90% of us will suffer with back problems!
60% will be sub-acute or chronic and at least half of these cases will be caused by poor posture. The effects of these alarming statistics are far-reaching as the following facts show:
You can barely turn on the TV nowadays without hearing about Pilates or Yoga. When you take up a magazine, you are bound to find articles about these two exercise methods and it seems like everyone is doing either one or the other. What is all of the excitement about? Why are these techniques so special? What are the differences and similarities between Pilates and Yoga?
Yoga aims to unite the body, mind, and spirit. The person who aspires to do Yoga views that the body and mind are one. They believe that if the body is given the right tools and is taken to the proper environment then the body can find harmony and will be able to heal itself. Yoga is considered to be therapeutic. (more…)
Over the last decade Pilates has become increasingly popular among dancers, athletes, models and celebs. Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Liz Hurley, even John Cleese. These are just a few of the big names who swear by Pilates and have helped to fuel the ever growing popularity of this “wonder workoutâ€. But what is Pilates, what are the benefits, and how do you choose a Pilates instructor?
What exactly is Pilates?
Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates during the First World War to help rehabilitate returning war veterans. He recommended a few, precise movements emphasizing control and form that help to strengthen, stretch, and stabilize key muscle groups. These movements focus particularly on what he called the “powerhouse†– the abdomen, lower back, hips and bum. Fitness professionals call this part of the body “the coreâ€, and as any Pilates instructor or personal trainer will tell you, it is the starting point of all strength, balance and posture. (more…)