| Yoga and Pilates are becoming increasingly popular as | | | | What is the difference? The main difference between |
| a main stream form of exercise. The questions that | | | | the two is that Yogic movements are much more |
| have to be asked are: "What is the difference | | | | static than the fluid movements involved in Pilates. The |
| between the two, how will they benefit a sufferer of | | | | poses learned in Yoga enhance body awareness, with |
| back pain and where do you go to take part in such | | | | all movements working on both sides of the body at |
| activities?" | | | | the same time, ensuring that stress is not put on the |
| What is Yoga? Yoga is well regarded by people | | | | sacroiliac joint by putting more stress on one side than |
| across the world as an opportunity to take time out | | | | the other. This allows for a slow build up of muscle |
| from their busy schedule, taking a holistic approach to | | | | density through gradually increasing levels of exercise, |
| the body and mind, providing the "tools" to cope with | | | | developing suppleness, being particularly beneficial to |
| hectic day to day life. Developed 5000 years ago in | | | | those who suffer from severe back pain. Pilates is |
| India, many people are drawn to Yoga for simple | | | | more focussed on improving the body's alignment by |
| health and fitness, or if they are seeking relief from a | | | | increasing length, flexibility and tone of muscle. It |
| particular medical condition, whether it be stress related | | | | involves a series of daily exercises that aim to develop |
| or a physical condition brought on by over exertion. It | | | | core muscles within the body and deep breathing |
| focuses on breathing exercises, maintenance of | | | | exercises which encourage blood flow through the |
| correct posture and meditation. | | | | body, increasing the rate of repair of damaged |
| What is Pilates? Pilates is a form of exercise | | | | muscles or ligaments, being more beneficial to |
| developed by Josef Pilates in the early 1900's in New | | | | sufferers of degenerative disc disorders and joint |
| York. It involves low impact, low intensity exercises | | | | complaints. |
| which encourage the mind to take control of the | | | | Where to find a suitable class: visit fitness venues.: |
| muscles, putting the body through a series of controlled | | | | select a class type and enter the area postcode. If |
| movements, guiding the body into better postural habits | | | | you have a back complaint, before taking part in any |
| and strengthening the spinal column. Joseph Pilates' | | | | of these forms of exercise it is advisable to seek |
| belief was that "physical fitness is the first requisite of | | | | advice from your GP who may recommend that one |
| happiness". | | | | is more suitable than the other. |