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Yoga Pilates Info |
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Yoga Pilates Info
Yoga Pilates is both an integral part of Yoga
and a separate practice based on major Yogic principles. Developed in
the beginning of the last century by a sportsman and performer, Joseph
Pilates, it has become extremely popular as a system helping achieve
physical and mental well-being, form a beautiful posture and find
harmony between one’s body and mind.
Yoga Pilates method appeared as a result of long and careful study of
Yoga, Zen and some other ancient philosophies. As such, it is not
merely a random sample of physical exercises, but has a solid
theoretical basis underlying it, self-centering and concentration being
just some of the Yoga Pilates main principles.
Joe Pilates used to call his approach “Contrology”
thus
emphasizing that it is impossible to master one’s body
without
thinking. Consequently, Yoga Pilates instructors observe that correct
and thoughtful
performance of fewer exercises is better than doing much but carelessly.
In general, all of the exercises comprising Yoga Pilates program pay
much attention to breath patterns that accompany bodily movements. It
is even observed that correct breathing techniques are more important
than postures themselves: full inhalation and exhalation stimulate the
flow of blood and saturate it with oxygen, removing toxins and other
wastes from the body.
On the whole, Yoga Pilates focuses on core muscles of abdomen, back,
hips and buttocks that make up the powerhouse of a person. Aligning and
stretching the spine as well as strengthening the deep torso
musculature helps cure a number of illnesses, improve posture, lengthen
the body and make it graceful. But the key purpose of Yoga Pilates is
probably to establish communication between the mind and the flesh, so
that no imbalance persists and the practitioner is fully aware of
his/her every move and does not have to waste energy finding the
correct posture.
The two main types of Yoga Pilates include mat
exercises and apparatus-assisted exercises. In the former case, the
sequence of movements must be very smooth and uninterrupted, like a
flow of water or a dance. However, in the latter case some time will be
required to adjust the props. Anyway, haste is to be excluded from Yoga
Pilates classes.
Finally, the last but certainly not the least important issue
we’d like to point out is that it is extremely important to
find
a credible and experienced instructor of Yoga Pilates. To do so, refer
to Pilates Method Alliance recommendations, and always ask for written
certificates, or even consult with a physician.
Remember that Yoga Pilates is only beneficial if done correctly.
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