The Method Pilates is the original school of pilates. Joseph H. Pilates, essentially, thought that if the back was flat like a piece of wood it would be strong, like a piece of wood. So all the exercises are done in 'flat back', pushing the back to the floor, pulling the bellybutton to your spine.

We know now, that the spine has 4 curves for a reason: to act as a spring to absorb the shock of movement we do everyday. So why then, if we have 4 curves, would we do our exercises flattening out the curves, when we stand up we do in fact HAVE 4 curves? Why not build the musculature and body awareness around the neutral alignment we are intended to have?

So the biggest distinction between the two schools is the pelvic/spine alignment. The Method works in flat back, STOTT works in neutral.

There are differences in some of the breathing cueing and the choreography as well. Nothing too major though, other than the alignment as mentioned.

 Ya.... no. Some say yes because if you have no idea what pilates is, yoga seems like the closest thing similar to it. However, there are many differences between the two. Neither one is wrong, neither is right. I find both beneficial for different reasons and can compliment each other in a program.

Yoga focuses more on meditation & breathing, whereas pilates focuses breathe use with movement and core engagement.

Yoga holds poses to get deeper into the stretch. Pilates is more movement based, more like 'exercises' than holding stretches.

Both work whole body, both incorporate breath and core, but in different way, both increase flexibility and strength.

There's a lot I have to learn about yoga, so if you have anything to contribute or correct me on, please e-mail me at: ines@inessens.com