The Incredible Health and Wellness Benefits of Yoga and Pilates

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In 1925, a young man made a decision that would change the way we move our bodies.

Joseph Pilates traveled from Germany to New York City and began developing a revolutionary exercise technique that incorporated elements of yoga and strength training. This new exercise method became known as Pilates and its unique blend of strengthening, stretching, and concentration is one of the most effective and invigorating ways to stay in shape.

Not only does Pilates make your body strong, but it’s also the perfect way to center your mind and improve flexibility. Combine it with yoga on a daily basis for the ultimate one-two punch for healthy living and wellness.

Keep reading to learn about the amazing health benefits of practicing yoga and pilates on a regular basis.

Send Stress Packing

Stress tends to run rampant in our bodies in the form of aches, pains, injuries, and illnesses. Deep, controlled breathing techniques used in Pilates and yoga bring fresh oxygen into your blood, lowering stress levels. Breathing and stretching also promote relaxation of tense muscles that tend to hold in stress, like your back and hips.

Exercise releases endorphins into your body that lighten your mood and lower your worries. Regular exercises, like yoga and Pilates, can also increase the levels of serotonin in your brain, which leads to greater mental clarity and lower rates of depression and anxiety. Practicing Pilates every day also lowers the level of stress hormones in your body, like cortisol, which can lead to weight gain.

Strengthen and Lengthen

Pilates is known for creating long, lean muscles. It strengthens your muscles but doesn’t make you feel bulky or uncoordinated. You’ll actually have better balance, straighter posture, and move with more grace if you practice Pilates on a regular basis.

The emphasis on stretching means you’ll have fewer sore muscles after your workout than you would with other exercise techniques. Adding a regular Pilates practice to your routine, like the classes offered at Pilates Plus, will actually help with different styles of yoga. The strength that Pilates gives to your muscles will help you hold yoga poses longer and allow you to move deeper into the poses.

Concentrate on the Core

Pilates classes concentrate on improving the full body strength of your core muscles, which are the muscles of your back and abdomen. Strengthening the core provides your body with a solid base that supports the spine and other body structures. You’ll have better balance and you’ll feel more stable when you strengthen your core.

When you suffer from weak core muscles, you tend to rely on other muscle groups to support your body. For example, you might have increased tightness in your shoulders and neck. Strengthening the back and abdomen allows the neck and shoulders to relax, leading to decreased aches and pains in those areas.

Mind, Meet Body

When you enroll in one of our Pilates class, know that you’re in for an intense workout, mind, body, and soul. Each movement is intentional and done with focus and precision. By channeling your focus on the movements of your body, you will quiet your mind and learn to be present in the moment.

Yoga and Pilates: The Ultimate One-Two Punch for a Healthy Life

Practicing yoga and Pilates on a regular basis is the ultimate way to kickstart a healthy life. These exercises work to reduce stress, improve mental health, and make you strong and lean at the same time. What are you waiting for??

At Pilates Plus, we offer a type of Pilates that incorporates strength training and cardio elements. You won’t be disappointed with these rigorous and rewarding classes! Contact us today to sign up for a membership.