Why Does the Western Public Desire Pilates?

As a Yoga teacher, and a pilates instructor, it is very noticeable that pilates and Yoga reach two distinctly different groups of people. The typical pilates student does not want to learn about meditation, Pranayama, Sanskrit, bandhas, mudras, or doshas. In the mind of a pilates enthusiast, all of these Yogic aspects are considered secondary to the physical workout.

In a pilates mat class, the emphasis is on precise movement, to gain maximum benefits and results, for physical appearance. Although Yoga and pilates are often categorized as mind and body exercise, Pilates focus is much more about the physical body than Hatha Yogas holistic approach to overall health.

Hatha Yoga, which is union through physical mastery, is a complete health maintenance system for mind, body, and spirit. Pilates is an off shoot of Hatha Yoga, but it is a unique, complex, and extremely complete exercise system.

Therefore, most forms of Hatha Yoga are not simply exercise classes. A complete health maintenance system, such as Hatha Yoga, took thousands of years to develop and evolve. The Pilates method is close to a century old, but it has already started to evolve in its own different directions.

So, which is better Yoga or Pilates? Neither - The truth is, the student makes an individual choice, based upon his or her specific needs. Many Yoga students enjoy the holistic approach, which Yoga takes toward health, but for some students, japa (repetition of mantras), or meditation, may feel very uncomfortable.

Lets look at this situation closely. Some people feel uncomfortable because japa is commonly practiced in Sanskrit, and they do not comprehend the words.

Swami Sivananda said, Repetition of any Mantra or Name of the Lord is known as Japa. Japa is an important Anga of Yoga. It is a spiritual food for the hungry soul.

Japa is a spiritual aspect of Hatha Yoga. Japa is commonly practiced in Bhakti Yoga, which is deeply spiritual and the most popular form of Yoga in India.

Some Yoga students would rather not sing, chant, or pray out loud. Some people do not trust anything or anyone who is spiritual. Unfortunately, there have been a number of holy men who have violated the publics trust.

In the United States, anything spiritual has become politically incorrect. There is a movement to take, In God we Trust off US currency. The irony of this is, a few loud voices have caused the public to be hesitant about anything that could be considered remotely religious.

Hence, the Pilates instructor only has to focus on precise physical techniques and making sure students experience the physical health benefits of the Pilates Method.

Copyright 2006 Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.riyoga.com He is a Pilates Instructor and has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

Yoga New York City Journal