Yoga and Pilates

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

Can someone explain to me exactly what yoga and pilates are? And what is the difference between them? I know about the strength training stuff and cardio but I hear lots about yoga and pilates, do they build your muscles, are they mostly for relaxation, I may try them but want to have more info on them first. Thanks.

in CA

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[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I think Stacey's links will help - but here are my non-expert thoughts! Both are "Mind/Body" workouts - meaning that in practicing both disciplines you need to be extra focused in the movements and try to leave as many extraneous thoughts out of your mind as possible - not easy! In Yoga, it is more meditative, in Pilates, it is more to focus on the movements. Pilates movements look very simple and easy and it really is the "mind/body" connection that makes them more dififcult. If you really focus in on your body and what you are supposed to be working and your form you can get a good workout from Pilates - if you just go through the motions you tend not to get as much out of it.

Both disciplines have a strength building and a relaxation component. And, there are different types of Yoga - some YOga is more focused on stretching and alignment and relaxation and some is more physical. In both disciplines you are generall using your body weight as resistance and you can build up some significant strength doing both workout types. Both disciplines also focus a lot on flexibility and posture - which is great for life!

Hope that helps a bit. I have found Pilates to be very therapeutic for my back. Yoga can be as well, but some of the postures aggravate my back (forward bends) so I do that a bit less.

Hope that helps!Donna

From: Navarro <navarrosarah@...>Subject: Yoga and Pilates"undisclosed recipients" <navarrosarah@...>Date: Saturday, November 14, 2009, 12:47 AM

Hi all,

Can someone explain to me exactly what yoga and pilates are? And what is the difference between them? I know about the strength training stuff and cardio but I hear lots about yoga and pilates, do they build your muscles, are they mostly for relaxation, I may try them but want to have more info on them first. Thanks.

in CA-----Inline Attachment Follows-----

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[Guest guest]

one other thing- if you want to pursue these - I advise at lease one class with an instructor if possible. Form and alignment are key and important... although I just watch Rodney's yoga for beginners and his explanation of positions is excellentFrom: Kassia <ldy_solana@...> Sent: Sat, November 14, 2009 10:28:02

AMSubject: Re: Yoga and Pilates

both off the same benefits of flexiblity and muscle toning(well if you do power yoga) but yoga is more of a flow of movements connected with breathes that was thought to help the spiritual enlightening and cleansing of the body. it certainly can be but the physical benefits are great of stretching and flowing moments to keep the body supple offer some toning benefits and are great for those with any injuries where other forms of exercise isn't possible. if you look under links there is a link that leads you to definitions to all sorts of yoga practices from asthanga and hatha to restorative. pilates was invented along the same lines and used more for

rehabilitation. it believe keeping the core(back,abs, waist,shoulders, hips)strong the body will be less likely to injury. its very beneficial form of ab work but for reference here are quick

easy to explain go to linkshttp://yoga. about.com/http://pilates. about.com/and google some stuff on you tube to get a look at these forms in action.