Yoga VS Pilates

This is a very common question in my field, weather it is people walking off the street or my clients that I have. And it is a great, reasonable and important question. I actually like the question. The question however; shouldn't be which one is better, or which one should I do. I think those are very personal questions. I also don't like when hear, "oh I don't like ...." whichever one they are talking about. It like comparing apples to oranges or kick boxing to Zumba. They are all good for you, you just may like one more than the other... and maybe you have had them prepared differently. So, I'm just going to hit the differences about the two, in my view, then try at lest 6 weeks of each and then you decide which you like.
1) BREATH: while both practices use it, they differ from one another greatly. Yoga uses more different types of breath for different types of yoga. I find though, that most of them are using the belly. Pilates, uses it's breath from the lungs inflating and deflating the ribcage, while contacting the Pelvic floor.
2) Focus: yoga brings together mind, body and spirit, to find harmony within the whole body- this in turn brings in mediation that one some level can be healing. Pilates, on the other hand, brings in a consciousness, with every movement you do. Focusing on alignment, breath, and moving your extremities with the emphasis on your core. I would say that the focus for both of these are similar, yet while yoga tends to be in quite and low dim light environment, Pilates tends to be in well lighted space with an awaken environment.
3) Classes: Yoga is more class oriented, I am sure and positive they have one on one sessions available, however; I believe that it is most common to find yoga as a class. Pilates, is more individualized. You tend to hear more about a Private, Semi-Private (two people) or Trio ( three people). These are done with the apparatus Joe Pilates designed himself. There are Mat Classes, that work with either classic Pilates exercises, and also the use of props that give you more of a challenge. yes, Yoga uses props too :)
4) Stress: Ask yourself how do I like to handle my stress? Do, you like to get a glass of wine and sit quietly with a good book, or do you like to blow off the steam by cleaning your house or walking? I think this makes the difference of those who like yoga vs. Pilates. Both practices are a workout, and when you are done with either of them you are going to feel less stressed. I would say with Yoga, you are challenged to hold a pose for some time, breathing through these positions. This makes you take your mind off of your stress and focused more on your flexibility and the position at hand. Pilates is not so "hold" focused. Yes, you are holding your pelvic floor, however; you are moving through movement. For the most part, once you start your class, you are in constant movement, till the end.
5) Body Toning: The bottom line is that both practices you are working and toning your body- no doubt about that. Yoga pretty much uses your own body weight, and your own resistance. Pilates, uses that too, however; when doing your session with the apparatus you are getting more resistance than just your own body weight. With Mat Class you are using your own body weight and own resistance, however; you may get a challenge to use a prop to take your mat exercise to the next level.

Pilates and Yoga go every well together. They complement one another every well. I think that those who do the cross over find ways to take their workout to a new level. From gaining flexibility to reach further in your next Pilates move to holding your pose longer and more steady in yoga. I would say though- don't knock one or the other if you've never tried.... they could help your in more ways than one :)