Yoga and Pilates: The Perfect Couple

Trying to choose whether to devote your workouts this year to building core strength through Pilates or enhancing the mind-body connection with yoga? Here’s an idea–do both!

There has been a push to combine the two into a program called “yogilates.” But for the best results, I think practicing each individually has the most impact.  And bonus–they complement one another.

The six Pilates principles of centering, concentration, control, precision, breath and flow could just as easily be used when talking about yoga.

While there is a difference in how much each practice emphasizes both strength and stretching, or flexibility, they each require us to develop both.  The extensive stretching that is done in a traditional yoga practice is a wonderful accompaniment to focus placed on developing core strength through Pilates.

For both Pilates and yoga, the principles of centering, breath and flow are critical.  Joseph Pilates, who founded the Pilates method was also a student of yoga, and encouraged the use of breath as much as possible.  And also for both, working on our breathing through physical exertion provides a direct link to our minds, and helps center us through each practice.

One thing to keep in mind for the not-so-patient-each of these practices are very full, sophisticated disciplines.  But they are also very, very rewarding for both mind and body.

So if you want to give the hybrid a shot, why not?  But for the ultimate benefit, try and work each individual practice into your fitness routine.  You’ll find the results simply amazing, and they do work together so well.  You’ll find the practice of each will enhance the results of both.  The two will become one–in you.  And isn’t that what a good marriage is all about?

Peace.