Pilate and Yoga

Yoga at Achieve SuccessThe Pilate - Yoga class combines the best principles and techniques of both disciplines, Pilates and Power Yoga to create a unique exercise class that can strengthen and tones muscles providing a streamline and sleek shape. The combination of these two disciplines can also help improve posture, balance and flexibility along with increasing mind and body awareness.

What is Pilate's?
Brooke Siler, author of The Pilates Body, states that the pilates method of body conditioning is a unique system of stretching and strengthening exercises that was developed over ninety years ago by Joseph H. Pilates. Brooke also identifies that the technique strengthens and tones muscles, improves posture, provides and increases flexibility and balance whilst uniting the mind and body.

Pilates expert Michael King identifies the pilates discipline as "a series of exercises that incorporate a continuous movement approach, that can change the way you look, think and feel."

As with many exercise techniques over the years Pilates has developed through many different shapes and forms as it has been passed from teacher to teacher. Some styles have taken on a genuinely therapeutic approach and are taught in a slower and more deliberate manner. This style of pilates can be a great source of exercise for rehabilitation from injury or helping to recondition muscle groups with the aim of eliminating the symptoms of back pain.

Other types of pilates have maintained a more athletic and dynamic approach focusing more on movement and rhythm. However, regardless of style all Pilates techniques are focused to stretch and strengthen the body whilst maintaining or improving balance and alignment. Posture, length and muscle control are the core issues of the Pilates technique.

The Practice of Yoga
Yoga expert Erich Schiffmann states in his book 'Yoga - the sprit and practice of moving into stillness', that one of the most obvious things about having a body is that it tends to stiffen and tighten the older you get. As the body tightens, not only does it become less comfortable to be in, it literally begins to choke itself. Internal constriction inhibits and slows the circulatory system restricting the body of blood and other fluids. This intern restricts essential food and nourishment to the bodies cells and organs.

Erich Schiffmann states that with yoga you can dramatically slow and even reverse the tendency to stiffen as you age. You can bring the suppleness of youth back into your life and become more flexible, durable and stronger than you were as a child and young adult. You can also learn to focus your physical and mental energy more effectively, which can intern help you to be more efficient and creative in every day life activities.

Ashtanga Yoga
The style of yoga thought by Achieve Success Fitness Consultancy is Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga.

Ashtanga yoga is a form of Hatha yoga (hatha yoga refers to the physical form of yoga practice where postures or asanas are performed). One of the distinguishing features of ashtanga yoga is its focus on breath and the dynamic flow of each posture.

Liz Lark writes in her book 'Astanga Yoga' (Ashtanga and Astanga mean the same) 'Ashtamga Yoga is a flowing dance-like sequence, held together on the thread of the breath'. The breath is referring to the ujjayi breath and vinyasa, which are, used the condition and heat the internal body, helping to deepen the practice, and to cleanse the internal organs, whilst helping to eliminate toxins built up in the body.

The use of the controlled breathing, sequence of postures and internal energy locks (bandhas) will help to tone the body to it's maximum fitness and gain balance. The basic practice is designed to re-align the body, helping to free the muscular system and re-balance the skeleton.

Ashtanga yoga is a strong dynamic form of yoga that active or sports like people find more easily to adapt to than softer forms of yoga. However, ashtanga yoga can be enjoyed by all levels of fitness and ages from the ages of 14 to 70 years of age, as all of the postures (asanas) can be adapted to make the practice suitable to everyone. Over time you will find you can naturally do more and more, as your flexibility, strength and fitness improve.

To find out your nearest classes or for more information e-mail Achieve Success with your enquiry.

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