Yoga and Pilates Workouts

Yoga and Pilates are two types of exercise that share some similarities, but are also vastly different and provide different benefits. Yoga is an ancient practice that involves physical movement, meditation, chanting and breath work. Pilates is more modern than yoga and is designed to strengthen the core muscles. Like yoga, Pilates encourages the connection of breath with movement and uses the breath as an integral part of each workout.

History

Pilates was created in the early 1900s by Joseph Pilates, a former boxer and performer. Pilates had been a student of Zen and yoga and used his knowledge to design a system of exercises to be done on a mat. Yoga is an ancient lifestyle originating in India with roots dating back 5,000 years. About 1,000 years ago, Patanjali wrote his "Yoga Sutras," outlining the eight-step process of his ashtanga yoga practice, which includes practicing asanas, or poses, on a regular basis.

Features

Yoga workouts feature deep breathing combined with a series of asanas that increase flexibility, build strength and balance, and help calm and relax the mind. Yoga workouts normally begin with a short, silent meditation to allow you to connect with your breath before moving on to the sun salutation series, standing poses, seated poses, backbends, inversions and final relaxation. Pilates workouts feature connecting with the breath as well and focus on a variety of exercises to strengthen the abdominal muscles. There is normally a portion that targets the back, to strengthen the spine and end with exercises that strengthen the legs and gluteals.

Benefits

In his book "Illustrated Light on Yoga," B.K.S. Iyengar says the benefits of yoga include uniting mind, body and spirit, increasing flexibility, strengthening the spine, improving posture and lung capacity, strengthening the muscles and decreasing the effects of various diseases and ailments. Pilates benefits include burning fat and calories, replacing fat with lean, toned muscle, developing a stronger core, increasing circulation and learning how to control the muscles and the breath while moving.

Warning

Though yoga and Pilates workouts offer variations and modifications for each asana or exercise, it should be noted that listening to your body and respecting its limitations is important while doing yoga or Pilates. Consult your medical professional to determine if you are ready to begin a yoga and Pilates workout regimen. Begin slowly in your yoga and Pilates workouts and only move to higher levels of asanas and exercises once you are deeply familiar with the movements and your breathing.