What is Yoga?
Yoga is a philosophical tradition that originated in India. The word Yoga means ‘union’, the union of all the different aspects of our being: the union of muscles and bones, movement and breath, thought and action, the union of all our aspects for concentration and contemplation, the union of the individual soul with the universal soul.
The practice of Yoga was first compiled by Patanjali. His Yoga Sutras (200 B.C.) are an eigth limb system, called ashtanga. The third limb of Yoga is Asana, or body postures, which develop strength, endurance, flexibility and balance. The Fourth limb is Pranayama, or breath control.
There are many branches of Yoga. The ultimate goal of all of them is self-realization. Yoga entails mastery over the body, mind, desire and emotional self. It is said to lead gradually to knowledge of the true nature of reality.
Vinyasa-Ashtanga Yoga emphasizes the physical practice.The purpose is to create heat in the body, leading to purification and detoxification through increased circulation and sweating. It also improves flexibility, which allows safe practice of advanced poses .
The ultimate reason for doing asana is being able to be still in the moment, free of physical discomfort with a focused and controlled mind that is not drifting. Asana practice is moving into stillness.
What is Pilatesyoga?
Pilates himself studied Yoga and Eastern philosophies intensely and combined it with the western approach of fitness. Pilates and Yoga are built on the principle of union of body and mind through breath and movement as well as on the concentration of the Here and Now. The precise exercises of Pilates are a strong foundation and warm up for a safe and dynamic Vinyasa Yoga practice.
For whom is Pilatesyoga?
Knowledge of Pilates or Yoga is no prerequisite but makes the class easier to follow. Pilatesyoga Group classes are very dynamic and physically more challenging than our Pilates Beginner Classes. They are designed for individuals that are painfree and do have a concept of movement and body mechanics.
Solo or semiprivate instruction can be more individual targeted towards your own physical condition and individual goals.
As always consult your physician before starting any new exercise program.