Yoga and Pilates are the dynamic duo in the fitness industry right now. For people looking for a rewarding new year, these disciplines have much to offer. Participants seem to agree. According to a recent industry survey, 60 percent of responding program directors now offer yoga and Pilates offers 63 percent. The survey also shows that both programs are expected to continue growing in popularity. This article provides an overview of the two disciplines and some tips for finding the right program for you and the instructor.
Yoga
Yoga is a centuries-old practice, which includes a spiritual component support for its holistic approach to fitness, nutrition and lifestyle. Studies have shown that yoga is a powerful tool to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, improves concentration and balance, and increased muscle strength, endurance and flexibility. The movements of yoga classes have crossed traditional fitness group, but complete yoga practice may also include breathing techniques, chanting and meditation and exercise. Yoga has many styles, ranging from mild and therapeutic vigorous forms that are so well known as hot yoga and power yoga. People with any level of fitness can find and explore an appropriate style of yoga.
Pilates
Pilates was created in the 20 th century as a fitness system focuses on the development of the body's core, or in terms of Pilates, the powerhouse. While a healthy lifestyle is recommended, it is an integral part of the program. The focus is on the physics in this very orderly and methodical approach to training. For years, dancers have relied on Pilates to give the bodies lean, sculpted they need for their art. Regular practice of Pilates increases muscle strength and endurance, improves posture and increases flexibility. Since the primary focus is at the core, strong abdominal and back muscles are a major benefit of Pilates work.
"Mind-Body" Programs
Both yoga and Pilates are considered "mind-body" programs, which means that participants must be mentally focused and introspective, as exercises. Both are slower than traditional calisthenics, and both coordinate breathing with movement. Also common to both is the use of accessories. Yoga incorporates the use of blocks, blankets, and straps, while Pilates uses small accessories such as the magic circle or more devices, such as the Pilates Reformer. Yoga and Pilates can be performed both one-on-one or group.
Yoga and Pilates have much in common, but may be the differences that are of more importance in choosing the program that is right for you. One of the most significant differences in the structure. Whereas yoga is more contemplative and may be loosely structured, Pilates is more controlled. Pilates is performed on sets and reps in a very orderly and precise. Yoga, although it has an innate order, is more organic and free form.
Choosing a Program
People seem to choose between yoga and Pilates-based method that they feel complements your personality, with "Type A" usually gravitate toward the Pilates or the most powerful type of yoga and physical. softer personality types tend to choose gentle yoga disciplines. Less intuitive, but perhaps more beneficial, may be the way that seems contrary to the dominant aspects of the personality as a way to bring balance to life, like the athlete who comes to appreciate the softness and flow of yoga as a counterbalance to the harshness and competition regulation.
Whether you choose yoga or Pilates, or perhaps both, is of paramount importance to find a qualified instructor. Both modes of exercise require in-depth training to fully understand the scope of the topic. well-trained yoga and Pilates teachers are expected to have a thorough knowledge of anatomy, human movement and exercise physiology as well as individual specialties of the discipline. Schools and training courses vary in the depth and quality of education offered. Some courses last a day or a weekend. Others take months or years and may require an apprenticeship before certification is achieved. How to choose?
The Yoga Alliance is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to bring the yoga community, set standards, foster integrity, provide resources and uphold the teachings of yoga. A database is available on its website, www.yogaalliance.org, where students can find instructors who meet the training requirements of Yoga Alliance. Teachers are shown in the minimum of 250 hours of training or level of 500 hours.
The Pilates Method Alliance, www.pilatesmethodalliance.com also offers a database to help you find qualified teachers, and guidelines for training standards and a list of questions to ask your Pilates instructor to help you confirm your qualifications. The mission of the Pilates Method Alliance is to protect the public by establishing certification standards and continuing education for Pilates professionals.
With a little knowledge and footwork, it should not be difficult to find a yoga or Pilates class near you and start enjoying these effective methods of exercise and personal improvement.
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