Pilates and Yoga? Similar, or distinctively different?
This is a big topic, but trying to make sense of it for myself I will offer some ideas...feel free to comment as you wish!
Yoga has developed from ancient roots noted in the Vedic culture around 4000 years ago. It evolved as a discipline to enable a person to reach spiritual enlightenment through harmonising the mind, body and spirit. Joseph Pilates initially developed his "Controlology" system for rehabilitating injured soldiers and dancers about a 100 years ago. His system was closely linked to the anatomy and physiology of the human body and was carefully thought out; not just a physical system it emphasised the holistic nature of health and the link between body awareness, the mind and the self. He himself was keen on Yoga and acknowledged its influence on his own system.
There are many aspects to these similarities and differences but the religious/spiritual dimension of Yoga and Pilates seems key for many people. Unfairly, in my view, the fact that Yoga is embedded in Hinduism means for some people you must be pushing them towards this religion if you practice Yoga. Utter nonsense in reality as it is practised by people of all religions, or no religion across the world without pressure to conform to any set of beliefs in normal classes. Pilates by contrast does not have this cultural referencing and is normally viewed as a physical system for developing core strength by the public. Compare and contrast as they say...there are no church halls which refuse to allow Pilates to be taught on religious grounds, unlike Yoga. It does amuse me too that some Christians say, without irony that they do not wish to be influenced by Eastern religions like Hinduism. Really, have a look at an atlas, is Jerusalem in the Western hemisphere ?
More of this debate in a future blog....it could run and run!
There are many aspects to these similarities and differences but the religious/spiritual dimension of Yoga and Pilates seems key for many people. Unfairly, in my view, the fact that Yoga is embedded in Hinduism means for some people you must be pushing them towards this religion if you practice Yoga. Utter nonsense in reality as it is practised by people of all religions, or no religion across the world without pressure to conform to any set of beliefs in normal classes. Pilates by contrast does not have this cultural referencing and is normally viewed as a physical system for developing core strength by the public. Compare and contrast as they say...there are no church halls which refuse to allow Pilates to be taught on religious grounds, unlike Yoga. It does amuse me too that some Christians say, without irony that they do not wish to be influenced by Eastern religions like Hinduism. Really, have a look at an atlas, is Jerusalem in the Western hemisphere ?
More of this debate in a future blog....it could run and run!
