Pilates Vs Yoga
By: Stephen NadlerTotal Views: 179, Word Count: 610,
The differences between Pilates and Yoga are always an issue of discussion among people who are in search of best physical fitness. Nowadays Pilates vs Yoga is becoming a hot topic.
Let us discuss in detail the differences between Pilates and Yoga, so as to understand their benefits. This will also help you to get an idea of what type of physical exercise has maximum health benefits.
Pilates is gaining more popularity in maintaining fitness as compared to yoga.
Pilates is usually known to be a physical activity which is different from cardiovascular workout.
Both Pilates and yoga share the same technology and help to develop and strengthen our muscles. Both the types of techniques give strength to the muscles of the arms, abdomen, legs, and back.
Pilates
- Pilates is a technique which is derivative of ancient yoga asanas. This exercise system was discovered by Joseph Pilates about 80 years ago. Pilates has become accepted in recent years as it is used by many dancers.
- The primary focus of Pilates is on muscles like lower back, abs, and stabilizing muscles. Many Pilates machines are available in the market. Pilates help to improve the balance and strength of spine, posture, and it also helps to avoid injuries
Yoga
- Yoga is actually a complete, holistic system for total health and well-being. Yoga includes physical postures (asanas), personal hygiene, meditation, breathing, and also relaxation techniques.
- This is the most advance form of meditation as well as self-realization
- Yoga exercises are effective and time-tested practices for mankind. Yoga asanas strengthen and tone our body, which results in increased flexibility.
- Benefits of Yoga asanas include its deep effects on the internal systems of the body.
Guidelines for Yoga and Pilates Practice
- Yoga postures specially focus on inversions and compression of the abdomen, so do not do this with full stomach.
- It is very helpful to practice Yoga asanas using a Yoga mat or non slippery surface for doing standing poses.
- Always wear comfortable clothes while practicing Yoga or Pilates that will easily allow you to move freely
- For Yoga practice, select a well ventilated room which has enough space to move your arms and legs in any directions without disturbing anything in the room.
- While practicing Yoga, you have to concentrate on the emotion that the Asana is developing inside your body.
- If you feel too weak in a specific pose, come out of it. Slowly you will develop the strength to hold the pose longer.
- Don't go outside your personal limitations while doing Pilates or Yoga, but try to enlarge out of your boundaries slowly.
- Throughout the workout of Yoga, focus on your breath, inhaling and exhaling fully which will help to strengthen your internal organs and increase your resistance to diseases.
Pilates and Yoga offer vast benefits to our health, so it is very difficult to conclude which of these body fitness systems is better. So we can say that this decision totally depends on the individual’s wish. Doing both the techniques in combination is always a better choice.
Depending on your goals, you may choose to do Yoga or Pilates. As there are specific differences between Yoga and Pilates, they balance each other well. Combination of these techniques will lead you to the satisfactory health achievement.
About the Author
Stephen Nadler is renowned yoga specialist and has been teaching yoga since 1999. He offers integrated approach, suitable for all levels with emphasis on alignment and breath, awareness in minds and mental relaxation. Moreover, he takes individual yoga classes for pregnant ladies.
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