Yoga and Pilates are perhaps the most popular fitness programs in Western countries nowadays. Stretches, planks and other elements of slow-pace toning exercises are favorites of many Hollywood beauties such as Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow. Jennifer Aniston, for example, said during one of her interviews for Cosmopolitan magazine that she is “a big fan of Pilates because its miracle methodic used during class ease up back problems and gives a nice feeling of being taller, maybe because the exercises stretch muscles so much.”

Pleasurable melodies or even their absence and the relaxing pace of classes are so relaxing to many individuals who wish to escape from their everyday routines and clear their minds of the outside world and stress. That must be the main reason of such popularity. Neophytes, who do not attend these classes regularly, will not see the difference between the two. Yoga is an ancient technique developed in ancient Asia while Pilates is invented in modern culture by Joseph Pilates, German-born American. Originally, yoga was a lifestyle outside of a regular physical exercise, and directed toward healing the body as a whole. Pilates is training oriented toward strengthening of joints and the spinal cord, and, unlike yoga, is not associated with philosophy. More active types of exercises like Yoga 23 or Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga are effective for weight-loss, but if the goal is slenderness, then the individual must revise their diet plan. In that case an additional exercise will become an extra metabolism booster.

Novices simply have to begin attending yoga classes At that point, it is important not to get scared and give one or two months to learn how be in control of muscle movements. Also, one of the other important factors to consider is whether the instructor is willing to pay enough attention to the newcomers and to provide an additional assistance to achieve a proper performance.

The decision to pursue between one or the other depends on each person’s personal goals, health, character and more. Many high-intensity exercisers fall under the impression that the pace of classes like yoga and Pilates will be too slow for them, but that might not be the case. The satisfaction from diving into a new world full of new experiences and emotions is guaranteed, if only an individual gives it a try.