Yoga and Pilates are two of the most widely known and used methods of gaining physical strength, mental balance and other positive effects at the same time, by practicing some exercises in a correct manner, of course. Both of these techniques involve the control of mind over the body and also breathing control.
Yoga is a practice that originates in India. The practice implies a series of spiritual but also physical exercises supposed to attain the practitionerâs control over his mind and body. The procedure begins with the correct positioning of the body, that is, in a manner which must not obstruct in any way the personâs capacity of concentration. By controlling his breathing, the yogi begins his contemplation, which can offer him access to superconscious awareness and union with the Supreme Being. The purpose is that of achieving mental, spiritual and physical improvement.
The Pilates method was named after its inventor, Joseph Pilates, and it represents a special and original technique of fitness exercises which implies the control of the mind over the muscles. Breathing correctly is also very important because it contributes to the efficiency of the exercises.
Both of these methods have experienced a great success. People are interested in practicing them due to their proven efficiency not only in strengthening the mind and body, but even in what physical recovery and rehabilitation is concerned. Beside the positive physical effects they have (mobility, muscles flexibility), these methods also reduce the stress and bring along emotional balance. In a world thatâs filled with constant worries and nervous tension, relaxation is sometimes avidly desired and Yoga or Pilates are miracle workers in this field.
For most people Yoga or Pilates are hobbies, but some take these techniques to a higher level. For them and for those who want to become instructors there are special training centers that offer the proper education. To have the right to teach others, a Yoga or Pilates instructor needs certification which can be obtained even by attending online courses. This may be more simple and pleasant for some.
Beginners should know that for their own comfort during the exercises, they need some special Pilates mats (yoga mats). These mats can be of different colors, materials and sizes. One can buy rubber Pilates mats, natural rubber Pilates mats, blue, yellow, green or pink, antibacterial Pilates mats, slim or thick Pilates mats or printed Pilates mats. Whatever their aspect may be, the purpose of these pilates mats is to make you reach harmony and best fulfill your exercise needs and preferences.
People are offered a great variety of models to choose from (long, short, colored or back mats) depending on every personâs taste and on the type of technique they practice, beginning with towels and ending with ecological, antibacterial or microfiber Pilates mats. For hatha yoga, for instance, it would be appropriate to use a mat with a very stable surface. You may also need fitness balls used in Pilates and yoga for strengthening the muscles or antibacterial yoga mat sprays which will keep your mats clean. In what the young yogis are concerned, yoga mats for kids are the perfect choice!
The good news is that Pilates mats, mat rolls and even traveling bags are available online, saving you a lot of time and stress. So, if you want to be a more relaxed person, more in touch with yourself and the Universe, you have everything you need to get started at the tip of your fingers. You just have to visit some websites and check out their products.
Amelie Mag
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/all-about-yoga-and-pilates-89169.html
March 31st, 2009 at 4:48 am
What will yoga and pilates do in my situation?
I am getting a lil pudgy now, I have cellulite and my stomach has that lil ponch going on and I wanted to be toned for this summer. I am not overweight or anything its just i I have eccess fat from the birth control i was put on and i want it tightened and toned. If I did yoga/pilates will this do the trick? I dont want to loose tonnes of weight because my upper half is skinny and i dont want to loose my cup size.
Also how many times a week and for how long should I Do yoga?
March 31st, 2009 at 9:50 am
I would do it 2 to 3 times a week. Also in gage in some cardio too. I use the treadmill 4-5 times a week for a half an hour. And its really working out good. By summer time you will have the body you desire.
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March 31st, 2009 at 9:52 am
i think pilates is great for toning, do it several times a week for half an hour. you won't lose weight, which is what you wanted anyway. good luck!
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March 31st, 2009 at 9:54 am
Yoga and pilates are for soccer moms that don't want to really work out. Put on your shoes and go jogging, hit the gym, lift some weights. Stop putting so much food in, the less that goes in = the less you need to burn off.
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Physical Trainer
March 31st, 2009 at 9:56 am
Yoga??? Ummm thats for the mind and flexibility of your joints .
Do crunches twice a day.
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March 31st, 2009 at 9:58 am
Oh, yeah, I definitely think yoga and pilates is the way to go. I recently was having the same situation, getting a little fluffy from my birth control pills, but not overweight by any means. I started doing a short little 10-minute yoga/pilates workout every morning when I first wake up, and my body is looking great! I still have the same cup size and my butt didn't shrink, thankfully, but my thighs no longer have that puckery, jiggly quality, and my tummy looks nice and flat now. Also, I have just a hint of abs, like definition. I have also lost about 10 lbs. because I decided to cut soda out of my diet along with the exercising, and it made a great big difference with just a few little pounds. Yoga and pilates are a great way to get a beautiful dancer-like body and be toned without being all muscly and flat-chested. I would recommend you do it every day for like 10 minutes, like I do, but I'm sure you could also get the same results doing it just 3 times a week for like half an hour, if you don't have the time every morning. Good luck!
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