What is Pilates and Why You Should Try It.

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a style of exercise designed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. His goal was to develop exercises that would help rehabilitate immobilized World War I soldiers.

The focus of the exercises is primarily around core strengthening and flexibility. In a Pilates mat class, you can see that Joseph Pilates based a lot of the movements on yoga and martial arts.

Commonly, Pilates is performed on the floor, letting the body act as resistance. This is the style of Pilates we offer at the FMB Yoga Project. Other Pilates studios offer classes on machines, such as the Reformer. Have questions about that style of Pilates, ask Marti next time you are in class.

Differences between Yoga & Pilates?

There are a couple of differences to expect if you are an FMB Yoga Project Yogi and you decide to try a Pilates class.

      1.     The mats are much softer.
2.     The lights are on.
3.     No music, but a lot of laughter.
4.     You will feel it in your core the next day.

Benefits of Practicing BOTH Yoga and Pilates

From a fitness perspective, practicing different types of exercises benefits your overall health, here are some of the key differences you will experience if you practice both Yoga and Pilates.

1.    Your Perception of Relaxation Will Change

Because you are focusing on moving certain parts of your body, while keeping others still, you will notice that you can relax muscles you couldn’t before. Pilates is great at increasing body awareness through movement.

2.    You Repeat Movement Patterns to Speed Up Your Body's Adaptations.

It is fun to see how fast you can adapt to the new movement patterns associated with Pilates. This is a result of the repetition of the movement patterns.

3.    You, Will, Build a Strong Core

Both Yoga and Pilates benefit the core. However, Pilates focuses heavily on core

stability. With a regular Pilates practice, you should be able to feel more stable in your

yoga poses, especially advanced ones.

4.     You’ll Will Learn a New Way to Breathe

In a Pilates class, you engage the core in a different way – “bringing in the clamshells”. This changes your breathing patterns. You also repeat the exercises which focus your breathing in a different manner than yoga. Pilates' breathwork brings awareness to the dynamic movement of your lung space.

There are many other benefits to combining Yoga and Pilates practice, it is part of the reason the FMB Yoga Project offers both. Give Pilates or Yoga a try if you haven’t. Be sure to share your thoughts on our blog, Facebook Page, or Instagram Page.

See You on the Pilates Mat!