Compare Yoga vs. Pilates – Workout Differences in Australia

There are many similarities between yoga and Pilates – both focus on achieving certain movements and postures with perfect form, and have the physical benefit of helping you achieve long, lean muscles without the fear of “bulking up.” But there are also key differences: Pilates is primarily focused on the effects of the exercise itself, while most yoga practice also incorporates an element of spirituality or a focus on relaxation or mindfulness (essentially, “staying in the moment.”)

This article is an introduction to the most popular styles of yoga and Pilates available across Australia. No matter what style of yoga or Pilates is for you, you can feel confident you’ll be dressed to handle whatever a class throws at you with shorts, capris or leggings from KastAustralia.com. Made from 83% polyamide and 13% spandex with a comfortable, wide waistband, these pants are designed to move with you as they fit and flatter you perfectly, so you’ll look your best while also performing your best. Now what style of yoga or Pilates (or both?) will you try in your pants from Kast Australia?

Yoga Styles

Hatha
Ideal for beginners, hatha refers to any practice that combines poses with breathing techniques. The goal of a basic hatha yoga class is to develop flexibility and balance and to learn to integrate your breath into every movement, so it is generally quite relaxing and restorative. Classes often finish in a lying position called shavasana for five minutes or more, so this style is ideal if you want to practice yoga to help you unwind or if you’re new to yoga and want to learn the basic moves.

Ashtanga
Ashtanga yoga is based on ancient yoga teachings, and is a rigorous style of yoga that follows a specific sequence of poses, always in the same order. Expect to execute up to 70 poses in a ninety-minute session, including multiple sun salutations, backbends, and inversions (upside-down poses.) It is a hot, sweaty, physically demanding practice that requires strength and endurance, so you’ll get the most out of it if you commit to practicing regularly – at least three times a week.

Bikram/hot yoga
Bikram yoga is a fairly modern invention, in which classes are held in artificially heated rooms. Like ashtanga yoga, a Bikram class always follows the same sequence of postures. Hot yoga is similar to Bikram yoga in that classes are also held in a hot room, but the poses are different (the founder of Bikram yoga trademarked his sequence of poses, so any hot yoga which does follow these poses to the letter cannot officially be called Bikram yoga.) Prepare to sweat like you’ve never sweated before in this class – but devotees swear that all that sweating releases toxins from the body, and many participants report an energy boost after each session.
Vinyasa
Vinyasa is the Sanskrit word for “flow,” and vinyasa classes are known for their fluid, movement-intensive practices (Vinyasa classes are sometimes labeled as “flow” or “power” yoga.) Vinyasa teachers choreograph their classes to smoothly transition from pose to pose, and often play music to keep up the energy level. The intensity of the practice is similar to ashtanga yoga, but unlike ashtanga, no two vinyasa classes are the same. If you hate routine and love to test your physical limits, vinyasa may be the yoga style for you.

Pilates Styles

Classic
Classic Pilates aims to preserve the original teachings of Joseph and Clara Pilates, who founded Pilates in the early 20th century. It continues to perform each movement as described traditionally. The equipment used is also built to the same specifications as those created by Joseph Pilates. Whilst the actual classes can vary a little depending on the exact school of training your teachers have undertaken, you’ll probably see a lot less variation between classes than many other types of Pilates, owing to classic Pilates’ devotion to the original teaching of its founders.

Power
A power Pilates class is ideal for people who practice Pilates consistently, have been practicing at a studio for a while, or are involved in a vigorous exercise program. The instructor uses all kinds of equipment, both traditional and modern, and various props to enable clients to achieve a good burn with every exercise. The full body workout in these classes uses heavier weights and demands a higher number of reps than in most Pilates classes, so come prepared for a tough workout!

Winsor
Winsor Pilates is widely credited with popularizing Pilates in the modern era and making this once-obscure workout available all over the world. Created by US fitness instructor Mari Winsor beginning in 1990, Winsor Pilates focuses on an idea called “dynamic sequencing” which is based on the original teachings of Joseph Pilates but adds an extra focus on shaping, toning and strengthening muscles for a long, lean look.

No matter what style of yoga or Pilates you choose to try, you’ll do it in comfort and style wearing shorts, capris or leggings from KastAustralia.com. Express yourself with their exclusive selection of vivid Brazilian prints while you work on improving your body and soul.

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