The difference between Yoga and Pilates with Alexandra

We had the opportunity to meet with the traveling yogini, Alexandra Öhrlund, and talk about the difference between Yoga and Pilates.

We have noticed that we have some Pilates peeps that are also interested in Yoga. So we thought is was in place to meet with a true yogini and talk about the difference between Yoga and Pilates. Alexandra is a traveling Yoga teacher, personal trainer and content creator. She has spent the past 5 months teaching in Morocco and Spain. In December she will move to England. Her love for movement comes from her long background in personal training. She uses her knowledge of how the body works as an influence in both her practice and her classes.  

1. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE MOTTO?

I live by a simple principle. Every once in a while I take a close look at my life, and make sure that I would choose it all again. I want to achieve big things and I know I will be stressed and uncomfortable at times, but I also know that I have made the right decision when there is peace in my heart at the end of the day.

2. WHAT ARE YOU EXTRA CURIOUS ABOUT RIGHT NOW?

My mind is occupied by thought of sustainability in all shapes and forms! It was very easy to live sustainable in Stockholm, but the situation was very different in Africa. Working with big companies has definitely made me aware that change has to be made, not just on the individual level that I was operating on before.

3. WHAT IS A BEAUTIFUL BODY TO YOU?

Body confidence does not come from trying to achieve the perfect body, it comes from embracing the one you´ve got. A body that is nurtured with healthy foods, spoiled with exercise and treated to stillness will exude beauty and light. Your body loves you, love it back! 

4. WHAT IS YOGA TO YOU? 

Yoga is about connecting with yourself. It´s not about executing the poses perfectly, or having the best balance. Yoga is like learning to breathe again. Yoga is taking a moment from your high tempo, up-beat life and remembering that you have a soul that needs tending to. It´s about showing up to your mat consistently, even on the days when you don´t feel like it, just to see what happens and to be okey with the outcome. 

5. HOW IS YOGA DIFFERENT FROM PILATES?

Yoga and Pilates complement each other! Why choose when you can reap the benefits of both? Depending on which type of Yoga you practice, I think the main difference is the spiritual part of the Yoga practice. Otherwise the common factors are increased strength, flexibility, core and breathing.

7. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE YOGA MOVES?

I love Vinyasa flow, which is also my favorite practice to teach. Vinyasa allows me to be creative and work with the energy of the students in the room. For my own practice I love to incorporate inversions and handstands, as well as challenging myself with powerful moves inspired by the gym.

8. IN YOUR OPINION, WHY IS YOGA SUCH A GOOD PRACTICE?

Because it emphasizes the importance of balance between strong and soft, work and play, tension and relaxation. Even those who come to Yoga for the physical benefits cannot escape the impact that the practice has on their mind. 

9. DO YOU HOST ANY UPCOMING YOGA EVENTS?

I´m currently in the planning stages of a staycation retreat in Sweden for the spring 2020, and hopefully I´ll be hosting more retreats during the rest of the year. You can follow more about Alexandra’s plans on her blog, Alexandra Ohrlund.

10. MENTION THREE REASONS ONE SHOULD DO YOGA?

Yoga is for all ages, sizes, bodies and moods. You can practice anywhere at any time, even if you don´t have a mat. 

A Yoga practice provides both movement for the body and stillness for the mind, two crucial things to improve your wellbeing.

I am never as present in the moment as when I am on my mat, and the feeling translates to all areas of my life – it´s addictive!