CarolsYoga and Pilates

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Yoga

The Sanskrit word yoga is translated to 'union'.
The practice of yoga helps to co-ordinate the breath, mind, and body to encourage balance, both internally and externally and to promote a feeling of relaxation .
 Hatha Yoga

 

When people refer to “ Yoga ” in general, this is actually hatha yoga.  Hatha yoga was introduced in the 15th century in India and it is the most popular yoga style.  It can also be thought of as one of the “parents” of yoga as many other styles have originated from hatha yoga, including power yoga, bikram yoga, ashtanga yoga, and kundalini yoga.  The word “Hatha” is Sanskrit, with “ha” meaning “sun”, and “tha” meaning “moon”. 

  Yoga is a therapy that aims to unite the mind, soul and body. Most yoga styles are derived from hatha yoga, a type of yoga that focuses on the body and breath and aims to develop control the body through poses (or asanas ) . Hatha represents the two sides of life – the yin and the yang, the dark and the light – and aims to bring these two sides into harmony and balance. All styles of yoga balance the body, mind and spirit but how they do so may differ. Some styles focus on the poses, while others may focus on breath work , alignment or the flow of movement.

 Breathing is very important in yoga as the breath signifies your vital energy. In yoga, being able to control your breath can help you to control your body and your mind. No matter which style of yoga you choose there are many classes available and the health benefits are many.

Benefits of Hatha Yoga
Practicing Hatha yoga can help you to recognise your hidden physical and mental potential.  You will gain flexibility and strength, and also learn to relax during times of stress.The relaxation exercises in Hatha yoga will open the energy channels of the body, allowing spiritual energy to flow freely. Some asanas or poses will massage and tone the internal organs, helping to prevent diseases such as diabetes, arthritis and hypertension, as well as bringing balance to internal and glandular functions. Pranayama can help to manage asthma and bronchitis. Hatha yoga also helps you to cope with stress, relieve tension, and deal with anxiety and depression. Also puts your mind in a focused state ready for meditation.
 Yoga

By making yoga a part of your daily routine, you may become aware of subtle changes in your approach to life. In your yoga class you may well begin to glimpse a state of inner peace...your true Nature.

Yoga offers us a holistic approach to body, mind and spirit, which can provide us with the ‘tools’ to cope with the challenges of daily life. Yoga can also complement medical science and therapy for specific conditions.
You may be drawn to yoga simply for health and fitness, or be seeking relief for a specific physical condition. Or you might want help with managing stress,yoga is a self practice and totally non-competitive.

Yoga is a journey where you can observe yourself improve physiaclly , mentally and emotionally.

Whatever your objectives, there are yoga classes that can meet them.


 

Pilates

Pilates is a uniquely precise and intelligent approach to exercise and body-conditioning, which gives you a leaner, suppler, more toned body and calmer, more relaxed mind.
it takes its name from Joseph Pilates, a German-born emigre to Britain  and then America, who devised it in the early part of the last century.

The Principles of Pilates
There are eight principles of Pilates technique combining eastern and western philosophies teaching you to breathe with movement, whilst incorporating control, centering, precision and isolation within a flowing movement. 
Centering, Precision, Breath, Flowing movements,Concentration, Isolation, Control, Routine.

Pilates will help tone thighs /buttocks/arms/chest/abs/the  whole body as well as develop flexibility, strength and improve relaxation 
It will also reduce or eliminate back and neck pain.
                       
The Technique
Pilates technique involves strengthening the muscles around the centre of your body, theses include your abdominal muscles, the muscles in your lower, middle and upper back, the muscles that are responsible for your posture. Pilates focuses on the deepest, supportive muscles that support and control your spine and abdominals. Also involves breathing in and contracting your pelvic fioor muscles and your abdominals at the same time, this can be quite difficult to master and will take time to practice and learn. On breathing out you increase the intansity of the contraction as you move your limbs .
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