Yoga, Pilates or both?

From the LA Times:

The exercise world's current darlings are both slow, intense and therapeutic. But they achieve their fitness goals in distinctive ways.

Yoga and Pilates may be the fitness world's most popular couple. Men and women looking for a less frenetic workout are flocking to both disciplines as copious classes, studios, books and DVDs appear; there's even a hybrid called Yogalates that blends the best of both worlds.

Those who have at least a vague familiarity with each know that yoga is a practice dating back thousands of years that has a strong spiritual component and a holistic approach, while Pilates is a strength and conditioning system done with mat work and apparatus.

And while many consider taking the plunge into one or the other, they often find that choosing between the two can be confusing — which better suits one's fitness needs, body, lifestyle and wallet? Both are considered mind-body exercises, meaning that one should be mentally engaged while doing the physical work. Both employ breathing techniques. Both incorporate resistance for toning muscles. Both are used therapeutically. Both are slow, intense routines that can be done through classes or one-on-one training. And both can produce lean, toned bodies.

Yet there are significant differences between the two. Traditional hatha yoga features a series of static poses along with breathing techniques and meditation emphasizing an inward focus. Although hundreds of different forms of yoga exist, from restorative to power, the essence of the practices is the same. A yogic lifestyle also emphasizes good nutrition and a holistic approach to wellness. With continual practice should come increased flexibility, overall muscle toning, improved balance and better ability to handle stress.

Pilates is a series of regimented exercises that focus on using the core muscles of the trunk. Its roots date back to the early 20th century when Joseph Pilates developed a system (adapting some yoga techniques) to help rehabilitate hospital patients during World War I; years later dancers adopted it as physical therapy.

Regimented exercises done with controlled breathing can be performed on apparatus or a mat; those done on apparatus use adjustable resistance to strengthen the muscles and employ precise movements to target certain areas of the body. Mat workouts (sometimes done as a class) use the body's own resistance and can incorporate props such as stability balls.

The desired results are stronger core muscles, better posture and stability, overall toning and increased flexibility. And although healthy living is often emphasized in Pilates, "you could be drinking a Pepsi while you're doing it," says Ralph La Forge, an exercise physiologist and spokesman for the American College of Sports Medicine. "In terms of lifestyle management, it's not as stringent."

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