What’s the difference between Pilates and yoga?
Physio and Pilates instructor Juliet Slade explains how Pilates differs to yoga and how both can help triathletes
Yoga focuses its attention more inwardly. It provides connection between the mind, body and breathing. Its slower pace permits for focus and concentration. In turn, these slow, long holding postures develop flexibility, balance and strength. The physical benefits are not a primary goal of yoga as a practice. It aims to heighten awareness and understanding of the body. One of its greatest benefits is its ability to ease stress and promote relaxation.
Pilates concentrates on central stability – it enables you to lengthen and strengthen your body globally while sustaining control from your core. This is a skill that’s easily lost through sedentary desk jobs. For this reason, and for its ability to improve posture and flexibility, pilates is popular with desk-bound workers.
As a pilates instructor, I’ll regularly prompt triathletes towards equipment pilates as a form of conditioning.
Switching on central muscles, including glutes and core, is vital for controlling lower limb movements and offloading weight-bearing joints.
An important aspect of yoga for triathletes is its benefits towards stress management. Stress can inhibit muscle repair and immune system function. A happy mind equals a happy body!
Juliet Slade is a physiotherapist at Six Physio
220 Triathlon Team
Journalists, reviewers, coaches and athletes 
