Spotlight: Pilates vs. Yoga

Yoga and pilates are similar, but have
different origins and purposes.
Image: SunshineNDaisy via LivLuvCreate

When I think about the best way to strengthen my core, flexibility, and body, my mind always goes to Pilates and Yoga. Though similar on some levels, the two practices are also quite different from each other. If you’re interested in getting into one or the other, here are a few differences you should be aware of before deciding which one is best for your body.

Pilates and Yoga have different origins and purposes. Whereas Yoga first began in India about 5,000 years ago, Pilates didn’t start until the middle of the 20^th century. Yoga has many different forms, which have evolved as much as the place in which it began: Bikram, Vinyasa, and Ashtanga are just a few of the types you can find today. Pilates was originally created by Joseph Pilates as a way to rehabilitate and strengthen muscles. It blossomed into popularity after dancers began using it as an effective way to tone their muscles and become stronger.

Yoga classes differ greatly depending
on the instructor.
Image from Yoga Journal

Though both emphasize a connection of the mind and body, Yoga has an additional focus on the spirit. Meditation and relaxation is a large part of many Yoga practices, whereas Pilates focuses solely on the connection of mind and body in exercise and everyday life.

Yoga and Pilates classes are often structured very differently from one another. Because a Yoga class agenda is up to the teacher and style of Yoga being practiced, it can be difficult to know how the class will go. This flexibility is often not as apparent in Pilates classes, which tend to have a set plan for each class.

The workout you get from each will be different. Though both help you become more flexible and stronger, they do so in very different ways. Yoga usually focuses equally on each muscle rather than featuring one muscle group. The goal is finding total balance in the body, and core training is just one piece of that. Pilates, on the other hand, works the whole body while focusing specifically on exercises that strengthen the core and align the spine.

Pilates focuses on core and full body strength.
Image: Shutterstock

Finally, Yoga and Pilates have different methods for breathing. Yoga concentrates on very deep breathing and synchronizing breaths with movement, often dedicating entire segments of class to breath work. Pilates, on the other hand, simply maintains that breath comes in through the nose and out through the mouth.

As far as choosing a practice goes, those wishing to manage stress or make a complete mind/body/spirit connection often use Yoga. For those who simply want to strengthen back and core muscles, Pilates might be the better choice. And remember, there’s no harm in trying both!

3 Exercises to a Happy, Healthy Heart

One of the most common and fatal
health problems today is heart disease.
Image: Shutterstock

One of the most common and fatal health problems these days is heart disease. And just like it’s easier to maintain a social life than it is to find one, it’s always better to prevent heart problems before they start.

Your heart is a muscle—a very important muscle. And like any other muscle in your body, it needs to be active and exercised regularly to stay healthy. If you don’t work it, it can become weak and inefficient, making you more susceptible to future problems.

Did you know that if you are overweight, you are 80% more likely to develop heart disease? Staying physically fit will not only keep your body fit, but it will also strengthen your heart and help prevent heart disease. These three types of exercise are the most effective at keeping your whole body in shape:

Aerobic Exercise, such as walking, running, swimming, dancing, and rowing help your body absorb oxygen from the blood stream and spread it throughout your body. This increases heart strength and boosts your fat and carbohydrates burning metabolism.

Dancing is an aerobic activity that can help
prevent heart disease.
Image: Shutterstock

Resistance Training strengthens bones, muscles, and joints. Free weights and other exercises that challenge your strength are all resistance exercises. Unlike aerobic exercise, resistance training doesn’t directly affect heart health, but it does keep your weight down and your metabolism up, making you less susceptible to heart disease.

Flexibility Exercises help increase blood flow throughout your body. Stretching helps lengthen muscles and keep you from getting stiff. You should try to stretch for 5-10 minutes per day. Classes like Yoga and Pilates can greatly improve your flexibility while at the same time gently strengthening your core muscles and heart.

Do you already do some of these types of exercise? Which ones do you prefer/practice more often? I enjoy yoga for the relaxation it offers. I also enjoy various aerobic exercises because it helps me with stress relief and leaves me feeling extremely satisfied.