Posted on 20th April 2009 by Jiggly in Yoga and Pilates
Pilates, pilates vs yoga, Yoga and Pilates
That question really depends upon your preference and goals. A common misconception is that yoga and pilates are the same, or that pilates is just a more difficult version of yoga. Although pilates and yoga do share some similar techniques in order to strengthen, lengthen, and tone the body… their areas of difference are significant.
Yoga is an ancient practice that originated in India, its practitioners sought to bridge the disconnect between body and mind. Yoga literally means “to unite”, and yogi’s hoped to achieve this harmonious balance of body, spirit, and mind through a series of controlled flow movements. For this very reason, yoga is considered to be very therapeutic. In yoga, only the resistance of your own weight is required and you’re breathing in and out of your nose the entire time. Through continued practice, people will find themselves more aware of their body’s movement, posture, and alignment. I wrote in an earlier post about my 10 Reasons For Yoga, which explains in more detail the joys I find in yoga.
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Posted on 19th April 2009 by Jiggly in Yoga and Pilates
Pilates
For those thinking about pilates, there’s a few ways you can go about it:
- At the gym – usually they offer at least 1 or 2 pilates classes.
- Take a private or small group class at a Pilates studio.
- Buy or rent a DVD and try it at home.
My first experience with pilates was neither at a gym nor a pilates studio. In fact, my first time doing pilates was in my living room with nothing more than a mat and a DVD. This is a great way to go for those on a budget since private pilates classes can cost a pretty penny. Because I had little knowledge of pilates, I decided to start with the appropriately named Pilates Workout for Dummies. I found the directions easy to understand and precise – I knew exactly when to inhale or exhale, where to place my hands, when to tuck in my belly or press my hips to the floor, etc.
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Posted on 18th April 2009 by Jiggly in Yoga and Pilates
Pilates
“Above all… breathe correctly”
- Joseph Pilates
Breath is the key to pilates.
Pilates was founded by a man named Joseph Pilates, and is now the exercise of choice for many dancers and celebrities. Joseph Pilates first started his pilates program back in World War II as a way to rehabilitate injured soldiers through the use of gentle strengthening and stabilizing exercises.
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