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People in my classes are often asking me what the diffeence is between Pilates and Yoga so here are a few words about the fundamentals of each and why you would want to choose one over the other.
Yoga is different to most forms of exercise in that it emphasizes the synchronizing of breath with movent, it includes balance exercises and inversions (poses where you are upside down) with a heavy emphasis on flexibility. Pilates also emphasizes the synchronizing of breath with movement but is unique for its emphasis on the building of core strength together with correct alignment of the spine. A typical yoga class will lead to greater flexibility than a Pilates class and will tend to improve balance more because of specific balance exercises and inversions. A typical Pilates class will tend to improve and maintain back health better than a yoga class because more of the class will focus on exercises to strengthen core and to maintain neutral alignment of the spine. A typical Pilates class will tend to focus more on your mid-section, toning up and strengthening the area around the abdomen, the tummy and the lower back. Yoga has a more global focuse and so does not focus so much on core and mid-section. Pilates has more of a musculoskeletal focus while yoga pays as much attention to the effect of poses on internal organs and on your state of mind, with attention drawn inwards or towards the breath. A yoga class may include some meditation and relaxation while a Pilates class tends to be all physical exercise. I hope this helps clear up the differences a little bit. I teach and practice both, finding them a perfect complement to each other. Of course to really understand the difference you need to come and try out a couple of classes, so check out our timetable if you would like to experience what the diffrence really is. Trial classes are always free. Look out for some Youtube clips coming soon to demonstrate some obvious differences between the two. Liam B.
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Very interesting snippet about telomeres on Today FM yesterday, but just as interesting (or even more so) was the conversation about Madame Jeanne Calment, the worlds oldest person. Mme Calment is now deceased but not until after she had reached her 122nd birthday! In her later years she took to ascribing her longevity to all manner of outlandish things, however, many believe that it was her constitutional inability to suffer from stress that gave her such a long AND happy life
However, to say this is constitutional is debateable to say the least. Mme Calment was know for saying that if you can't do something about a problem, then why worry about it? If a positive thought like this becomes a habit, a cognitive shift happens in the psyche which research into cognitive behavioural psychology shows will have an effect on emotions, on behaviour and ultimately on the body, immune system and so on. Yoga, hypnosis, CBT and all mind-body therapies have this effect. If Mme literally made a habit of repeating this thought when confronted by problems then the effects of stress would be ever more easily short-circuited as her body adapted itself to this effective way of thinking. This is the effect of yoga mantra, a hypnotic suggestion, an NLP reframe etc. In the truest sense of the word Mme Calment was practicing the essence of yoga which is, as described in the Aphorisms of Patanjali as 'control of the mind-stuff'. Mme Calment smoked, drank a glass of port wine every day and ate a kilo of chocolate a week. Here's to long life, happiness and to the remarkable Mme Jeanne Calment! Who hasn't heard the name Pippa Middleton over the last few weeks? Suddenly Kate's little sister is nearly as famous as she herself is. Wedding fans and celebrity spotters alike were amazed at this hitherto relatively unknown lady's beauty and trim figure. Now Pippa has revealed her secret which you can read in her own words. It turns out that her Pilates routine is an absoulute must a 'weekly necessity' and while she leads an overall sporty lifestlye, Pilates has certainly made a difference to that all important area of core strength located around the bodies mid section.
To hear all about it in her own words just follow the link to yahoo lifestyle. Not that we didn't know this already, but nice to see the evidence in someone with such a high profile. To learn more about where to do Pilates here in Wicklow, Arklow and Gorey check out our timetable and contact pages or email [email protected], txt or call 086 408 2428.  In the never ending quest to improve both our therapy service and yoga classes, I am very happy to announce (and provide some pictures of) our latest and greatest venue for classes and therapy in Gorey. Having practiced acupuncture and massage in the lovely offices of the Tropical Medical Bureau for the last nigh on two years, the time seems right now for a change and we have moved to the therapy rooms of the Gorey Holistic Centre on Fort Rd (continue up John St past Petits & Gorey Theatre on your right, King Cod on your left). The centre has been renovated and looks really beautiful now. I have already begun treating clients in the therapy rooms and will teach my first class in the yoga space this Friday May 20th.  There is plenty of free on-street parking outside and you are within short walking distance of cafes & shops on and just off Gorey Main St. if you fancy it after / before your class or therapy. Any questions about finding us or about the Centre in general, don't be afraid to email or give us a call! Liam B.  Another one is coming up... should we be afraid? Should we be very afraid??? I get the impression sometimes that as a yoga teacher and energy healer that my friends expect me to more superstitious than the average Joe. Ashtanga Yoga practitioners, for example, are not supposed to practice on full moon days. Yoga practitioners in general may be heard to chant mantras containing the names of exotic Gods such as Hanuman, Lakshmi, Kali, Shiva etc. Surely we are all prone to believing in the unseen and the unproven.
While this may be the case for some, there is also a strong argument that a yoga practitioner may be in fact less prone to superstition than the average. All kinds of people with no particular religious belief will shy away from walking under ladders, opening an umbrella indoors, seeing a black cat, single magpie, etc. However, a yoga practitioner who bases their practice upon the text of the Aphorisms of Patanjali will see the world quite differently. What we experience is largely based upon 'mind-stuff', vrittis, the fluctuations within our own consciousness, and a dedicated practice of yoga helps us to look beyond these fluctuations to a state of mind that is more still, more grounded, less prone to be drawn constantly from one direction to the next. Equanimity and contentment are states of mind favoured by Patanjali yogis rather than states of fear, false expectation, excitement that are generated by superstition. There may or may not be some negative energy associated with Friday 13th, but to a Patanjali Yogi, this will not be matter of great concern, rather they will tend to the quietness and control of their own mind. Want to learn more about yoga then please check out some of the great books I have recommended from personal experience. Take Care, Liam B. |
AuthorLiam Byrne, Yoga & Pilates Instructor, Acupuncturist, Physical Therapist, Sports Massage Therapist, Archives
January 2016
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Photos from acidpix, cdsessums, Editor B, Emery Co Photo, krossbow, Dan Zen, Casey Serin, Andres Rueda, kpi, codepinkhq, Unwritten Love, Nemesi_
