Yoga

When we think of “yoga” in the West, we’re usually considering only a small part of yogic science—the physical practice, or hatha (“ha-tah”) yoga. The yoga asanas (roughly, “poses” or “comfortable seat”) are just one branch of the eight-limbed path (ashtanga) of yoga. The practice of asanas was originally intended to strengthen and focus the body to prepare it for deep meditation, essentially in search of enlightenment. The other physically oriented limb of yoga, pranayama (“breathing practices”), is the other area with which yoga classes in the US are primarily concerned.

Sages have been practicing yoga for many thousands of years, but Patanjali Maharishi systematized yogic science into the Yoga Sutras sometime between 5,000 BC and 300 AD. The Yoga Sutras take a supremely inclusive approach and are not limited to a particular technique or philosophy. This broad-mindedness serves the modern Western yogi well, whether the focus is on physical discipline through asana and pranayama or goes toward the more meditative aspects of practice.

Read a short introduction to the benefits of yoga, and clear up a few common misconceptions about yoga and pilates. For additional yoga-related articles, check YogaBits.com and YogaJournal.com.

Pilates

Like yoga, pilates (“puh-la-teez”) links breathing with movement and strengthens the body’s core—the large group of muscles that includes the abs, glutes, lower back, and hips—without adding bulk. Pilates emphasizes these spine-supporting muscles, helping to promote proper alignment and good posture. The precision of the exercises brings poise and lightness to your movements both in and outside of class. (Many dancers swear by it.) In pilates, one perfect movement is considered preferable to 20 sloppy ones.

Developed by Joseph Pilates to aid in rehabilitation for German soldiers returning from World War I, this simple but elegant system of exercise is known for producing long, lean muscles. With regular practice, the pilates exercises flow together and improve endurance while continuing to build on the strength improvements that begin right away.

In addition to being a powerful system of exercise on its own, pilates is a great complement to a yoga practice. And vice versa—if you’re already a pilates fan, give yoga a try! With a regular yoga practice, you’ll find a new depth and ease in many pilates postures.

Whole Yoga Healthcare offers classical mat pilates classes that are appropriate for beginner or intermediate students.