YOGA AND PILATES TRAINER

​Yoga and Pilates are both popular mind-body practices that offer numerous physical and mental benefits, but they differ in their origins, principles, techniques, and focus. Here's a breakdown of the key differences between yoga and Pilates:
  1. Origin and History:
    • Yoga: Yoga is an ancient practice that originated in India thousands of years ago. It encompasses a diverse range of spiritual, physical, and philosophical traditions, with roots in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
    • Pilates: Pilates is a relatively modern practice developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. Originally called "Contrology," Pilates was designed as a system of exercises to improve physical fitness, rehabilitation, and overall well-being.
  2. Philosophy and Principles:
    • Yoga: Yoga is rooted in spiritual and philosophical principles, aiming to unite the mind, body, and spirit. It emphasizes mindfulness, self-awareness, breath control (pranayama), and the cultivation of inner peace and balance.
    • Pilates: Pilates focuses primarily on physical conditioning and rehabilitation, with an emphasis on core strength, flexibility, muscular endurance, and postural alignment. While Pilates incorporates some principles of breath control and concentration, its primary goal is physical fitness rather than spiritual enlightenment.
  3. Techniques and Practices:
    • Yoga: Yoga practices typically include a combination of physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), meditation, and relaxation techniques. There are many different styles of yoga, ranging from gentle and meditative (such as Hatha or Yin yoga) to dynamic and vigorous (such as Vinyasa or Ashtanga yoga).
    • Pilates: Pilates exercises focus on controlled movements that target specific muscle groups, particularly the core muscles (abdominals, lower back, hips, and glutes). Pilates exercises are performed on a mat or using specialized equipment such as the reformer, cadillac, or chair. The emphasis is on precision, alignment, and fluidity of movement.
  4. Goals and Benefits:
    • Yoga: The goals of yoga vary depending on the style and practitioner, but common benefits include increased flexibility, strength, balance, relaxation, stress reduction, and improved mental clarity and focus. Yoga is often used for holistic health and well-being, as well as spiritual growth and self-discovery.
    • Pilates: Pilates aims to improve physical fitness, posture, body awareness, and functional movement patterns. It can help alleviate muscular imbalances, reduce pain, enhance athletic performance, and rehabilitate injuries. Pilates is often recommended for individuals seeking to improve core strength, stability, and overall body conditioning.
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In summary, while both yoga and Pilates offer numerous health benefits and can complement each other well, they have distinct origins, philosophies, and practices. Yoga emphasizes spiritual and holistic well-being, while Pilates focuses more on physical conditioning and rehabilitation. Choosing between yoga and Pilates ultimately depends on your personal preferences, goals, and individual needs. Many people find value in incorporating elements of both practices into their fitness routine for a well-rounded approach to health and wellness.

HOW MANY PEOPLE DO YOGA IN THE UK?

nearly
took part in a yoga class last year

What is Hot Yoga?

​Hot yoga is a style of yoga practiced in a heated room, typically ranging from 90 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit (32 to 40 degrees Celsius), with high humidity. This heat is intended to enhance the yoga practice by promoting flexibility, detoxification, and increased calorie burn. Hot yoga classes typically follow traditional yoga sequences and poses, but the heat adds an additional challenge and intensity to the practice.

There are several styles of hot yoga, with Bikram and Hot Vinyasa Flow being among the most popular:
  1. Bikram Yoga: Bikram yoga follows a specific sequence of 26 poses (asanas) and two breathing exercises, each performed twice in a room heated to around 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) with 40% humidity. Bikram classes typically last 90 minutes and are conducted in a heated studio with mirrors.
  2. Hot Vinyasa Flow: Hot Vinyasa Flow, also known simply as hot yoga, incorporates flowing sequences of yoga poses in a heated room. Unlike Bikram, Hot Vinyasa Flow classes may vary in sequence and duration, as instructors have more flexibility in designing their classes. The heat allows for deeper stretching, increased flexibility, and a greater cardiovascular challenge.
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Benefits of hot yoga may include:
  1. Increased Flexibility: The heat in hot yoga studios helps to warm up muscles, ligaments, and joints, allowing practitioners to safely stretch deeper into yoga poses and improve flexibility over time.
  2. Detoxification: Sweating profusely during hot yoga classes may help to rid the body of toxins and impurities through the skin, promoting detoxification and cleansing.
  3. Calorie Burn: Practicing yoga in a heated room can increase heart rate, metabolism, and calorie burn compared to practicing in a cooler environment. This can aid in weight management and fat loss.
  4. Stress Reduction: Like all forms of yoga, hot yoga emphasizes mindfulness, breath awareness, and relaxation techniques, which can help reduce stress, promote mental clarity, and enhance overall well-being.
  5. Improved Circulation: The heat in hot yoga studios can stimulate blood flow, improve circulation, and enhance cardiovascular health.
It's important to approach hot yoga with caution, especially for beginners or individuals with certain medical conditions. It's essential to stay hydrated before, during, and after class, listen to your body, and take breaks as needed. Additionally, individuals with certain medical conditions, such as cardiovascular issues, pregnancy, or heat sensitivity, should consult with a healthcare provider before practicing hot yoga.

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SHOP YOGA AND PILATES EQUIPMENT

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TOP FITNESS APPS

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Buy Yoga and Pilates Fitness Equipment

See our selection of personally selected yoga and pilates fitness equipment available to buy online and delivered to you in London.

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LOW IMPACT PRO TRAINING RECOMMENDATIONS

Here are three low impact training exercises and regimes that we would recommend for anybody seeking a healthly lifestyle in London.
WORKOUT FOR LESS

WALKING

Going for a walk or even better a brisk walk, in your local London neighbourhood will help you to burn calories, keep fit and also the fresh air will help with a positive mental attitude.

SWIMMING

Swimming in London is a great all round physical activity and will help with stretching, muscle forming and toning of all areas of the body. Swimming is a low impact on the body so is for everybody

CYCLING

Cycling in London is a fantastic low impact way to keep fit and get out and about in London. Aswell as being a good way to help save money and jump on that green bandwagon 

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