YOGILATES, created originally by Jonathan Urla, is a system that contains all the benefits of both YOGA and Pilates in one regimen.
The practice of YOGA provides an increase in flexibility and strength, releases stress and imbalance and it rejuvenates mind and spirit. It is said that one of the greatest health benefits from the practice of YOGA is an increase in one's awareness. For example, one can learn just how much energy one is using, or misusing, in the form of tension in the body.
PILATES requires focus and control of the whole body all the time. It improves flexibility of the spine, posture, breathing and alignment. It helps to develop coordination and concentration.
It focuses on the deep muscles of the abdomen and spine, strengthening and tightening them while protecting your lower back. At the same time, it lengthens the muscles as they are strengthened, resulting in long, lean STRONG but FLEXIBLE muscles without the bulk.
Unlike other methods, the emphasis is not on multiple repetitions or duration, but on high quality movement of an elegantly sufficient amount.
YOGILATES is a combination of these two methods. And at the core of Yogilates is 'awareness of one's own body'.
Every exercise is built around eight principles ensuring that the exercises remain challenging to both the body and the mind:
By mixing just the right amount of elements together Yogilates creates a workout that feels aerobic and leaves one feeling energized, relieving stress, helping one to gain coordination, flexibility and balance, and allowing one to relax, all at the same time.
| Alignment |
| In Yogilates we use the body to the greatest advantage, making the most of its strengths, counteracting its weaknesses, and correcting its imbalances. The method requires that one constantly pay attention to one's body while doing the movements; and this is so vital that it is considered more important than any other single aspect of the movements. |
| Breathing |
| Most exercises coordinate with the breath, and using the breath properly is an integral part of Yogilates exercises. |
| Concentration |
| By bringing full attention to the exercise and by doing it with full commitment, maximum value will be obtained from each movement. |
| Flowing Movements |
| Exercises are done in a flowing manner. Fluidity, grace, and ease are goals applied to all exercises. |
| Control |
| Every Pilates exercise is done with complete muscular control. No body part is left to its own devices. |
| Centering |
| In Yogilates every movement flows from a strong center, being the foundation for all movements. The center is also called the powerhouse (the area between the bottom ribs and the top of the pubic bone. It includes the abdominals muscles, the lower back. The powerhouse area of the body is also thought to be the energetic center of the body.)Yogilates works on strengthening this center. |
| Relaxation |
| By constant attention, one learns just how much energy one is using, or misusing, in the form of tension in the body. |
