Mark DeRosa asked:


Do you know how the celebrities lose weight easily and what do they to keep them in good shape and looking great? You may be wondered to know that almost many celebrities believe on the yoga and the Pilates for spiritual relaxation and physical toning!

You may have some confusion about the difference between the Yoga and the Pilates. Since both are so similar that they are often fused together in Pilates, Yoga classes in US but in India Yoga and Pilates both are totally different.

There are many differences between Yoga and Pilates

The Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that dates back nearly 5500 years while the Pilates is the adaptation of the Yoga dating back 80 years and founded by German athlete, Joseph Pilate.

And one thing to know that in the Yoga, during physical activity we also focus on breathing, diet, meditation etc but the Pilates is simply a form of body sculpting technique and exercise.

In the Yoga we aim to unite body and mind and cleaning the body of toxins while the Pilates to strengthen and improve posture.

You know both Pilates and yoga usually share the same skill and endeavor towards strengthening and developing of the muscles. And both focus on the muscles of the legs, arms, back and abdomen. So now you would have the clear understanding of both the Yoga and the Pilates.

Now I will tell you more about the Pilates since you would be familiar with the Yoga. In the Pilates exercise, movements of the arm and leg are involved that strengthens the hips, abs and back in a controlled manner and are done in series. This is done lying down on the floor on the mat.

The Pilates fitness is also known as Contrology, because it is believed that in this method muscles are controlled by the mind. This focuses on the central posture muscles and the body is balanced by these muscles so these are essential for the support of the spine. So it is used to improve physical vitality, correct bad posture, elevate the spirit and invigorate the mind. This works with the target muscle and healthy body is the result of this activity so it keeps fit for daily activities. There are many Gym equipments which are designed for exercises and to support the entire body and work on muscle group. It is helpful for having good control over body your body. After doing Yoga Pilates you will feel lighter and relaxed. It improves the level of resistance and the Pilates fitness is much better than any other exercises. So for good movement and proper balance this is very good and important. Back problems can put down to you incapable to perform even easy regular tasks, like standing for long, sitting etc. The back problems and any other injuries can be easily resolved by doing Pilates exercises.

The foundation of the Pilates principal is based upon 5 to 9 principals and the founder of Pilates is Joseph Pilates who invent this in the early 20th century.

What are the basic principals of the Pilates?

The basics of the principals are based on following terms and these are: breathing, stabilizing, centering, alignment, concentration, fluidity and integration.

So in this article we have learnt about the Pilates that its main focus is to utilize the muscles to their maximum capability and the exercises are controlled and slow with mind concentration.

Sacha Tarkovsky asked:


A concept developed by Joseph Pilates, based on the idea of physical-mind methodology, his system of non-impact exercises are meant to develop ones strength, balance, flexibility and self-consciousness.

It’s a great excersie for both you and old and is both enjoyable and healthy lets look at the basics of pilates.

The concept

Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in 1880. He will very ill as a child, and wished to find a way to make himself physically fit. He tirelessly studied all systems of physical culture, and eventually became a real athlete.

Later as the First World War broke out, Pilates was restrained in England as he was German.

There he worked as a nurse and devised some contraptions to aid rehabilitation. This was later refined into his ‘method’, which trains the basic back and abdominal muscles to stabilize correctly the upper torso, and gives the whole body a freer more natural movement.

The Method and Benefits

Specifically the method is a specialized series of movements that can be used by anyone at any age and in any kind of physical condition, even for people who are in wheelchairs.

As his method promotes feelings of well-being, and self-consciousness, people who practice it find themselves improving at many levels.

The method acts to strengthen one’s muscles, and give them greater flexibility. It does so without adding muscle mass, and therefore its ideal for dancers.

Also a benefit of practicing the method is that by improving your posture, your flexibility and your sense of balance, you can prevent injury.

This is very important in older adults, dancers and actors. The method is also an excellent aid to rehabilitation.

Working With a Pilates Instructor

If you find a Pilates studio will first have an interview with an instructor. He or she will do a survey on your posture, and how you move.

Then a specially designed training program is developed specifically for you, using classic (or newly adapted) Pilate’s method movements.

Your program will usually begin with some active and passive stretching movements, and general mat work. Passive stretching means the instructor will manipulate your body to get the desired effects. Active stretching means you will perform the stretching exercises as you are monitored by the instructor.

Working on a Pilates Machine

There are two basic machines in the Pilates method. One is known as the Universal Reformer (UF) and one as the Cadillac.

The UF looks much like a bed without a mattress. It has a platform that slides back and forth, and many cables, springs and pulleys.

These are vestiges of the original Pilates machinery that he devised for patients in bed, and so exercises can be done to suit the patient’s movement capabilities. Your exercise session will last about 30 minutes, maybe a bit longer.

All movements are done very slowly, and there is a lot of commentary from the instructor regarding all the variables; breathing, posture alignment and the way the movements are performed.

There are now many books and home videos (and many can be found on the internet) that will allow a person to practice without an instructor. However, it is highly advised to at least learn the basics with an instructor first.

The Popularity of Pilates

The method can be said to be nearly universal now. Dancers love it, as it gives them the added benefit of strength without more muscle mass.

Also it give them a great deal of flexibility. Athletes love it as it helps them improve their sport, and also prevent injury. People who are confined to beds, wheelchairs or the home love it as it allows improvement no matter one’s condition.