Personal Training Articles

Yoga versus Pilates
A fitness pro’s outlook on two very different but similar methods

I’m always looking for new ways to keep myself in shape that I can also share with my clients. My background is in weight training, but I’ve made a personal goal of educating myself in all forms of exercise, be it weight training, stability ball, boot camps, or boxing.

After coming back from a “fitness break” due to illness, I wanted to start training again and I knew I needed to begin slowly. The two types of workouts that came to mind were yoga and Pilates, as they are both great strength training programs but essentially low impact on the body. I personally like them both.

I recently hired a Pilates/yoga instructor to teach small group classes in my studio. Whenever I introduce something new, I need to take the class myself to make sure it will fit in with my fitness philosophy, and be a good match for my clients. The big bonus for me was that this was exactly how I wanted to get myself back into a routine!

Pilates class was first on my list to try. I have taken a few Pilates classes in my time, and studied the philosophy some, so I wasn’t completely clueless, which helped. The instructor took us though some breathing exercises that not only gave me more energy, but really worked my stomach muscles. I also left the class standing taller. Later that day, I had that tight, “just-worked-out” feeling all over my body that meant I had done something, but didn’t completely kick my own butt like I have in the past with other exercises...although I did feel it in my butt! What a great workout!

Yoga is different than Pilates, but also very similar. Yoga focuses on stretching and strengthening, while Pilates centers on core strength and flexibility. I’m not flexible at all (typical of us weight trainers), so the thought of doing “lotus” didn’t sound very appealing. However, to my satisfaction, by the end of the session I was moving easily through several poses, and I found myself reaching closer to my toes than I ever have before. What a wonderful feeling! I left the class feeling energized, more flexible and standing a bit taller, just like I did after Pilates.

Besides walking, the only form of exercise I have been doing for the past few weeks is Pilates and yoga classes. I feel great! My stomach muscles are toning up, and I’m looking very toned overall. Also, I’m easing back into my routine slowly which was part of the original plan.

My personal recommendations for anyone interested in either method: Try both! You will like the ambiance of yoga with its serene peaceful setting and the core stability and muscular strengthening of Pilates. It’s a wonderful combination. You can take separate classes or look for a class that combines both.

With any fitness regimen, the key to success is to make the time for yourself, and remember: you’re worth it!!

Just for the Fun of it

I always tell my clients that when it comes to working out, if it’s not fun, you’re probably not going to do it! I understand some people actually exercise and not ever like it but do it because it’s good for them, but most of us need to like something in order for it to be a part of our lives.

As school kids, we played outside for three 20-minute recesses. This wasn’t just to give the teacher a break, it served a purpose: studies showed that getting out of the classroom allowed the children to come back to class and focus. The second benefit was that it actually gave the kids exercise! We were out there running, jumping, swinging, playing hopscotch, or whatever…just out there exercising and having fun doing it.

As we get older, the work environment takes over our lives and we get two ten-minute breaks and a half-hour lunch if we’re lucky. There is no more recess; in fact, I know a lot of adults use their breaks to eat or smoke. At the end of the day, we go home and eat dinner, plop on the couch, and crawl into bed. We need to put the play time back in our lives.

Recently I told my nine-year-old I needed time to go for a run because I don’t go outside and play with my friends, and she said, “Why?” I answered, “Well, can you see me and daddy running up and down the street, riding our bikes, or skating like you do?” She started cracking up and said “No!” I told her that my run time is my fun time and that’s why I need to go, that it’s just like recess and play time is for her.

Ok, I know what you’re thinking: running is fun? Actually, for me it is. Being outside and getting my blood flowing feels good. I also solve a lot of problems and clear my mind doing it. It’s my thing. Or, one of them, at least!

I’m one of those people that won’t do something I don’t like. I’m a fitness specialist and have worked with many different kinds of people, and most of them need to like what they’re doing or they won’t incorporate it into their lives. Ventura county is so beautiful and has so many options for fun that also will count as exercise, it makes the choice to incorporate play that much easier.

If being outside is something you enjoy, hiking, walking, and surfing are just a few things to do. But let’s say none of those are appealing. I love the idea of “playing” like the kids do. Try dancing lessons, like belly dancing (really hip now) or Hula: both are awesome ways to get cardiovascular benefits while toning and shaping up your core muscles. A hula-hoop is another great way to play and get in shape; most people think they can’t do it and are so surprised that they can. The sky is the limit, really. Martial arts, self-defense, swimming, or playing with your kids, it’s all exercise.

Whatever it is you choose make it fun! You’re more likely to do it and most importantly, remember: you’re worth it!