Stressed out? Yoga and Pilates can help!
Doctors are now prescribing Yoga and Pilates classes to patients suffering from anxiety and stress but did you know that it can also treat more serious illnesses like, back pain, high blood pressure, headaches, Indigestion and even insomnia?
If you're thinking of taking up a class, or want to try Yoga or Pilates at home, read on to find out what it can do for you and how they'll help you tone up.
Read on to find out what Yoga could do for you
Read on to find out what Pilates could do for you
Pregnant or just had a baby? Yoga & Pilates is great for you!
What is Yoga?
Yoga is a gentle workout made up of poses, stretches and breathing techniques designed to strengthen your bum, tum, thighs, back and pelvic muscles, improve flexibility and help you relax.
Who is Yoga good for?
Yoga is good for people of all ages, mobility and fitness levels because it's a slow and gentle practice with low risk of injury.
The health benefits are endless and can help the following:
Types of Yoga
Finding the right one for you can be tricky. It's important to know your limits and to start off with something easy, working your way up once your flexibility and strength improves with experience.
The main forms of Yoga are:
Easy:
Medium:
Hard:
How long does it take?
Classes only last for an hour to an hour-and-a-half so it's easy to fit one into your day and you'll feel so relaxed afterwards!
Where can I do it?
Find your local yoga class at www.yoga.co.uk
For more information about yoga and courses visit The British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) at www.bwy.org.uk
If you'd like more information about Yoga or want to try it at home, there are some books, DVDs and equipment you can buy:
Yoga books:
Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff
The Yoga Bible: The Definitive Guide to Yoga Postures by Christina Brown
Yoga Face: Anti-aging Yoga for the Face by Annelise Hagan
Yoga for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond by Francoise Freedman
Yoga DVDs:
Essential Yogalates
Yin And Yang Yoga With Simon Low
Ashtanga Yoga Introductory Poses
Discover Yoga with DVD by Elly Lloyd
Yoga mat:
Gaiam Yoga Mat
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a workout consisting of low-impact toning exercises, stretches and poses quite similar to Yoga. The good thing about Pilates is that it's easy to find the right form for you as there is only one - Pilates! There are a number of props and equipment that can be used in Pilates to help you get a better stretch.
Who is Pilates good for?
Pilates is good for people who want to transform their body as it's designed to strengthen and tone back, stomach and pelvic muscles as well as arms and legs. This safe exercise is for all ages and good for people who exercise, or who haven't exercised for years!
The health benefits are the same as Yoga but it's more effective for toning problem areas and making bingo wings and sagging bums vanish. It'll help you lose weight too. Pilates is perfect for pregnant women and there are lots of classes especially for pre- and post-natal.
Top tip: If you're still worried that Yoga and Pilates may be too much for you, remember that your instructor is there to help and will advise you on breathing techniques and alternative poses and stretches to help you through the classes. Yoga and Pilates burn calories so you'll lose weight too, a great incentive!
How long does it take?
Classes only last for an hour to an hour-and-a-half so it's easy to fit one into your day and it'll really help you feel relaxed.
Where can I do it?
Find your local Pilates class at www.pilates.co.uk
Yogalates
If you can't decide between Yoga and Pilates then try Yogalates. It's a mixture of the two and a popular choice for women who want the best of both worlds. Try the Essential Yogalates DVD
Read on: Pilates books and DVDs
If you'd like more information about Pilates or want to try it at home, there are some books, DVDs and equipment you can buy:
Pilates books:
The Complete Classic Pilates Method by Miranda Bass, Lynne Robinson and Gordon Thomson
The Body Control Pilates Back Book by Lynne Robinson, Helge Fisher and Paul Massey
Pilates Back Book Exercises for Neck, Shoulders and Back by Tia Stanmore
Pilates Matwork Props Workbook by Ellie Herman
Pilates for Pregnancy: Gentle and Effective Techniques...for Before and After Birth by Anna Selby
Pilates DVDs:
Pilates Essentials - for Beginners and Improvers with Lindsey Jackson
Darcey Bussell: Pilates For Life
Pilates Weight Loss Workout For Dummies
10 Minute Solution - Pilates
Pilates For Back And Posture
Pilates equipment:
The Firm Sculpt & Tone Pilates Band
Pilates Gym Ball Set
Read on: Ante/post-natal classes
Yoga, Yogalates and Pilates ante/post-natal classes can help to safely tone and strengthen your pelvic muscles and relieve that lower back pain. There are classes especially designed for pregnant women, or if you're attending a regular class, you must tell your instructor that you're pregnant so you can get the guidance you need to help you through the stretches and advice on which ones to avoid.
Find out your local Ante/post-natal yoga and pilates classes from www.yoga.co.uk or www.pilates.co.uk
Where to next?
See our reader's review of Essential Yogalates by Louise Solomon
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