Category: Fitness

KX pilates dee why is a revolutionary, fast paced, high intensity, body-toning workout that fuses the core strengthening elements of traditional reformer pilates with circuit, cardio and endurance training. Good questions. From my own experiences and research, it would be like asking:

Drum machines Vs. Drums, which do I use?

Well, a quick observation will depict that one must have come from the other. In this case, pilates is derived from yoga or at best yoga-esque principles and methods, so suffice it to say that for which may be a the BETTER CHOICE it may be a matter of needs, time, preference and fitness levels.

Now to compare the both:

What is Pilates?

This is an exercise system developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century to strengthen muscles, increase flexibility and improve overall health. Primarily, the workout is usually performed on a mat and on specially designed equipment. The Pilates system includes exercises for every part of the body and applications for every kind of activity.

It is noteworthy of mention that Pilates focuses mainly on cultivating core strength in the body and lengthening the spine. Furthermore, a lot of dancers practice this exercise and it does deserve a lot of credit for having become very well knows (especially in the last few decades) for its effect on sculpting the body. Needless to say, in partnership with Yoga, it does go a long way towards increasing physical fitness all around.

NOW…

What is yoga?

Boy, ol’ Boy?

I think it should be, in terms of body-weight only exercises, What ISN’T yoga or at least yoga-esque, should be the question. Alright, you got me, yeah I lean more towards this system of exercise. Well Foras, can you tell us why?

Sure…

Folks, Yoga is a scientific system of physical and mental practices that originated in India more than three thousand years ago. However, the word yoga, from the Sanskrit word yuj means to yoke or bind and is often interpreted as “union” or a method of discipline. Its ultimate goal is the union of man with God or the universe in one breath. Furthermore, it aims to liberate the spirit as the mind and spirit are equally involved in its practice.

Needless to say, yoga is indeed the oldest existing physical-culture system in the world. Besides being a systematic and scientifically proven path to attaining physical fitness, it delays ageing, rejuvenates and improves appearance, maintains suppleness and increases vitality and the creative part of life. Still, after all is said and done, like drums and drum machines, in terms of Yoga and Pilates, both can stand independent of each other, work dependent on each other or when the need arises can be interchanged in their exclusive or combined uses.

That’s not to say one isn’t better than the other, to me, I think it’s more preference. However like drums which will never go out of style, Yoga does have more of a human and authentic feel to it. The emphasis on breath, relaxation etc is something that seems to be absent or less prevalent in Pilates, although that’s not to overlook the ease, quickness and efficiency of doing the art form.

This article did mention that Pilates is often used by dancers, just like Yoga is often used even by Basketball players, Boxers etc, so it means just like drums are oft times needed or used in a song and do form the foundation of music and dance, the use of either or both would be a wise choice. But, I do lean more towards Yoga, just from my experience, besides, when doing Pilates, it almost feels like I’m doing Yoga either way, so, I guess, why not just do it.

I guess that reminds me of my audio recording teachers who insist to this day to use live drums over drum machines for the ‘authentic’ feel. So yeah, left to me, I’ll go with Yoga, it works for me, does what pilates can do and more, but for variety, being the spice of life as is often said, doing Pilates here and there won’t hurt and may in fact help a lot. Still, owing to the obvious similarities between both exercises, suffice it to say that some guidelines need to be observed when executing them.

For the Interested persons, such helpful aids are herewith provided:

• Yoga postures should not be done on a full stomach. Wait at least 3 hours after a meal BEFORE practice. Personally, I think it’s best to do yoga first thing in the morning.
• If you can, (and you probably should) try to do Yoga barefoot. Or at the very worst with socks or those non-slip footwear they have advertised. Me, I’m old school…barefoot!
• Okay, Nude Yoga has the right idea. Will I go that far…hmm, no! However, as little clothing as possible should be the ‘dress-code’ when doing yoga so you can move freely.
• As the Father of Naturopathy, Prof Ehret recommended in his books, always try to exercise in front of an OPEN window. So please make sure the room is ventilated.
• You are not competing with anyone so take it slowly and safely. So no straining, no holding the poses beyond your physical strength levels; okay…buddy!

*Try to have fun with both; with everything in life.

Well, if you decide to use “drum machines” (Pilates) or “drums” (Yoga) as long as you’re getting the sound (fitness) you want, hey an exclusive, combination or interchangeable use of them would do just fine.

In Friendship,
Foras Aje

PS: I prefer “drums”!!!

Foras Aje is an independent researcher and author of Fitness: Inside and out, a book on improving physical and mental health naturally. For more information on the latest health news and breakthroughs visit his site at http://www.bodyhealthsoul.com/

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Foras_Aje/575671

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3909709

Which is better? How are they similar? how are they different? This review of two of the most popular forms of exercise is a brief but comprehensive viewpoint from one of today’s leading Pilates instructors who has also taught yoga for many 35 years. Inspiring pilates instructor course target a middle age students who typically health conscious.

Breathing

Pilates and yoga are oddly similar and at the same time deeply different when it comes to breathing. Both methods emphasize breathing, but take it in different directions.

Breathing is one the most important principle in Pilates. Joseph Pilates, the founder, stressed breathing in his books and in his instruction.

According to my teacher and ‘Pilates Elder’ Mary Bowen, Joseph Pilates never developed any special breathing mechanics, though several techniques were developed after his death by some of his students. Joe Pilates did create breathing patterns to accompany each exercise, natural breathing that allows full and frequent breaths while you move. The effect is exhilarating, and in fact, Pilates is known for being energizing rather than exhausting even after the most rigorous workout.

Yoga far exceeds Pilates in the development of particular breathing mechanics. The complexity and depth of pranayama (breathing) yoga techniques include breathing through different nostrils in different patterns of inhalation, exhalation and holding the breath, all designed to create and move energy in the body. I’ve explored breathing techniques in Pilates and yoga and have found both to be highly energizing.

Mind and Body

Few exercise methods connect the mind and the body like Pilates and yoga.

Focussing your attention on your movement is key to both methods. Yoga goes a step further by adding a spiritual or religious dimension with meditation and in certain traditions chanting and devotion to the teacher.

History

Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in 1883. He studied all forms of exercise available in his day including eastern forms such as yoga. He first developed his method nearly 100 years ago.

He moved to New York in the 60’s and first introduced his method to the dance community where it was an instant hit. From there it gained worldwide popularity. It is used by elite athletes, celebrities and physical therapist, and is particularly effective for physical rehabilitation such as back pain.

Since the death of Joe Pilates in the late 60’s, the method has morphed into many schools and fusions such as yogalates, Zumbalates, tangolates and even piloxing (Pilates and boxing).

In contrast yoga goes back thousands of years. The earliest evidence appears on 4500 year old seals from the Indus Valley. Experts agree that the yoga tradition is probably much older. Light on Yoga, universally considered the bible of yoga, lists hundreds of treatments for illnesses using particular yoga positions.

Yaga has also morphed into many different schools and fusions.

No Machinery

Though both methods readily use balls, bands and other props, neither require any equipment. You can do them anywhere and anytime – the ultimate in convenience.

There is specially designed equipment for Pilates, but it is not necessary. In fact, the mat exercise routine which uses no equipment is the original Pilates method which Joe Pilates called ‘Contrology.’

Stretching

No review of these two exercise methods should ever neglect their distinct forms of stretching. Yet no other discussion I’ve ever read does!

Yoga features static stretching. This means holding a position while your muscles stretch. In contrast, Pilates is dynamic stretch where muscles lengthen while you move. Research indicates more benefits from dynamic stretching due to increased muscle recovery and decreased risk of injury.

Speaking from personal experience as a teacher and practitioner of both Pilates and hatha yoga, I find static stretch wonderful for relaxation and stress relief. On the other hand, I find dynamic stretch a better choice for joint and back pain relief and for improving athletic performance.

Strength and Cardio

Exercise science has proven that our bodies need 3 distinct kinds of exercise – strength training, stretching and cardiovascular conditioning popularly referred to as cardio or aerobics. These three essential exercises are rarely included in one method. Pilates always includes 2 – stretching and strength training. Advanced Pilates mat exercises also include cardio for an unusually complete exercise method.

By contrast yoga is primarily stretching and rarely includes strength training or cardio. There are exceptions such as the very athletic forms of yoga found in the Iyengar, Ashtanga and Bikram methods.

Which Is Better?

I believe I can offer an interesting perspective on this question, because I’ve practiced and taught both for nearly 4 decades. In my experience you get more of a spiritual dimension from yoga, as well as relaxation. However, research shows that any exercise is very effective at relieving stress. But if you want a complete exercise with strength building, stretching and cardio, Pilates is my favorite choice.

Bob is an advanced certified Pilates instructor with nearly 4 decades of experience. He was taught by the ‘Pilates Elder’ Mary Bowen, and is the author of several popular instructional ebooks and videos specializing in the original athletic style of Pilates mat exercise.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Robert_Hannum/616578

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7846280