What is it?
Yogalates is a unique form of exercise that combines the breathing practices of traditional yoga with the core-stabilizing techniques of Pilates. Practicing Yogalates is meant to give you a workout for both the mind and body; the Pilates element focuses on muscle control and posture, while the yoga element focuses more on individual meditation, as well as strengthening both the mind and spirit. The primary concentration of Yogalates is pushing the physical limits of your body while simultaneously expanding your mind.
What are the benefits?
Yogalates is often used as form of physical therapy and is ideal for rehabilitation of minor injuries. Due to the muscle strengthening nature of Yogalates, it is highly recommended for individuals with back problems; the poses used in Yogalates can stretch and relieve pressure on the muscles surrounding your vertebrae and can even improve posture to prevent future spinal injuries. In addition to being used as a form of therapy, Yogalates can increase flexibility in any individual. Over time, performing Yogalates poses will promote healthier muscle movement and increase an individual’s muscle tone.
Not only will Yogalates improve the overall health of your muscles, it can also help keep your internal organs healthy and working properly. Yogalates poses and breathing exercises work to stimulate your internal organs, which will increase your body’s natural blood flow. Increased blood circulation offers benefits such as healthy skin, improved heart function and a strong immune system.
When practiced in combination with a healthy diet, Yogalates can effectively burn a large amount of calories and be an effective weight-loss technique. According to Harvard Health, both a one-hour yoga class and a one-hour Pilates class can burn approximately 300 calories in a 155-pound person. Practicing Yogalates over an extended period can result in a substantial amount of weight loss, as long the effort you expend continually increases.
What are the risks?
When participating in Yogalates, it is very important to not force your body into uncomfortable poses. Attempting to do a difficult pose without proper training or stretching can lead to muscle strain and other minor injuries.
Ways to learn Yogalates:
Yogilates — Beginners Workout DVD
By: Jonathan Urla
Available on Amazon.com for $6.95
Yogalates Workout — Pilates & Yoga Beach Fusion
By: Boho Beautiful
Available on YouTube for free
