As a certified Yoga and Pilates teacher I often find myself explaining what the difference is. And the differences in both practices are huge!
but they still have quite a few things in common.
YOGA
I always say that Yoga and Pilates are good friends who have a lot in common and complement each other in their differences.
The practice of Yoga is believed to have started over 2000 years ago in India Yoga is commonly understood as a therapy or exercise system for health and fitness.
You could see it as a technology for inner wellbeing.
While physical and mental health are natural consequences of yoga, the goal of yoga is more far-reaching and will slowly show its effects in the rest of your life too.
Yoga is a way of living.
I teach mostly Vinyasa Yoga, influenced by Ashtanga, but I always adapt my classes to my students needs: this can mean a fiery intense flow or a more regenerative calm practice.
“Yoga chitta vritti nirodah”:
Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind
PILATES
Pilates is a quite recent (as opposed to yoga) form of exercise developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates which concentrates on strengthening the body with an emphasis on core strength.
He was inspired by yoga and the movements of animals when he started developing his no-equipment training system of mat exercises that later became “Contrology” and now is called Mat Pilates as opposed to Reformer Pilates.
I believe Pilates is a great form of exercise to strengthen your muscles and learn body and breath awareness. It is either great on it’s own as a regular fitness regimen but also a fantastic support if you want to strengthen your yoga practice.
“Pilates is the complete coordination of body, mind and spirit”
In my Yoga classes you will often find a bit of Pilates and vice versa. Some of my signature Flow classes are combining both practices into a Yoga-Pilates Flow.
Check out my online classes or join me for a class in Monaco.
"Mia Jacobs offers a glowing presence that is at once welcoming, knowledgable, and listening. Her approach to Pilates has a warm efficiency that resonates empowerment and well being. Looking forward to the next session!" "Having studied Pilates in New York with the founders and being certified in Rehabilitation Pilates, it is with confidence I can assure you of the quality of Mia Jacobs approach to evolutive Pilates.”
