CBS) Can’t decide whether to try Yoga or Pilates? Try “Yogalates” instead!
A fusion of the ancient discipline of yoga with the modern Pilates techniques, the exercises mix both disciplines to develop core strength, help tone muscles, increase flexibility, and reduce stress.
What is Yogalates?
A hybrid of yoga and pilates, “Yogalates” was invented by an Australian woman Louise Solomon to give you the best of both techniques.
Solomon injured herself doing yoga 10 years ago and switched to pilates to build core strength eventually becoming a pilates instructor. Then, missing yoga she went back to it and trained as an instructor.
Torn between the two disciplines that she thought offered her body unique benefits, Solomon created “Yogalates” to combine the best of both. She trademarked the name, trained instructors and put out a video. Today Yogalates classes are offered at gyms around the country and is perfect for home practice. It is low impact, low cost, and easy to learn.
Why combine yoga and pilates?
Yoga focuses on flexibility, then strength. Pilates focuses on stability, then strength and flexibility. Pilates helps develop a stable core, sometimes taken for granted in yoga classes. People who have complained about hurting themselves in a yoga class perhaps did not have the core development to move through the various postures, or to pull as far as they pushed. Combining the two disciplines of “yoga” and “pilates” into “Yogalates” is ideal.
What are some of the differences between yoga and pilates?
Yoga is a 5000 -year-old Eastern energy-based spiritual practice developed in India. It is based on a spiritual system of moves to unlock energy flows while increasing flexibility and toning internal organs. Pilates is a Western philosophy developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s. He designed this restorative and conditioning technique to help people overcome injuries, postural misalignment and improve general core weakness. It involves matwork and small concentrated moves on machines. Pilates requires you to set a posture and then challenge the torso by moving the limbs in a repetitious manner. Yoga moves from one static posture to the next with no repetitions.
Who Is “Yogalates” Good For?
Yogalates is good for almost everyone, but it is particularly good for bad back pain and postnatal women because it builds strength through the torso. It is not appropriate for pregnant women.
What equipment do you need to get started?
A towel or floor mat to protect your spine from a hard surface;another smaller towel to place under your head; and a “Thera-Band” to replicate the resistance of the Pilates exercise machines. Thera-Bands can be purchased from most sporting goods stores or physiotherapists.
The following are some Yogalates exercises Minna will demonstrate:
Note: You should do 5-10 repetitions of each move except the downward facing dog, which is more strenuous and should only be done up to 5 times. You should breathe deeply, inhaling and exhaling with each movement, and stay aware of your posture throughout the exercises.