The difference between Yoga and Pilates

Many people often ask me about the difference between Yoga and Pilates and I am always in difficulty telling them comprehensively the constrast between the two exercises. Here is one good explanation from the book, Stretching Anatomy.

Yoga and Pilates may improve the flexibility of individual body segments, their emphasis is not specially aimed at improving the range of motion of all of the major joints.

Yoga emphasizes balance in all areas, seek to strengthen all muscle groups equally, creates balance between the mental and physical, and encourages moderation in everything. It involves holding static poses while exploring breathing, physical feelings, and emotions. The increase in flexibility comes from holding the body in desired poses.

Pilates, on the other hand, is an exercise program that encourages the use of the mind to control the muscles. It emplasizes strengthening the postural muscles that help keep the body balanced and provide support for the spine. In constrast to traditional strength strengthening programs that involve mutliple sets and repetitions of a single exercise, a Pilates workout stresses few repetitions of each exercise and emphasizes doing these movements with precise control and form. The increases in flexibility are primarily accomplished from the ballistic movement used to increase strength.

An Introduction to Pilates.
Try some Pilates on your own! Have a mirror or a parthner by your side to take note of your posture during the movement. Precision is very important here.


Great Pilates videoes @
http://www.videojug.com/tag/pilates

And SPAIN won THE EURO CUP 2008 yesterday after soo many years! Staying up late to watch them was more of a joy! Well, sad to mention that my cold is not getting better, I gotta rest early today.

SPAIN ROX!

Torres!!! Cassillas!!!






A version of victory that has at last been served.