What is Pilates?

Pilates method of body conditioning is a series of stretching and strengthening exercises named after its founder Joseph Pilates.  Pilates is a gentle but intense, non-competitive, overall conditioning workout that is based on breath and focused movement. The class focuses on the development of physical and mental strength and coordination.  It is the ultimate in torso conditioning due to its physical as well as mental demands.  This workout will challenge both the beginner and the conditioned athlete by working the body individually and simultaneously to achieve lean muscle and increased flexibility.

"In ten sessions you will feel the difference, in twenty you will see the difference, and in thirty you'll have a whole new body."   - Joseph H. Pilates

Pilates vs. Yoga  

Pilates: A Modern Yoga
by Shelley Geyer

Pilates is a modern version of the ancient movements found in Yoga. From hundreds of poses, a man named Joseph Pilates created a basic system of 34 exercises which can be reduced to something less if we're counting, yet richer if we see its depth. Yes, each Yoga posture has great meaning as does its Pilates counterpart. We boast hundreds, even thousands of movements, but the simple truth is, we only need to know three real functions: movement toward and away from centre and rotation around it. And that's the truth in both Yoga and Pilates practices.

Like Yoga, Pilates addresses the energetic and contracted states found in many people who sit at a desk or behind a wheel 40 plus hours each week. With simple ideas of form and postural principles, it will align the spine and open energy channels. It teaches awareness and centering, flexibility and mobility. It is a system of linked exercises which are also beneficial autonomously. Unlike Yoga, Pilates is always in motion (the movements are isotonic and isokinetic, with a focus on suspension within the movement, whereas Yoga is about holding the poses) and is often broken down into biomechanical pieces for a new student. Pilates places equal importance on stabilizing the body to create mobility in another. Like Yoga, all movements are executed with a focus on breath and alignment. Unlike Yoga, the spiritual dimension is missing. 

Pilates currently sits at the top of Western fitness charts and is increasingly referred by osteopaths, physical therapists, chiropractors and many holistic practitioners as a primary functional conditioning method. Ashtanga Yoga instructors regularly incorporate the fundamentals as preventative measures against injury. It's remedial facets are used in building awareness and connection between the mental and tactile aspects, as bridges between the many movements, and stand alone as exercises. 
Pilates teachers have different perspectives of "how it works," much like the many Yoga approaches and teachers. Some say it's strength conditioning and still others say it's neuromuscular re-education. It is much less formidable looking and can be used as a stepping stone to more vigorous Yoga methods.

Essentially the two are mutually supportive: Yoga gives Pilates flexibility & stillness, while Pilates offers stability and stillness in the motion. When coupled with Yoga, Pilates principles enhance the practice by bringing core stabilization into view as well as preparation and support for yoga postures (especially in the strength to hold). Because Pilates is more about length and strength, Yoga helps to increase the flexibility capacity.