More about Yoga and Pilates
Pilates Defined
The Pilates Method is a physical fitness system which was developed in the early 20th century by German-American Joseph Pilates. Joseph Pilates called the method The Art of Contrology, which refers to the way the method encourages the use of the mind to control the muscles.
In World War I, Joseph Pilates served as a medic for the captured German forces interned in Britain. He was investigating ways that soldiers could rehabilitate themselves while bed-ridden. Thus the creation of a series of movements that could be done in this position was created. The Pilates Reformer is based off an old hospital bed.
Instead of performing many repetitions of each exercise, Joseph H. Pilates preferred fewer, more precise movements, requiring proper control and form. He designed more than 500 specific exercises. The most frequent form, called "matwork", involves a series of calisthenic motions performed without weight or apparatus on a padded mat. Joseph Pilates also designed five major pieces of unique exercise equipment that should optimally be used for best results. Despite being taught separately now, Pilates Technique was always meant to combine Mat and Equipment exercises. In all forms, the "powerhouse" (abdomen, lower back, and buttocks) is supported and strengthened, enabling the rest of the body to move freely.
As with yoga, the human body itself is used as "weights" in training, to build strength, and flexibility is targeted, without a focus on high-powered cardiovascular exercise. It was originally used to bring injured dancers back to full fitness, the idea being more to build bodily co-ordination and flexibility than stamina or muscle strength.
Yoga Defined
Hatha Yoga aims to make the human body into a fit and worthy vehicle for self-realization. It is a very practical means of awakening and releasing hidden qualities, strengths and understanding in the practitioner. Countless postural, breathing, and meditative techniques are utilized to foster strength, flexibility, awareness, and above all, a state of deep and profound relaxation. This brings the student to a much greater sense of who they are and how their body is; weaknesses are first revealed then strengthened and healed; strengths are developed, and understanding grows; beginning with the body, the breath, the self, and then others, the world, and life itself. Fantastic as these claims may seem, the reason Yoga has been around for thousands of years is because it really does work!
Though the focus of Hatha is often on postural work (asanas) it is far more than an exercise program, it is a way of life that relaxes and liberates mind, body, breath and spirit. The word Yoga means to join or unite; the training of the mind, through the perceptive organ of the skin, leads to the student being fully aware of being focused on their body, in the position, and in the present moment.
Yoga is a vast subject, containing many aspects to be savored and enjoyed over a lifetime. Everyone can learn and benefit, whatever their body type, personality, or situation in life.