Truly optimizing the combination of flexibility, strength, and serenity, Yoga Pilates hybrid classes are offering participants everywhere the best of both worlds. Until recently, Yoga and Pilates were offered as separate classes and therefore separate certifications. Although it is still suggested for any new instructor to have a strong background in one or both of the disciplines, a hybrid certification allows instructors to start teaching upon the approved completion of one training rather than multiple. If you need an extra boost for your old workout routine or are thinking of becoming an instructor, Yoga Pilates training is definitely worth a look.
Yoga
Originating over 5000 years ago, yoga has truly evolved with the human race. Consisting of a series of poses and moves synchronized to focused deep breathing, this popular practice improves balance, strength, and flexibility while decreasing anxiety and stress. Adaptable for all ages and levels of fitness and naturally low impact, this form of exercise has increased in popularity throughout the United States over the last 100 years.
Pilates
Created by Joseph Pilates in 1920, Pilates was originally utilized to rehabilitate soldiers while they were still bed ridden. Known for its effectiveness in strengthening the core and increasing range of motion, it soon became popularly used among professional dancers. Today, Pilates is a popular group fitness class commonly compared to yoga for its stress relieving benefits. However, the technique is still adapted for use in rehabilitation and dance settings.
Yoga Pilates Hybrids
Hybrid classes that combine Yoga and Pilates training into one fluid class are a recently popular trend in the fitness world. Classes promise participants the benefits of both practices through just one class. Trainings and certifications for instructors wanting to teach hybrid classes are offered through well respected companies such as YogaFit, CanFitPro, and Powder Blue Productions. Each version varies slightly from the other depending on upon how the disciplines have been melded together. Overall they are very similar to the original practices since each are based upon a natural flow from one movement to the other and encourage participants to choose their own intensity level with each transition or pose.
YogaFit: Pilates-Yoga
A well-known yoga certification provider, YogaFit offers a Pilates Yoga training and certification. Their Pilates Yoga classes focus on flow and limit the number of Pilates exercises that put strain on the body. The class is based upon moving from one Yoga or Pilates position to the next, following the rhythm of the breath and listening to the body's limitations.
Powder Blue Productions: PiYo
Powder Blue Productions, makers of TurboKick, HipHopHustle, and PiYo, are known for taking the poplar classes of today and choreographing them to upbeat contemporary music to truly engage the participant in the class. The training offered to instructors gives step by step instruction on how to format a class as well as provides pre-choreographed songs. These songs can be mixed and matched together to form a full hour long class. Each song breaks down and repeats a particular set of Yoga and Pilates exercises.
CanFitPro: Mind Body Specialist Certification
Nicknamed the Yoga-Pilates, Yolates, or Yogilates certification, CanFitPro's Mind Body Specialist program provides instructors with a similar base of knowledge as YogaFit's Pilates-Yoga certification. With a base of yoga and a strong focus on mind-body practices, this comprehensive program qualifies instructors to teach stress management techniques and create holistic and integrative mind-body classes.
References
- YogaFit: Pilates Yoga Certification
- Powder Blue Productions: PiYo Instructor Training
- CanFitPro: Mind Body Fitness Specialist
- Body Physix Studio: Yoga Pilates Certification with CanFitPro
- Holistic Life Foundation, Inc: History of Yoga in America
- Pilates Method Alliance: An Exercise in Balance - The Pilates Phenomenon
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