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Pilates Yoga

Pilates is a form of yoga which was introduced in the Twenties by Joseph Pilates as part of an attempt to rehabilitate POW's but proved so successful that it was soon adopted as a popular and effective way of keeping fit. Pilates Yoga maintained its band of devotees until recent increases in scientific knowledge demonstrated that there was logic and reason in its doctrine. At that point the popularity of Pilates Yoga really took off and today it is practiced by thousands of students.

The main reason for the popularity of Pilates Yoga is that it is accessible for all men and women of all ages, levels of fitness and even physical handicap. In return, regular sessions give its students an increase in strength, stamina, self-control and efficiency of movement. Skilled practitioners are able to demonstrate a very high level of balance, posture, grace and ease.

At the heart of any Pilates session is the principle of core strength. This is defined as the power possessed and demonstrated by the core muscles which is another name for the muscles in the abdomen and back. At their full potential they aid the body's other muscles to support the spine and to execute movements. Regular Pilates Yoga sessions to increase the core strength will help stabilize the whole torso and, in doing so, help reduce back pain and encourage a greater freedom of movement

Pilates Yoga is based on six very specific principles, these being:
  • Breath
  • Centering
  • Concentration
  • Control
  • Flow
  • Precision
Another feature of Pilates Yoga is the precedence of quality above quantity. Accordingly, Pilates Yoga does not require endless repetitions, it is more a question of how well a particular pose was performed. Attention to detail is deemed to be far more important and the high level of success that Pilates Yoga enjoys is testimony to the logic behind this premise.

Pilates Yoga also makes use of springs and pulleys that use the body's own mass to help with the workout. One purpose-made piece of equipment that is used in Pilates Yoga is the reformer. At first glance it looks like it would be better suited in a dungeon but it is, in fact, an elegant and sophisticated gadget which gently stretches and challenges the core muscles. At a cost of several thousand dollars (pounds), it is out of the reach of most people therefore Pilates Yoga students tend to practice their poses in classes at studios and gyms.