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rasamaya yoga |
differences between yoga and pilatesIt seems that everybody is doing Pilates or yoga these days. Articles on yoga and Pilates fill many magazines and tabloids often feature stars pictured leaving their yoga or Pilates class, mat in tow. Why all the excitement?YogaMany people think that yoga is just stretching. While stretching is certainly involved, yoga is about creating balance in the body through developing both strength and flexibility. This is done through the performance of poses, often referred to as 'asana'. Yoga is done on the floor with the use of a padded yoga mat and the aid of a trained yoga teacher. The body's own weight is used for resistance and a great deal of focus is given to the flow from one posture into the other.There are many different styles of yoga and they differ in their emphasis. The poses can be performed quickly in succession, creating heat in the body through movement, such as vinyasa style yoga. Alternatively, poses can be done more slowly to increase stamina and perfect their alignment. The poses are a constant, but the approach to them varies depending on the tradition in which the teacher has been trained. Yoga is unique because we connect the movement of the body and the fluctuations of the mind to the rhythm of our breath. Connecting the mind, body, and breath helps us to direct our attention inward. Through this process of inward attention, we become more aware of our experiences from moment to moment. The awareness that we cultivate is what makes yoga different than just stretching. Not only your body, but also your mind will become much more flexible by doing yoga. Physically, yoga begins by working with the body on a structural level, helping to align the vertebrae, increase flexibility, and strengthen muscles and connective tissue. All the while, internal organs are toned and rejuvenated. The epidermal, digestive, lymphatic, cardiovascular, and pulmonary systems are purified of toxins and waste matter. The nervous and endocrine systems are balanced and toned. The brain cells are also nourished and stimulated resulting in increased mental clarity, emotional stability, and a greater sense of overall well-being. PilatesSimilar to yoga, Pilates exercises teach awareness of breath and proper alignment of the body. Pilates consists of a series of controlled movements done on a padded mat on the floor, often referred to as 'matwork'. In combination with matwork, Pilates also incorporates work on Pilates apparatus, the most common of which is the 'Reformer'. The emphases of these movements are to strengthen the deep torso muscles, improve posture, stabilize and lengthen the spine, and improve overall strength and balance. Pilates work builds longer, leaner muscles, creating a dancer-like line.Unlike other exercise programs, Pilates emphasizes both control and precision. Movements are not performed rapidly or repeated excessively. Instead, the focus is on doing one precise and perfect movement, rather than many halfhearted ones. In particular, Pilates movements focus on control of the abdomen, lower back, hips, and buttocks, known as the 'powerhouse'. This focus on core stabilization makes you stronger from the inside out. Correct postural alignment of the skeletal structure is crucial to the practice of Pilates, not only to get the best out of the exercise, but also to prevent injury. Achieving optimal alignment starts with positioning the body in a neutral alignment and then utilizing all the stabilization muscles to maintain that alignment while performing the exercises. Pilates is low impact in its nature and is ideal for both injury prevention and rehabilitation. Yoga vs. PilatesGenerally, yoga is more about how it makes you feel while Pilates is more about how you look, how you carry yourself and move. So if you're looking for a limbering, rejuvenating workout that will provide as much of a lift for your brain as your body, yoga might be just the thing for you. If you're interested in a more dynamic system of muscle conditioning, Pilates may be the answer. It doesn't have to be an either-or choice. Both techniques are time-proven, established, and easily complement each other. Strengthen your powerhouse on the Reformer and watch your poses improve. Join the breathing techniques of Pilates and the meditative aspect of yoga and see the stresses of life begin to dissipate.-- Sarah Donohue Flynn Sarah Flynn is a yoga teacher and aspiring nutritional therapist. She is a certified Kripalu and Rasamaya teacher and is currently working towards Master Nutrition Therapist certification through the Nutrition Therapy Institute. A native of Virginia Beach, VA, Sarah has called New Hampshire home since March of 2009. She shares her life with her husband, Joe, and their goldendoodle, Sampson. |
