Yoga and Pilates are two exceptional forms of physical activity and are increasingly popular exercise choices. Despite their differences, pairing the two is proving to be immensely beneficial to many people’s overall wellness. Here we discuss why yoga and Pilates have become a perfect combination and will explore the amazing benefits you can expect when you incorporate Pilates into your yoga practice.
The Basics of Yoga and Pilates
Yoga is an ancient practice focusing on mindfulness, physical alignment, and deep breathing. There are numerous types of yoga, all promoting mental and physical health. One of the most popular is Hatha yoga, which focuses on developing steadiness and physical strength through basic yoga postures.
Pilates is a total body workout system developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1920s. It focuses on precise movements and muscle control, ultimately strengthening the whole body. The main goal of Pilates is to create balance throughout the body and also build coordination.
The Synergy of Yoga and Pilates
Yoga and Pilates are two of the most popular forms of physical activity, and their complementarity has made them an unbeatable combination. While both achieve physical and mental balance, Pilates is a great addition to yoga as it generally incorporates the same mindful and focused breathing exercises in an effort to increase full body strength. Combining their powers creates a unique synergy, allowing for an even better experience overall.
The Benefits of Incorporating Pilates into Your Yoga Practice
Increased Flexibility: Pilates helps to encourage joint mobility, physical alignment, and muscle coordination that allows for increased flexibility. Combining with yoga adds an extra depth of stretching, ensuring flexibility improvements.
Core Strength: By incorporating Pilates into your yoga routine, you can achieve a stronger core and enjoy a fuller range of motion and postures. Pilates is excellent for toning and strengthening the abdominal and back muscles.
Balance: Practicing yoga and Pilates together allows you to achieve better balance and stability. Pilates focuses on proper post problems, building strength, and developing coordination. When paired with yoga, it is easier to better understand and focus on the fundamentals of core balance that make everything else easier.
Mental Well-Being: Pilates encourages focus and requires a certain level of mindfulness. When practicing yoga and Pilates simultaneously, the benefits are compounded. It is a great way to step away from the stress of daily life and enjoy the balance of mind and body.
When it comes to wellbeing, yoga and Pilates combined are a unique exercise experience. Not only are they enjoyable, they are also incredibly beneficial to both mind and body. The combination of yoga and Pilates enables an improved physical and mental state, allowing you to achieve better flexibility, core strength, balance and mental wellbeing. Give it a try!
