It is no secret that millions of people enjoy the health benefits of yoga and that just as many enjoy the benefits of Pilates. What happens if we combine the two together? We get what is called Yogalates.
Yogalates is quickly becoming one of the most popular exercise programs available to the general public. It combines the strengthening and core-tightening of Pilates with the relaxation and flexibility training of yoga. In other words, it covers all of the bases, but does so in a unique way that bring about remarkable results.
Yoga has been practiced by people all over the world for centuries. It concentrates on improving strength, flexibility, and spirituality, treating each as importantly as the others. Pilates, on the other hand, has only been around for about 100 years, developed by Joseph Pilates. It concentrates on improving strength within the deeper muscles, especially in the abdominal area, which is considered “the core”. In both cases, certain body postures are taught, breathing techniques are taught, and each explores and encourages a meditative mindfulness.
Many of those who have studied and trained in Yogalates say that it is much like a peaceful marriage between these two disciplines rather than a competition between the two. It is not a gimmick, and it is not something that one can truly appreciate without some level of dedication. Because of its results, many people have given Yogalates a firm, positive review, leading to it becoming one of the sought-after programs in America, and the world over, for that matter.
During a typical Yogalates class, students may go through a series of Pilate-type exercises. This can include leg lifts, back lifts, leg circles, and this followed by traditional yoga poses such as Sun Salutation, Warrior, Downward Facing Dog and many others. By performing these moves, students work all of the muscle groups and do so in a truly unique way that is anything but boring.
The end results are many. First, this type of exercise is great for anyone who wants to slim down and improve muscle tone. Yogalates is also great for those who want to increase or improve their flexibility. Because Yogalates is such a gentle, yet effective, program, it can be taken by many of those who would not be able to join in more aggressive exercise regimes. This program does not “exhaust” the participant and yet they get the strength training they need in order to see results. It is a wonderful program for many of those who may be suffering from back problems or may be in injury rehab.
As is true with any exercise program, the program is only as good as the instructor. At Bayshore Fit, our Yogalates instructors are trained and experienced and they know how to bring out the best in all of our clients. If you are tired of other types of exercise programs, or if you simply want to try something new, consider taking a Yogalates class or two.