The History of Yoga

The Indian sage Patanjali wrote a text called the Yoga Sutras over 2000 years ago. This has become the foundation for the philosophy.  In this text he described an eight-fold path to enlightenment, how we can transform ourselves through the practice of ethics and living a moral life. By gaining more control over our mind and emotions and the ability to overcome obstacles to self realization. It is believed at the highest level we can rise above human consciousness and become one with the universe.

Benefits of Yoga

The benefits of this practice are not limited to physical.  All postures taught in the various ways of study are tools that are used to unite the body, nerves, mind, inner self and consciousness into harmonious existence. Some methods include the practice of meditation called dhyana. Breathing exercise, (pranayama) are focal and correct alignment and attention to detail of physical postures (asanas) improve concentration and self awareness. When you have acquired the discipline to perform the perfect alignment of the body, you are not only using your muscles but also your mind is sharp and focused. Yoga can benefit many aspects of your life from your mood to your posture and impact your sense of peace and well being.

Which Yoga is right for you?

Only you can determine which type of yoga is best for you.  Keep in mind that all types are adaptable to the students’ physical abilities.  Knowing this, you just need to decide which style fits with your psychological and physical goals.  Some styles hold postures longer focusing on body alignment and some are more of a fast pace, moving through the postures with a quick rhythm. Visiting some local classes in your area can give you insight to what is most important to your needs.  It is beneficial to find a good teacher to begin your practice, someone you can relate to, feel comfortable with and who will make your experience enjoyable.

After you have learned some postures and your instructor has helped you to adapt them for your body you may want to practice them at home.  They teach sequences that work for different parts of your body.  Once you have learned these sequences you can adapt them to develop your own routines to meet the needs you have and the goals you have set for yourself.  You may want a relaxing workout focusing on meditation and balance or a more vigorous one geared toward aerobics, strength and agility.  Whichever you choose you are sure to enjoy this ancient practice of spiritual healing and well being.

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What is Yogalates

Yogalates is the fusion of yoga and pilates.  This practice provides stretching and strengthening to all major muscles of the body as it calms the mind and spirit.

Combining these two disciplines is fantastic! There are many injuries suffered in yoga perhaps because the practitioner did not possess the core strength to hold and move through the many postures.  Yoga focuses on flexibility first then strength. It is spiritually based to unblock and improve energy flows and increase your flexibility.  You move through a sequence of various postures with no repetition.  In Pilates the focus is a strong core first, stability and then strength followed by flexibility.  You set into a posture and then move your extremities in repetitive motion building strength and challenging the core of the body, the torso. The combination of the two will give you multiple benefits from each.

History of Yogalates

Louise Solomon founded this new technique to give you the best of both disciplines.  After injuring herself doing yoga she began Pilates to help build her core strength.  She became a Pilates instructor, but really missed yoga.  So she also trained to be a yoga instructor.  She found unique benefits in each discipline and didn’t want to give up either.  She combined the two disciplines to get the unique benefits of each in one workout.   She called it Yogalates and has even trademarked the name.

Benefits of Yogalates

Being a combination of two disciplines you achieve the benefits of each. You will improve core stability and your inner strength.  You strengthen your lower back which will protect it from injury.   Improved posture comes with the awareness of your body.  You will tone your stomach and your muscles; also you will lengthen your muscles resulting in less chance of injury.  Regular practice of the technique increases your stamina, your respiratory function and cardiac function.   You have improved lymph and blood circulation and are able to connect your mind and body.

This therapy is suitable for all people.  It is a good choice for those who have weak abdominal muscles and lower back muscles.   The practice is also acceptable for postnatal women and those who suffer from arthritis.  It should never be practice if you are pregnant however.  The exercises and postures are easily modified as needed to cater to all levels of fitness.