Yoga V Pilates

d-redser

What exactly is the difference??

g'em

Yoga is a technique origianally developed in India thousands of years ago on Hindu principles and was brought to the west at the end of the 19th century. Pilates was developed in teh 1920s by a German called Joseph Pilates who used it as a technique to rehabilitate soldiers.

The biggest difference between Yoga and Pilates is really mroe of a philosophical one than physical. While Pilates takes a mind-body approach to exercise, Yoga's view involves mind, body and spirit

Yoga's approach is holistic, emphasizing balance in all areas - equally strengthening all muscle groups, creating mental and physical balance, encouraging moderation in everything. Pilates mainly works on the core muscles in your trunk and building strength there. Yoga mostly involves static poses, which are held while emphasising your breathing, physical feelings and emotions. Pilates is about moving in ways that help strengthen your core and stabilizing muscles. Yoga emphasizes flexibility over building strength (although it enhances both), while Pilates emphasizes toning over flexibility (but, again, enhances both).

Either is a great choice for improving overall toning, shaping and flexibility.

Transform

As a teacher of ashtanga yoga (and have taught pilates before - was too slow for me!!), i would agree with all of the above.

Try both and with both its all about the teacher (someone who looks the part and is a good teacher) and giving it a few weeks to get into it.

d-redser

Thanks for your help!!

I am thinking of getting a dvd for both yoga and pilates, Can you recommend one??

Transform

No do a class.

They do not teach effective technique and i would only recommend one to those who are already doing yoga/pilates

g'em

second that entirely. once you know the techniques involved you can supplement a class with the dvd but in order to make sure your alignment and posture is correct you'll need a teacher to show you and correct you

d-redser

Ok the two of you's have convinced me!!

One other question..

I have started doing work out vids/mini trampoline first thing in the morning when I wake up. Its the only time that I have energy and time to do any excerise.

I feel so much better when I do the morning exercise but I have been told that I should eat at least 1 hour before I do any exercise for my body to burn the fat:eek: . Is this true?

I get up at 6.30am to do the workout, I really cant see myself waking up at 5.30 or earlier to have breakfast!!

I do eat after the workout is finished and then shower, go to work.. And right now it is nearly 4.30 and I am wide awake where as I would usually be heading into my afternoon slump, barely able to keep my eyes open..

What do you think??

g'em

no, that's fine, but if you workout first thing make sure its low-intensity.