Yoga and Pilates

What is yoga?

Yoga is the finest and most time-honored path to physical and mental well-being ever known to man.



While some folks are of the opinion that Yoga is simply a physical exercise, in fact it is a complete system for overall health and happiness. It encompasses everything from physical postures, personal hygiene, and a healthy (Sattvic) diet to breathing, meditation, and relaxation techniques. 

Why practise yoga?

Like many forms of physical fitness, Yoga asanas effectively stretch and strengthen your body. However, the greatest benefits of Yoga asanas, are derived from their great effects on the internal systems of the body.



By bending, stretching, twisting, and flexing in the various postures, you rinse your internal organs with oxygenated blood and Prana, (this is also known as vital force or life energy. The practise of Yoga soothes and tones your nerves and regulates your endocrine system. This, by the way, is responsible for production of hormones – the key to physical and mental health.



Yoga also improves digestion and elimination, strengthens your respiratory system, and tones up your reproductive organs. Even though Yoga techniques such as asanas, breathing exercises, and relaxation are very effective in relieving stress, ultimately it is Yoga meditation that relieves deep-rooted stress and anxiety, thus enabling you to experience Yoga's greatest gifts. These are spiritual happiness and inner peace.

What is Pilates?

The Pilates exercise system was formulated by Joseph Pilates over 80 years ago for more specific and limited purposes. It was derived from ancient yoga asanas. Even though it is not a complete balanced or holistic exercise and health system, Pilates is fairly beneficial. Pilates mostly concentrates on cultivating core body strength and lengthening the spine. Pilates has been practiced for decades by dancers and has become popular in recent years largely for its aesthetic sculpting effect on the body. Pilates are a valuable tool for enhancing one’s strength, muscle definition, and good posture.

Guidelines for Yoga and Pilates practice:

• Yoga asanas, particularly inversions and those that constrict the abdomen, shouldn’t be done on a full stomach. Always pay attention to your body – if you practice too soon after eating or drinking, some poses may feel uncomfortable.
• It is best to practice barefoot, on a Yoga mat or non-slip surface for standing postures. A mat, rug, or folded Yoga blanket provides you the necessary firm padding for other postures.
• Always wear only comfortable clothing, which lets you move freely.
• The room should be well ventilated with sufficient space to stretch your arms and legs in every direction without colliding into anything.
• While practicing, focus on the feeling which the asana produces in you.
• If you feel tired or unstable in an asana, retreat from it. Slowly as you build up strength you will automatically be able to hold it longer.
• Don't exceed your personal limitations; stretch your boundaries gently. Performing asanas properly entails doing them to the best of your capability without effort.
• Throughout your workout, concentrate on your breathing; it should only be through your nostrils. Breathing with awareness not only makes you feel good, it also balances and regulates the of flow energy within your body, strengthening the internal organs and boosting resistance to disease.