Having just completed a yoga workout, I can comment now about the Pilates workout that I did yesterday that is leaving my core oh, so sore.
I’m certainly not going to say one is better than the other for mind-body fitness. I enjoy both forms of exercise for the unique qualities they offer. I reach for my yoga DVDs when I want to relax. Stretching and the subsequent relaxing are just that–relaxing. A euphoric feeling of peace and calm comes over me after finishing a workout. You have only to try it to realize its benefits.
Pilates, on the other hand, focuses on the core, the center, if you will. The aim is to engage the core muscles for balance and coordination. The exercises are measured and slow. It is not about reps, but rather quality of movement. As with yoga, there are many different forms of Pilates. The method I use is Stott Pilates, a redefined Pilates.
My workout yesterday wasn’t strenuous by any means, which is part of its appeal. I did a rather basic routine with the classic exercises such an Hundred and the Saw. Every exercise was obtainable, which might explain why I’m sore today.
Yoga is a different experience. While I enjoy it, my lack of flexibility becomes apparent quickly. There are modifications to assist you, but I would enjoy it more if both my heals were on the floor during downward facing dog.
However, an encouraging aspect of both forms of exercise is how easily you can measure progress. As you become more flexible, you can do the rollovers and warrior three becomes easy. Balancing becomes easier. Being able to see results is so important in any exercise endeavor.
If you haven’t tried either form, I’d encourage you to try yoga or Pilates. The added benefit of mind-body fitness will truly make it a quality experience.
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Having just completed a yoga workout, I can comment now about the Pilates workout that I did yesterday that is leaving my core oh, so sore.
I’m certainly not going to say one is better than the other for mind-body fitness. I enjoy both forms of exercise for the unique qualities they offer. I reach for my yoga DVDs when I want to relax. Stretching and the subsequent relaxing are just that–relaxing. A euphoric feeling of peace and calm comes over me after finishing a workout. You have only to try it to realize its benefits.
Pilates, on the other hand, focuses on the core, the center, if you will. The aim is to engage the core muscles for balance and coordination. The exercises are measured and slow. It is not about reps, but rather quality of movement. As with yoga, there are many different forms of Pilates. The method I use is Stott Pilates, a redefined Pilates.
My workout yesterday wasn’t strenuous by any means, which is part of its appeal. I did a rather basic routine with the classic exercises such an Hundred and the Saw. Every exercise was obtainable, which might explain why I’m sore today.
Yoga is a different experience. While I enjoy it, my lack of flexibility becomes apparent quickly. There are modifications to assist you, but I would enjoy it more if both my heals were on the floor during downward facing dog.
However, an encouraging aspect of both forms of exercise is how easily you can measure progress. As you become more flexible, you can do the rollovers and warrior three becomes easy. Balancing becomes easier. Being able to see results is so important in any exercise endeavor.
If you haven’t tried either form, I’d encourage you to try yoga or Pilates. The added benefit of mind-body fitness will truly make it a quality experience.