The aim behind Yoga is to bring together the mind, body and spirit. Yoga teachers see the mind and body as one entire structure. If the techniques are used in the correct setting, Yoga can be a method of healing the body and helping to find mental harmony.
This is why Yoga is seen to be a therapeutic activity. It gives your body more flexibility and this practice promotes relaxation. This is even in the most stressful of times. Many people begin taking Yoga classes in order to help them to reduce their stress levels.
In a Yoga class, several movements are performed on an exercise mat. The weight of a person’s body is used as a form of resistance for the exercise. It takes a great amount of focus. In addition, focus is needed in order to make sure that the flow in and out of each position remains in a fluid motion. Yoga movements are not what you would typically call ‘workout moves’. They are more like poses which are designed for various needs and purposes.
Pilates has many of the same goals
However, the most significant difference between Pilates and Yoga is that – as well as mat work – there can be different exercise machines involved.
Pilates works out the entire body as well as the mind. The focus is on the core powerhouse so that the rest of the body can move freely. This makes your body stronger and fitterinside and out. The balance is meant to be between flexibility and strength. This results in muscles which are stronger and leaner .
A fabulous set of abs
Pilates is famed for sculpting and toning your abdominal muscles. Here are some of the exercises that you can use in order to help you shape your mid-section.
Pilates Curl
Lie on your back and make sure that your knees are bent. Make sure that your feet are flat on the floor. Rest your arms at your sides. Exhale and curl your chin to your chest. Bring your shoulders completely off the mat. Hold this position for one breath, and then lower back down to your starting position slowly. Lift from your breastbone in order to engage your abs. Avoid crunching your neck.
The Hundred
Lie on your back on a mat. Bring your knees in towards your chest. Lift your head, neck as well as your shoulders off the mat. Stretch your hands by your sides with your palms facing the floor. Extend your legs to a 45-degree angle with your heels together and toes apart. Pump your arms up and down while breathing in and out through your nose for five counts each. Repeat for 10 sets.
Roll-Up
Lie on your back, on a Pilates mat, with your arms extended towards the ceiling. Exhale and curl your chin to your chest. Roll up to a sitting position with your arms reaching towards your feet. Exhale and roll down one vertebrae at a time. Move slowly and smoothly. Do not lunge forward.
Rolling Like a Ball
Sit on mat. Draw your knees towards your chest. Wrap your arms around your legs. Rock back to your tailbone with your feet hovering a few inches off the mat.
Inhale and roll back until you reach your shoulder blades. Exhale and roll forward return to your starting position. Use your abs to control your momentum and pause before your feet touch mat.
Single-Leg Stretch
Lie on your back on a Pilates mat with your knees drawn towards your chest. Ensure that your shins are parallel to floor in a tabletop position.
Exhale to lift your head, neck as well as shoulders off the mat. Simultaneously, extend your left leg straight at a 45-degree angle. Draw your right knee towards your chest. Grab hold of your right knee with your left hand and your right ankle with your right hand. Switch to the other leg on the inhale and pulse for one beat. Switch legs again on exhale. Keep your shoulders off the mat and your core engaged throughout the exercise.
Double-Leg Stretch
Lie on your back on a mat. Lift your head, neck as well as your shoulders off the ground. Bring your knees to your chest. Hug your shins with your arms .
Inhale and straighten your legs to a 45-degree angle. At the same time, extend your arms along your ears. Exhale. Circle your arms down to hug your shins as you return to your starting position. Keep your shoulders off mat throughout the exercise. Maintain an even breathing pattern.
Single Straight-Leg Stretch
Lie supine on a mat. Your legs must be extended straight up. Ensure that they are perpendicular to the floor. Lift your head and neck = as well as your shoulders – off the mat. Bring your right leg in as near to your face as your particular level of flexibility allows you to. Hold your right calf with both hands.
Pulse your right leg towards your face twice while your left leg extends away from your body and hovers just above the mat. Repeat the exercise on the other side.
Crisscross
Lie supine on a mat. Have your hands behind your neck make sure that your elbows extended wide. Lift your head and neck – as well as your shoulders – off the mat.
Bring your left armpit to your right knee. Extend your left leg to a high diagonal. Twist to the other side. Switch legs and bring the right armpit to left knee. Extend your right leg.
A great deal of people see the value in both Pilates and Yoga. This is why these people are is choosing to incorporate both Yoga and Pilates into their lives and exercise routines.