| Is lack of time, money, or convenience impeding your | | | | challenge everyone, from someone starting to get into |
| weight-loss or fitness regime? If so, Pilates or yoga | | | | shape to someone in their best physical condition. |
| may be the answer. With today's busy schedules, | | | | Luckily, practicing both or switching from one method |
| most of us may find it difficult to set aside time for | | | | to the other is not a problem, as nearly all the |
| fitness and exercise, especially at a costly gym. Pilates | | | | equipment and accessories are used in both Pilates |
| and yoga equipment and accessories will save you | | | | and yoga exercises, making them interchangeable; a |
| time and money in achieving your weight-loss and | | | | cost-savings and convenience. With the help of |
| fitness goals with just a few minutes, a few times a | | | | instructional books and DVDs, Pilates and yoga can be |
| week, at your convenience and in the privacy of your | | | | practiced anywhere and at your convenience. |
| home. | | | | Yoga Balance/Fitness balls enhance yoga, Pilates and |
| Frequently referred to as mind-body exercises, Pilates | | | | fusion exercise programs to firm and strengthen abs, |
| and yoga aid in increasing flexibility and joint movement; | | | | back and buttocks. |
| improving balance, while toning, firming, and sculpting | | | | For faster, more targeted toning, Circles (rings) and |
| your body. Both of these exercise techniques have a | | | | discs provide resistance for improving muscle strength |
| proven track record of helping people recover their full | | | | throughout the body; especially in problem areas such |
| range of motion and improve flexibility and strength. In | | | | as inner and outer thighs, upper arms, and chest. |
| addition to improving overall health and well-being, and | | | | Yoga and Pilates mats provide cushioning and traction |
| combined with a proper diet, Pilates and yoga | | | | and are used in most classes. Although most studios |
| exercises can accelerate and enhance your | | | | have mats you can rent to use during class, it makes |
| weight-loss and fitness program. | | | | more sense to purchase your own mat, for both |
| What is Pilates? Pilates is a system of exercises | | | | financial and hygienic reasons. |
| designed to improve flexibility and strength. Joseph | | | | Tone, firm and shape every muscle group with |
| Pilates created this system of exercises during the | | | | resistance tubes and bands. They are good for all |
| First World War to improve the rehabilitation program | | | | ages, and all fitness levels will see results in just |
| of returning veterans. Believing that mental health and | | | | minutes a day. It is the best way to warm-up and |
| physical health are inter-related, Joseph Pilates | | | | cool-down, as well as an excellent relief for arthritis |
| suggested a few specific movements emphasizing | | | | sufferers. Resistance tubes and bands are lightweight |
| control and form to help injured soldiers in regaining | | | | and compact enough to go anywhere. |
| their healthy bodies. Out of this was born "The Pilates | | | | Yoga and Pilates kits are the perfect way to get |
| Principles", a method for conditioning the entire body by | | | | started on a great routine. These kits equip you with |
| strengthening, stretching, and stabilizing key muscles. | | | | the right tools required to understand, learn and |
| The main difference between Pilates and yoga: yoga | | | | practice your routine effectively, and realize its |
| is more spiritual than physical. Both disciplines use a | | | | powerful benefits. |
| specific set of exercises that work the body as a | | | | Which method is the best for you? That depends on |
| whole, from the middle or "core" of the body. As with | | | | your individual needs, desires, and personal |
| yoga, the Pilates method also teaches breath | | | | preferences. If you are not looking for a spiritual |
| awareness and concentration to enhance its stress | | | | workout, Pilates may be more to your liking. If you are |
| reduction benefits, but it has less of the spiritual and | | | | looking for more than exercise alone, yoga may be the |
| meditative components involved with yoga. | | | | ticket. Regardless, both disciplines can be done in the |
| Because Pilates' history started with physical therapy, | | | | privacy and convenience of your home or office, |
| there are numerous exercises for people suffering | | | | saving the cost of an expensive gym membership. |
| from medical conditions such as scoliosis, arthritis, and | | | | Pilates and yoga equipment and accessories are |
| multiple sclerosis. No longer confined to physiotherapy | | | | compact, lightweight, and portable, making any room, |
| rooms, Pilates can be found in exercise studios and | | | | anywhere, a potential gym. No longer are we limited to |
| gyms, or can be practiced in the privacy of your home | | | | specific gym hours or locations; we don't need to |
| or office. As the low impact exercises emphasize | | | | finance big, bulky fitness equipment to obtain and |
| stretching and are not as physically demanding or time | | | | maintain healthy bodies. Pilates and yoga provides |
| consuming most workouts, Pilates appeals to busy | | | | fitness in minutes, a few times a week, for only a few |
| adults, especially women, with variable and hectic | | | | bucks. |
| schedules. Pilates is accommodating enough to | | | | |