Yoga & Pilates – it’s hard to imagine society without these two sports. Both aim at strengthening & stretching the muscles and also include the breath in the exercises. What is the difference between the two forms of exercise and what are the benefits? You can find out more about this in this article.
Yoga
Yoga was originally less a sport than a philosophy of life. The focus is on the path of self-knowledge and to bring body, mind and soul in harmony. The athletic and strengthening aspect is more of a positive side effect. In yoga there are different exercises, also called asanas. This alternates between strenuous exercises for tension and calm, relaxing exercises. The breath in particular plays an important role. It should always be in harmony with the executing movement. Through such meditative elements, yoga is less suitable as an energy-sapping workout, but represents an exercise for body & mind. For example, mindfulness is also trained in yoga.
Benefits of Yoga
Yoga brings benefits for both the physique and the psyche. As far as the body is concerned, yoga strengthens the muscles, although not as much as bodyweight training, for example. Above all, regular training increases flexibility and balance. The heart and the associated health of the cardiovascular system are also promoted. In addition, an increased body awareness sets in, while mindfulness is also trained and stress resilience increases.
Pilates
Pilates was created at the beginning of the 20th century by Joseph Pilates. Pilates is also a comparatively low-movement workout, but unlike yoga, it is aimed primarily at strengthening and enduring the muscles. At the center of the training is the so-called “powerhouse”, which is a term for the pelvic floor, the corset muscle, the diaphragm and the muscles of the spine. These deeper muscles are often under-trained, even in athletic people. They support the body from the inside out and help to achieve a stable posture. Breathing is also integrated into the exercises in Pilates.
Benefits of Pilates
The health effects of yoga and Pilates are very similar. As described above, Pilates mainly strengthens the muscles, focusing on the muscles of the upper body & the center of the body. This has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. There is also an improvement in posture and alignment problems, such as those caused by sitting for long periods of time, can be remedied. Increased stability, a strengthened body awareness and promoted balance also serve as fall prophylaxis. Pilates also provides a workout that is easy on the joints.
Yoga or Pilates?
Despite some similarities, the two forms of exercise differ. If you want to train your mind as well as your body, you can find more inner peace through yoga and train your mindfulness along the way. Those who, for health reasons, are more interested in strengthening their muscles and thus counteracting back problems, for example, will be helped by Pilates. It should be mentioned here that there are many different types in both yoga and Pilates, each aimed at more or less effort and tension. If you want to learn more, you can find more information about Yoga or Pilates here:
Sports that are gentle on the joints
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About Pilates
Joseph Pilates brought the groundbreaking strengthening exercise to the world in the early 20th century. Since that time, more than 12 million people have come to practice Pilates. This low-impact exercise can create powerful results with a blend of breath and movement. Exercisers can build muscular endurance and strength with this exercise. How Pilates creates noticeable results […]
Tap into the Benefits of Yoga
Yoga has spread across the globe since its emergence 5,000 years ago, and its popularity is not waning; after all, 300 million adults practice the sport worldwide. There are good reasons for this, as yoga strengthens muscles, reduces stress and thus has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system when practiced regularly. In this article, […]
