Yoga is a physical fitness regime originated in Northern part of India, in ancient period. The history of yoga dates back to almost five thousand years ago. Pilates is not an ancient practice as yoga. It is just eighty years old and invented by a German athlete, Joseph Pilates. Pilates method, although inspired by certain yoga poses, is a complicated system. It works towards conditioning the entire body. Yoga, however is explained as a lifestyle, instead of just an exercise. It works towards offering a path to physical and mental well-being. It also includes all the exercise routines in conjunction with a healthy diet, relaxation, meditation, and breathing skills. Both Pilates and yoga focus on breathing and concentration. The basic difference is that yoga focuses on employing breathing process on a deeper level. Pilates includes inhaling via nose and exhaling through the mouth and yoga concentrates on utilizing the nose for both inhaling and exhaling. Yoga includes many styles and all these styles are usually performed on a yoga mat. Although Pilates work on a Pilates mat but also uses a special Pilates machine. There are benefits to both & it is likely to come down to personal preference. They both focus on core strength, flexibility & overall enhancement of the entire body system.

Yoga is a Sanskrit word derived from the Sanskrit root "yuj" which means to connect, join or balance.  It activates a process of cleansing and purification of mind, which in turn, prepares us for the dawning of Self-knowledge. Yoga means this connection; this knowledge that removes the impurities and the veil of ignorance that keeps us strangers to ourselves.

Pilates, developed by Joseph Pilates during the World War I, is an exercise that focuses on core strength and flexibility. Not only does it tone abdominal muscles, it also reduces back pains, decreasing the chance of osteoporosis. Pilates is considered a mind and body exercise because of some resistance in the movements.