Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s while Yoga has been around for hundreds of thousands of years. These two exercise forms, for example, focus on developing strength and flexibility something which fitness professionals love them for. Here are some other benefits of these two types of exercises.
Pilates vs Yoga
Both seek to strengthen the connection between the body and the mind
Over the past couple of years, the connection between mind and body has been recognised as integral in maintaining health and wellness.
Experts and fitness professionals at the Chopra Center explain further:
“From this holistic perspective, health isn’t merely the absence of disease or symptoms; it is a state of optimal wellbeing, vitality, and wholeness.”
So by developing a mind-body connection through these two exercise forms you will be taking a positive step towards maintaining your overall health and wellness.
Focused on using body weight as natural resistance
Yoga and Pilates use the practitioner’s body weight as natural resistance. The latter can use other fitness equipment – such as resistance bands and exercise balls – to make the exercises more challenging.
Breathing correctly is key
An integral part of both exercise forms is breathing.
In Yoga, breathing exercises are called Pranayama, which – according to Yogis – keeps the life force in the body. (Savasana – or corpse pose – allows you to practise breathing techniques properly. Watch the video below for a tutorial.)
The core is key
In Pilates, every movement starts with your core. The first thing that you’ll do is connect your naval to spine by contracting your pelvic floor muscles and lower abdominals. You’ll then proceed with whatever movements you want to do.
You should probably consider taking on both exercises because they complement each other. What you learn in Pilates will benefit you when doing Yoga and vice versa.
Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy
Whether you love Yoga, Pilates, or both, learn how to teach classes to people who want to learn these fine arts. Become a qualified mind-body fitness professional with Trifocus Fitness Academy’s Mind-Body Specialist Certification. Armed with this certification, you’ll be able to coach people in Yoga and Pilates.
