Yoga and Pilates are two popular fitness practices of the moment. From celebrities to everyday people, many are turning to one or the other to stay fit, and some practice both together. A common question, though, is which is more effective for the body, or which offers more benefits.
Yoga
Regular yoga keeps the body free of illness. It is a form of exercise with no real downsides and requires no equipment. People of any age can begin yoga. For those who do not have time to work out at a gym, yoga is ideal. It is also effective at reducing extra body weight. There are also various asanas that help slow signs of aging in the face. Regular practice helps the body resist the seasonal ailments that come with changes in weather.
Pilates
Pilates, by contrast, is considered a cardio exercise. During World War I, Joseph Pilates used various physical drills to help wounded soldiers recover, and the practice is believed to have grown from there. As the body ages and various pains develop, Pilates practice can provide relief.
Both forms of exercise are popular. On yoga, instructor Bappa Shantonu said yoga can address common illnesses and physical problems. Breathing exercises are central to the practice, though. Without proper breath control, regular yoga will yield little benefit. Those who keep their breath steady while practicing gain a great deal. Because yoga, or “yoga” itself, refers to the union of body and mind, that union is completed through breath. As people breathe, they move through asanas via pranayama. Yoga addresses each physical issue individually through specific poses. Practitioners also report benefits including increased height, changes in facial structure and reduced belly fat.
Pilates, by contrast, is effective for those who tire easily with little exertion. It helps maintain the body’s structure and aids in treating complex bone conditions. It should be practiced with attention to body type and lifestyle. Actress Nusrat Faria once practiced yoga regularly but has since turned to Pilates. She said that, in her personal view, results come faster with Pilates than with yoga. Pilates is very good for body toning and increases flexibility, she said, adding that it also lends a kind of boldness to one’s appearance.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report