Yoga And Pilates

Yoga And Pilates – Complement Each Other

Pilates is a combination of exercises that focus on body and mind. Yoga, which is the best and most time-tested path, is combination of relaxation, breathing techniques, which combats stress, blood circulation and joint movements. Yoga and Pilates both these form of exercises have gained popularity. Articles on yoga and Pilates fill numerous magazines and it seems “everyone who is anyone” is doing one or the other. However, it is very important to know these techniques well, find out the similarities and differences before plunging into it.

Yoga and Pilates are quiet different and similar in many ways:

1. Definition: yoga unites mind, body and the spirit. Yoga is therefore considered therapeutic. It makes the body more flexible and helps you relax in the most stressful environment. Pilates work several muscle groups simultaneously through smooth, continuous motion with a particular on strengthening and stabilizing the core.

2. Strength and stretch: Pilates focuses more on strength and yoga focuses more on stretch. However, there is an exception to this statement as Pilates does include stretching and yoga does develop strength.

3. They are interrelated: For those who practice yoga, Pilates gives them stability of the core muscles that they need while performing the asanas in yoga. Conversely, the stretching in yoga provides a wonderful balance to the typically more core oriented Pilates exercises.

4. Breathing: Focusing and working on breathing is important both in yoga and Pilates. Using a deep full breath enhances the depth and movement of the exercise. Yoga has a long tradition of working with the breath. The breath is coordinated with the motion of exercises. Joseph Pilates studied yoga and encouraged his students to use the breath as fully as possible. In both the forms of exercise breathing deeply helps to relax and concentrate on a graceful form of exercise.

5. Equipments: All the forms of yoga exercises are performed on a mat, no machine or equipment are required. Pilates encourages the uses of props and equipments for strengthening and conditioning of the core muscles.

6. Benefits: They are both known to support the development of long, strong, graceful bodies that move efficiently without creating bulky muscles. Both are associated with stress reduction and increased well-being. They both can be used as rehabilitative systems. It is for all age and fitness level, and both support the achievement of very high levels of body, mind and spirit fitness.

7. Spiritual: Yoga follows spiritual path. Pilates is not directly a spiritual context as yoga. It has a very satisfying discipline.

It is very difficult and confusing to decide which of these two techniques is right for you. The best option is to do them both in conjunction. The technique of both makes it easy to complement each other. In addition, it is important to remember that Pilates and yoga are very full, distinct and sophisticated disciplines. Learning them and reaping the benefits takes time. You need a good teacher, study it for a while, and practice regularly.

Both the techniques are time proven, established and with the help of an experienced instructors, you can attain your goals.