I was introduced to pilates eight years ago. It's very similar to yoga and there are some common moves, but pilates is all about core strength. It's about using your abdominal muscles and breathing to make controlled fluid movements - it's about taking time to execute a move and some of them require a lot of strength. I find it tones you well and makes you think about breathing. It also makes you very flexible.
Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates and was based on aerobic and yoga postures. My favourite positions include the cobra, downward dog, the one hundred and scissors. Once you start and become proficient all the moves blend in to one another and create a fluid movement.
I also like to do a bit of yoga and particularly enjoy the sun salutation. If don't get to do any exercise at the start of a day, I do a bit at the end of the day as a way to unwind. However, some of the moves can be done throughout the day and I have been known to do a spot at my desk to stretch my limbs.
Doing them requires great discipline and I would love to be in a position where I could do an hour a week in a class. One day I may be able to....
Love and light
x
