While yoga and Pilates classes are increasingly popular workout choices, they have been around for quite a while. Both workouts can be done in a group setting or in the privacy of your own home. They focus on mastering proper form and technique and establishing a mind-body connection. Breathing techniques are also prioritized during the workouts. They consist of many poses, or positions, using your body as resistance.
History
The origin of yoga goes back between 5,000 to 8,000 years depending on the source, according to the website ABC of Yoga. The first recordings of yoga poses were found on stone seals dating back to 3000 B.C. Yoga poses were part of a vegetarian lifestyle honoring nature. The yoga lifestyle combined body, mind and spirit. Poses, or postures, were developed while observing animal behaviors. Pilates is slightly more modern, with its origins dating back to the early 1900s. Joseph Pilates developed the poses, or exercises, as a way to condition his weakened body. His exercise technique was adopted by dancers as the warm-up exercise for their dance workouts.
Function
The function of yoga and Pilates poses are similar. The poses are forms of exercise that place your body in positions that require your muscles to contract. When one set of muscles contracts, the opposing set of muscles must stretch in order to allow the contraction. In addition, your nerves and nerve endings are stimulated with activity. You can feel your muscles working. By developing the feeling of muscular contractions, you also can develop the ability to relax your muscles. While Pilates poses are a continuous, flowing form of movement, yoga poses hold your body in static positions.
Benefits
The most obvious benefits of yoga and Pilates workouts are increased muscular strength and flexibility. By repeatedly contracting your muscles, you increase their ability to generate force to overcome resistance. You can hold poses for longer periods of time. By repeatedly stretching, or elongating your muscles, you increase the range of motion of your joints. You can bring your body deeper into the poses and improve your technique. You improve the control of your muscles, which further increases the benefits. Additional benefits include improved lung capacity through deep breathing while exercising. A stronger and more flexible body can improve skeletal alignment and posture. This reduces stress and the risk of injury.
Time Frame
Yoga and Pilates poses are coordinated with breathing. Yoga poses are generally held for five full breaths. Pilates poses are continuous, with repetitions that progress as gains are achieved. Both workouts are efficient, with the focus being on maximal benefits in minimal time. The goal is to feel energized, not fatigued from a workout. This is not a "no pain, no gain" mentality. Yoga and Pilates workouts typically last from 30 to 60 minutes and are best done three to four times weekly. Results can be seen within three months.
Considerations
Poses require practice and patience. Beginner-level participants need to focus on mastering correct technique in order for results to be realized. Poses range from easy to difficult, with difficult poses placing a strain on your body. Progression is needed in order to avoid injuries.
References
- Pilates Insight
- ABC of Yoga: History of Yoga: A Complete Overview of the Yoga History
- "Yoga for the Joy of It"; Minda Goodman Kraines & Barbara Rose Sherman; 2010
- "The Book of Yoga and Pilates"; Christina Brown; 2003
Member Comments