Both Pilates and yoga are practiced to build strength and more fit and to promote flexibility and coordination. Both practices use poses and mat work to achieve these goals. But, several differences exist in the way yoga and Pilates carry out these goals.

Highly controlled excercises make up both approaches, though the methods have slightly different ways to perform them. In the practice of yoga, the overall purpose is an improvement internally, such as serenity. The external motions are directed toward creating the changes internally. The poses used in yoga are coordinated with breathing and finding enlightenment. In Pilates, the stretches are not performed only on on a floor mat, but are also executed using specialized exercise machines. The focus is on physical activity- to strengthen the body, tighten and work particular muscle groups.

Yoga requires little more than a mat, a set of comfortable clothes and a few small props. Pilates, however, is done by using an exercise machine called the reformer. This machine is a needed item that emphasizes resistance to increase strength and flexibility in the core. The exercise machine works the complete body all at once, using each major muscle group in performing the routine.

In yoga, the poses are done to bring the mind and body into harmony. Many of the movements and exercises involve working a few specific regions of the body. Pilates, however, focuses on the full body. Each area is made stronger and tighter by Pilates. The abdomen, which in Pilates is called the powerhouse, is the principle goal of the exercises. Yoga concentrates on calmness, with poses held in a rapt concentration, Pilates puts more focus on movement. Strengthening the core, as well as the other muscle groups of the body, which significantly changes the physique.

People who start taking yoga are often in search of a spiritual harmony. Seeking a closeness with God or with the world is the chief goal of many of the yoga types. The meditation done in yoga is intended to remove the person from the physical world. While Pilates acknowledge a connection between the mind and body, the main focus is primarily on the physical.

The Pilates routine was developed by just one person- Joseph Pilates, it consists of exercises that were created to create a specific result. Yoga, however, began centuries ago. Among the many different kinds of yoga, most are open to interpretation. The chants, meditation and poses of most yoga types are practiced by every person in the best way for them.

Choosing yoga or Pilates should involve an assessment of the intended goals of the routine. If the primary goal is to lose some weight, strengthen the abs and to become flexible, Pilates may be the best choice. If you are interested in reducing your stress level and increasing your flexibility, the best choice may be yoga. If you prefer a more predictable exercise routine with more predictable results, you may wish to choose Pilates. If you would rather have a routine that allows for some creative expression of the movements, choose yoga. Both routines provide exercise that is low impact and that will increase stamina.