Why Does the Western Public Desire Pilates?

As a Yoga teacher, and a Pilates instructor, it is very noticeable that Pilates and Yoga reach two distinctly different groups of people. The typical Pilates student does not want to learn about meditation, Pranayama, Sanskrit, bandhas, mudras, or doshas. In the mind of a Pilates enthusiast, all of these Yogic aspects are considered secondary to the physical workout.

In a Pilates mat class, the emphasis is on precise movement, to gain maximum benefits and results, for physical appearance. Although Yoga and Pilates are often categorized as mind and body exercise, Pilates focus is much more about the physical body than Hatha Yogas holistic approach to overall health.

Hatha Yoga, which is union through physical mastery, is a complete health maintenance system for mind, body, and spirit. Pilates is an off shoot of Hatha Yoga, but it is a unique, complex, and extremely complete exercise system.

Therefore, most forms of Hatha Yoga are not simply exercise classes. A complete health maintenance system, such as Hatha Yoga, took thousands of years to develop and evolve. The Pilates method is close to a century old, but it has already started to evolve in its own different directions.

So, which is better Yoga or Pilates? Neither - The truth is, the student makes an individual choice, based upon his or her specific needs. Many Yoga students enjoy the holistic approach, which Yoga takes toward health, but for some students, japa (repetition of mantras), or meditation, may feel very uncomfortable.

Lets look at this situation closely. Some people feel uncomfortable because japa is commonly practiced in Sanskrit, and they do not comprehend the words.

Swami Sivananda said, Repetition of any Mantra or Name of the Lord is known as Japa. Japa is an important Anga of Yoga. It is a spiritual food for the hungry soul.

Japa is a spiritual aspect of Hatha Yoga. Japa is commonly practiced in Bhakti Yoga, which is deeply spiritual and the most popular form of Yoga in India.

Some Yoga students would rather not sing, chant, or pray out loud. Some people do not trust anything or anyone who is spiritual. Unfortunately, there have been a number of holy men who have violated the publics trust.

In the United States, anything spiritual has become politically incorrect. There is a movement to take, In God we Trust off US currency. The irony of this is, a few loud voices have caused the public to be hesitant about anything that could be considered remotely religious.

Hence, the Pilates instructor only has to focus on precise physical techniques and making sure students experience the physical health benefits of the Pilates Method.

Copyright 2006 Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.riyoga.com He is a Pilates Instructor and has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

Yoga Equipment 4u Com

Exercise Bikes - Why Should You Get One?

Fitness is the key to optimal health and an exercise bike can help you to achieve just that. But, why an exercise bike? Why not go for something else? There are many reasons why you should purchase a bike and use it. If you plan to use it for a clothing hanger, dont bother. But, if you are ready to improve your overall health, then you should consider the purchase of an exercise bike.

Here are some reasons why you need a bike:

Are you seriously overweight? Those that are more than 25 pounds overweight often have trouble losing that weight no matter what they try. The catch 22 is that you need exercise to lose the weight but you barely can make it from the bedroom to the living room without becoming tired. How can you possibly do a routine that will allow you to lose weight? An exercise bike is the perfect solution because it allows you to work at your own pace. It allows you to start off slowly and build up in speed gradually without overexerting yourself.

Heart problems? Many doctors that have patients with cardiac conditions will tell them they need to lose weight. But, stressing out the heart is a huge problem for them. The benefit here is that the body gets a workout and the cardio workout obtained is significant but light enough for many heart patients. Simple. Its the right combination for those with a heart condition. Of course, as with all other fitness equipment, you should consider talking to your doctor before starting any exercise program.

You wont go broke- Most people can afford a decent bike. Thats because you dont have to purchase the most expensive to get the benefits of exercise. A simple stationary bike can be a great way to start off.

Do you get bored? Okay, the problem with many exercise routines is that they are boring or too hard. But, with an exercise bike this is anything but true. If you find yourself becoming bored, move the bike in front of the TV. Turn on your favorite football game and youll never realize you did three miles while the team has the ball. You get your mind working and your body too.

Easy to do- Many people find that things that are too hard are things they just find excuses not to do. With an exercise bike, you have less of a chance of this because you can do it. Results happen each time you get on and youll see yourself building muscles that burn fat and youll see the inches coming off. Its that easy.

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