Pilates is a body conditioning routine that seeks to build flexibility, strength, endurance, and coordination without adding muscle bulk. In addition, Pilates increases circulation and helps to sculpt the body and strengthen the body's "core" or "powerhouse" (torso). As a result, you should be less prone to injury, have better posture, and experience better overall health. The eight principles of Pilates are: relaxation, coordination, concentration, breathing, flowing movements, alignment, stamina, and centering.  Regular Pilates training will show its benefits by making you stronger and more centered. But Yoga has its own life which goes beyond any fitness routine. Yoga is used as a maintenance tool for the Mind-Body-Spirit. The postures and stretches, breathing exercises, and meditation practices are all designed to integrate a person's mind, body, and spirit. Yoga can form the basis for an entire physical, mental and spiritual fitness program or it can be the flexibility component of a balanced physical fitness program. |