Yoga and Pilates

Yoga is a century old technique.
It increases flexibility, strength and balances the mind.
People with long-standing pain and stiffness or with recent injuries
need to use caution when starting a yoga program.  Some of the poses may be too aggressive for your body.

There several classic styles of Yoga including Iyengar and Hatha.
Bikram’s Yoga became popular starting in the 1970’s.  The work out studio is kept very warm.  Your muscles are more flexible when they are warm.  If you have neck issues avoid the opening sequence of neck extensions.

“Back Care Basics” by Schatz is a great book to get you started with yoga without hurting your back.  She has step by step instructions for each pose, including pictures of the beginning pose,  common mistakes made when trying a pose and then the advanced pose.


 

Pilates

has taken off in recent years.  The basic principles of using core muscles and exercises to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body, are sound.  This is similar to techniques are used in physical therapy.

At Back and Body Care, we work with our patients who are interested in pursuing Pilates classes.  We help them transition from hands on physical therapy to Pilates classes in a safe manner.
This is a nice history of the Pilates movement from a local Pilates Studio.

PILATES HISTORY

Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.