Yogilates is a form of exercise that incorporates components of yoga and Pilates. It is offered in gyms across the country and can also be performed at home. It is a low-cost, convenient and low-impact form of exercise. Talk to your health care provider before beginning any new exercise program.
History
Jonathan Urla created his version of Yogilates in 1997 after in-depth study of Pilates and yoga. Urla was inspired after taking a yoga class right after a Pilates session. He believed that yoga needed more emphasis on core strengthening and Pilates would benefit from the mental focus of yoga. Urla published "Yogilates - Integrating Yoga and Pilates for Complete Fitness, Strength, and Flexibility" in 2002. Louise Solomon, an Australian woman, also invented a version. She says that she injured herself doing yoga and switched to Pilates, but began to miss yoga and decided to combine both exercises.
Comparison
Yoga emphasizes flexibility over strength, whereas Pilates focuses on stability over strength and flexibility. Yoga was developed approximately 5,000 years ago in India as a spiritual practice. Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s to prevent injury and build strengthen in the core and postural muscles. In Pilates a pose is accompanied by movement of the limbs. In yoga, you transition from one static pose to the next without limb movement.
Benefits
Yogilates is especially beneficial for those with chronic back pain or women who have recently given birth because of its emphasis on core strength. It is not appropriate for pregnant women. Performing Yogilates can improve your performance in another sports or activities, according to Yogilates.com. It can also help with stress management, weight loss, flexibility and muscle strength. It's also a good exercise for those who want to tone their bodies but not create bulk.
Tips
You may require a towel, floor mat and an exercise band for resistance to practice Yogilates. When performing Yogilates, practice lateral thoracic breathing by being aware of the expanding of your ribcage during inhalation. Look for a certified Yogilates instructor when searching for a class. You can also purchase instructional videos to use at home. Choose a video aimed at people of your skill level. Avoid any postures that cause you pain.
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