Here Is Why You Should Add Yoga And Pilates To Your Daily Fitness Routine

Maria Tariq
4 min readFeb 17, 2021

Yoga and Pilates are introduced since ages. But in the past 5 years, they have gained immense popularity in the fitness world. A significant factor is they both are effortless, still meet the required health goals. We will discuss them individually and ultimately find out their effectiveness.

YOGA

  1. History

Yoga is the tradition of ancient Indian culture for spiritual awareness. It is also connected to Ayurveda which is the traditional health science in India.

2. Importance

The premise of yoga is predominantly based on its yogic postures i.e., asanas. Apart from postures, yoga ensures utmost faith and complete involvement in an individual.

3. Asanas Postures

A complete yoga session comprises breathing exercises, stretches, and relaxation. The different yogic postures include:

  • Lying Postures (Shavasana)
  • Sitting Postures (Breathing Exercises)
Photo by Jared Rice on Unsplash
  • Standing Postures (Sun Salutation)
  • Upside-down Postures (Cobra Pose)

For a beginner-level easy postures are advisable. After practice, you can try advanced postures like headstand.

4. Benefits

  • Self Improvement

Yoga inculcates intelligence, discipline, commitment, and dedication within a person. And these traits are part and parcel of a successful life. The word yoga literally means, ‘to put together. As the meaning indicates it put together your mind and soul.

  • Stress Management

Yoga is a practical solution for your stress issues. Because yogic postures allow a peaceful environment for your body.

  • Increased Energy Levels

As yoga heals your body from inside, it automatically increases your focus and energy levels.

  • Improve Body Systems.

Yogic postures have a huge influence on muscles, bones, and body systems. For instance:

i. Yoga enhances cardiovascular fitness.

ii. Postures like Rapid Exhalation (Kapalbhati) and Agnisar Kriya help build digestive fire and tones the digestive system.

iii. Reduced stress levels increase the efficiency of the nervous system.

  • Coping With Daily Life Health Issues

Due to the modern lifestyle, constipation and bloating are common issues. To deal with this Pavanmuktasana or Gas Releasing Pose is highly beneficial.

  • Improved Sleep Quality

Sleep quality is the most underrated aspect of a healthy lifestyle. Yoga will help in curing your sleeping disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea.

  • Immunity Booster

After the COVID-19 pandemic, strong immunity is everyone’s goal. So, the following yogic postures will help in increasing immunity and blood circulation.

i. Adhomukhoshvanasana (downward dog pose)

ii. Uttanasana (standing forward bend)

iii. Prasarita Padottasana (wide-legged forward fold)

  • Increased Strength And Flexibility

Yoga stimulates muscle strength and joints flexibillity.

  • Maintains An Upright Posture.

The fundamental requirement of yogic postures is a straight back. Thereby maintains your posture which otherwise tends to disturb due to our unawareness.

PILATES

Pilates is a low-impact exercise involving muscle flexibility and endurance. It can be done in both aerobic and non-aerobic forms. Pilates stretches your muscles in a rhythmic pattern. Every exercise requires breathing so it increases the function of the body and mind.

Photo by Rawan Yasser on Unsplash
  1. History Of Pilates

Joseph Pilates is the founder of this exercise type. Its initial purpose was to heal injured athletes and balance of dancers. But its enormous benefits attracted it to normal people as well.

2. Types Of Pilates

There are two types of Pilates.

  • Mat Pilates
  • Equipment Pilates

3. Why Pilates?

Pilates can be done by everybody. Some people cannot do weight training due to age, health, injuries, low stamina. Pilates are safe and easy to perform. It pushes your body in unstable postures to increase flexibility.

Benefits

  • It gives your body a nice, toned shape.
  • It strengthens your core.
  • It improves flexibility.
  • It increases muscle strength and tone.
  • It enhances muscular control of the back and limbs.
  • It improves the stability of the spine.
  • It improves posture.
  • It prevents injuries related to muscle imbalances.
  • It improves physical coordination and balance.
  • It relaxes your upper body.
  • It helps in the rehabilitation of joint and spinal injuries.
  • It increases lung capacity and blood circulation through deep breathing.
  • It improved concentration and focus.

Dansique fitness is the YouTube channel recommendation for pilates.

Disclaimer

If you are under medical treatment or going through a serious health condition, please consult the doctor before starting.

--

--