave my care: Pilates or yoga?
Both forms of exercise are well-loved by their “followers,” can be practiced in a group setting, during a one-on-one instruction session, or in the comfort and privacy of one’s own home. But that is pretty much where the similarities end.
Pilates, named for its founder, Joseph Pilates, was developed in Europe in the early 1900’s and then immigrated to the United States along with “Joe.” This method of exercise incorporates strength training and coordination of the body’s core musculature: particularly within the trunk, hip, and shoulder girdle regions.
Pilates is, in my opinion, one of the best forms of exercise to utilize when trying to get out of pain, or stay out of pain. Each of the orthopedic pain issues my patients present with is partnered with a deficit in one of those three core areas of the body listed above—regardless of whether my patient’s pain onset was insidious or by way of injury. For that reason, I have been instructing patients (and other physical therapists) in a form of core exercise called Spinal Stabilization Training since the early 1990’s—long before Pilates became popularized in the US beyond high level dancers, that is.
Yoga, on the other hand, focuses on flexibility and control of balance. Both of these areas are extremely important to the body and will enhance recovery from physical pain—and may help to ward off future injury. That said, there is a personal hesitancy I have about yoga which has little to do with the movements participated in and everything to do with the origin and, to some degree, the continued religious aspects which permeate its practice.
Yoga was developed within the religion of Hinduism as one of its six Schools of Thought. Its practice is described as a physical, mental, and spiritual exercise. Many of the “poses” were named to worship the created things instead of the Creator (i.e., sun and moon salutations). These poses were originally developed to display before the gods and, in doing so, create a sense of unity (yoga) with them.
Because of yoga’s origin and purpose, and due to my own personal Christian beliefs, I do not participate in this school of exercise. Without judgment, I do explain its historical underpinnings to those who share my faith and who are considering it.
Many Christians who practice yoga say they can “eat the meat and spit out the bones” of Hindu spirituality. Each follower of God has their own personal convictions. We all get to follow our own hearts on this matter. And that, I believe, is unifying!