Pilates/Yoga
It seems that Pilates and Yoga are everywhere these days. Books, magazine articles and TV shows feature Pilates and Yoga in some way in most areas of the country every day. The buzz might lead one to wonder what the attraction of these health and fitness techniques might be? Yoga is a word used to describe traditional physical and mental meditative practices used in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism that originated in India. Outside India, in the rest of the world, the term Yoga is usually associated with Hatha Yoga and its use as a form of exercise. Devotees of Yoga believe the mind and body exist as a single unit, and that in the right environment, the mind and body can find harmony and healing together. Yoga has long been considered therapeutic because it deals with the body's overall posture, alignment and patterns of movement.
One thing for sure though, yoga is relaxing and refreshing if nothing else. Yoga can teach a person to relax even in the middle of a stressful environment. It can also teach you how to be more energetic, happier and peaceful. Yoga is usually performed in a group setting on a Yoga mat. A Yoga instructor will usually lead exercises and postures that utilize the body's own weight for resistance. Holding a posture and transitioning from one posture to another are emphasized. There are many different styles of Yoga and the style you use is mostly a matter of personal preference.
Pilates was designed by Joseph Pilates, who designed a system of exercises in the early 20th century during the First World War with the purpose of improving the rehabilitation process for returning war veterans. Pilates recommended precise exercise movements to aid injured soldiers in regaining their health by strengthening and stabilizing certain key muscle groups. Like Yoga, Pilates creates a unification of the mind and body so that the body will move with economy and balance.
Yoga and Pilates both have the same philosophy of precisely controlled movements, but the Pilates technique can also involve the use of Pilates machines. Pilates movements are focused on quality not quantity, and its low impact nature makes it ideal for injury prevention and rehabilitation purposes. The combination of strength and flexibility results in a strong, balanced body. With practice, both Pilates and Yoga techniques have proven to be equally effective in providing improved heath and fitness.
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