Yoga & Pilates: An Ancient Exercise
Yoga
Yoga was developed over 5,000 years ago in India to increase strength, flexibility and balance. Almost all forms of yoga in the West are varieties of hatha yoga.
Types of Yoga
Hatha... Hatha is an eclectic blend of many yoga styles. This class covers standing and seated poses, inversions and backbends - with variations offered to challenge students at all levels. It is a great way to improve body awareness, learn new poses, and discover nuances of postures that you already know. This is a wonderful place to start as a newcomer to yoga. Flowing Hatha incorporates slow, relaxing postures with breath work. It is similar to Power/Vinyasa, but at a slower pace.
Power/Vinyasa... is a free-style, flowing form of Ashtanga yoga that increases strength, flexibility and stamina. This high-heat, high-energy workout balances and refreshes your mind and body.
Kundalini... the "Yoga of Awareness", is a Raj Yoga and is considered the "Mother" of all yogas. It is a complete science that includes breath (pranayama), sound & chanting (mantra), sets of exercises (Kriyas) and meditation. It is designed to provide you with the experience of your highest consciousness and consists of simple yogic techniques that can be enjoyed by everyone regardless of age or experience.
Prenatal... is a yoga class designed specifically for women during pregnancy. Tune your mind and body to prepare for childbirth.
Pilates
Pilates was an exercise developed by Joseph Pilates, a European fitness guru in the 1920s. Pilates is an offshoot of yoga that strengthens your muscles with various exercises performed on mats and specially designed equipment. It has become very popular recently.
Pilates - Mat is a series of specific movements designed to strengthen the powerhouse. The powerhouse consists of the muscles of the abdomen, back, and waist. Pilates increases strength, flexibility and endurance while improving posture, alignment, coordination and balance (without building bulk).
Yogilates is a class that combines yoga and pilates poses and flows. Great for those familiar with yoga, but not with pilates - or vice versa.
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