WHAT IS YOGALATES ?
Created by
certified Pilates instructor and yoga practitioner Jonathan Urla in 1997. It is
designed to integrate the Pilates methodology into the practice of hatha yoga
for a more complete system of exercise.
Jonathan Urla documented the training
system in his book, Yogilates - Integrating Yoga and Pilates for Complete
Fitness, Strength, and Flexibility, published in 2002.
It is also a registered
trademark, though no royalties are demanded from instructors who become
certified in the method.
It is often taught as a 75 minute long session in
exercise clubs and in yoga or pilates studios for the same benefits of yoga and
Pilates classes, mainly to bring greater awareness and develop the body in a
balanced way.
Usually accompanied by soothing music, the teacher will lead the
class through a series of floor exercises incorporating both matwork exercises
from Pilates and yoga poses to warm up the body and prepare the student for
more challenging standing work later in the class.
Classes end in a traditional
way with deep relaxation and meditation.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN YOGA AND YOGALATES?
This is a question on everyone's mind, how is yoga and yogalates different? Rashmi starts with yoga, "Yoga asanas involve getting into a position and observing your breath while holding the position, which makes it static."
But there is a twist with yogalates, Rashmi explains the why yogalates is different from yoga,
"Yogalates is more dynamic, it involves getting into a pose and then
performing toning exercises while holding the pose. For example:
If you get
into Naukasan, with your head, hands and feet off the floor in a lying down (on
the back) position, you then move your hands and legs crisscross like a
scissor.
This works on thighs and abdominal muscles and strengthens the
spine."
WHO CAN
PRACTICE YOGALATES?
Yogalates
can be practiced by both men and women.
It is particularly suitable for people that suffer from a weak lower
back or weak abdominal muscles, incontinence, poor circulation or poor
posture.
It is also ideal for people
that suffer from arthritis or osteoporosis, and post natal women. All levels of fitness are catered for and the
postures and exercises can be modified as necessary.
YOGALATES BENEFITS
Among the
many benefits of pilates training is increased abdominal and lower back
strength, which are your core muscles. A strong core stabilizes your spine,
improving postural alignment. Yoga increases spinal mobility and flexibility.
Yogalates benefits include increased muscular strength and muscle tone with increased
flexibility throughout your body. Your muscles appear lengthened and
strengthened.
By combining the strength positions of yoga and the flowing
movement of pilates, you increase circulation and energy. Increased energy
results in an increase in calories burned. When calories burned are greater
than calories consumed, the result is decreased body weight and body fat.