Pilates is an exercise designed to tone, stretch, and
balance and strengthen the body. This is achieved through a series of body
movements combined with a focus of breathing patterns. Although equipment can
be used, the technique is similar to yoga in the sense that your body is the
only tool you need.
There are many benefits of Pilates:
-Increased agility and flexibility
- Improved body strength without developing significant
muscle mass
- Improved balance and co-ordination
- Noticeable toning of the body particularly in the thighs,
buttocks and stomach
- An overall feeling of mind and body harmony
Pilates incorporates many of the techniques used by its much
older sister Yoga. They are both low impact forms of exercise with a focus on
posture, flexibility and concentration. However there are differences. Pilates
uses a series of machines and tools where yoga only uses the occasional strap
or weight. In Yoga you move from one static position to another, whereas in
Pilates you maintain your posture and perform movements from there.
