Pilates and Yoga - Are They for You?
By Fitness Atlantic Writer: Brian Cannone

We know that there is a big rage for nice abs and core training, but there is little effort to train these parts properly. A lot of competitors are willing to try various supplements in order to achieve their goals. Many have made purchases of the perfect push and the ab lounge. Nearly everyone tries the latest exercises published in magazines, even though very few of these are new or innovative.

How many people have ventured into the group exercise room to try a Pilate's or yoga class? They are similar, but have different focuses in practice (Pilate's: core strength and translating that movement into daily life; yoga: more stretch and flexibility oriented). Either one of these activities will help any athlete perform better and helps them raise self-awareness through movement.

They will increase awareness of the body, increase flexibility, and improve ab/core strength. Increased body awareness will be beneficial when posing and holding poses for judges to review. Flexibility is going to help prevent injury so you can continue to train, and it will help you lift better and thus make the gains you desire. the majority of Pilate's and many yoga poses involve engaging the core. Forget your ab workout, take one of these classes to truly test your limits of ab strength.

Think of other athletes who are Pilate's/yoga practitioners or whose events make them use the same muscles. Most of us are envious of the flat stomach that male and female dancers have. Look at the physique of a Cirque du Soleil performer and you can see elegant muscle definition and striations. Contrary to popular belief, these classes are not only for women.

It is recommended that you take a class so you can get feedback from an instructor, but a dvd may be useful so you can become familiar with terms and movements.

Pilates traditionally has included equipment to help facilitate as well as challenge movements. Springs are placed on different parts of the equipment and then attached to arms, legs, hands, or feet. The equipment may resemble a bed, a chair, or a modification of these.

The person doing the exercise engages the core while going thorough specific movement patterns. Another option, and the most popular in health clubs, is to take Pilates mat classes. This usually involves no equipment, except one's body weight and maybe a mat. Sometimes, the instructor will incorporate a ring, or similar training aid for these classes.

The movements vary since no equipment is used, but they keep the challenge that is beneficial. All of the moves have modifications and progressions so that even a novice can have success and see positive results.

There are various forms of yoga, including the popular hatha yoga, More recently, the has been a increase in Bikrham (hot room yoga) participation. These forms of yoga can vary from gentle, soothing, classes, to more intense classes where people feel like they have gone through a workout.

As with Pilates, modifications and training tools are available to help get into proper position. Most people who do not practice yoga often, will have a difficult time since they classes requires sustained poses in a stretch. Make sure you talk to the instructor before class, and stick with it. The benefits are tremendous and the results fantastic.

Visit the Fitness Atlantic Forum to discuss this lesson and find out how others use yoga and pilates to further develop their abdominals:
http://www.fitnessatlantic.com/Muscle-Fitness/

Joseph Pilates, founded his training methods around 1912. He trained daily until his death in 1967 at 87 years old.

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