Healthy gurus

Pilates is a recently developed form of exercise created by Joseph Pilates. He focused on the control of core muscles in the body, referring to muscles in the abdomen, lower back, hips, and buttocks areas as the “powerhouse”. He also emphasizes on breathing and proper circulation. Insights:

* Modalities of Pilates include: Matt based exercises, one on one with personal trainer or Pilates equipment exercises. Some of the equipments used are the medicine ball, resistant band and Pilates ring.

* Core muscles should be contracted throughout the Pilates workout. Instructors normally explain where core muscles are located and how to achieve contraction. Exercises can feel easy if your core muscles aren’t contracted properly.

* Pilates consists of many stretch exercises, mostly directed to strengthen the core muscles.

* It gives you a different type of toning. When compared to cardio classes or lifting weights, Pilate’s toning takes longer to appear, but it is maintained for a longer period time in the absence of workouts.

* It is very good to release stress, especially for people with busy lifestyles.

When it comes to Pilates one thing is for certain: you will feel stretched and relaxed while working out.

Yoga was originated in India three thousand years ago as a spiritual practice, focusing on self-awareness, physical and mind liberation. Yoga was design to release stress from the daily routine by giving control to physical strength and psyche. You don’t have to be a believer to experience the benefits of yoga. Here is some information you should know before taking yoga:

The teacher will lead you to easy positions and you will be able to reach them at your own pace.

* Yoga positions can be reached on the floor, standing, sitting and sometimes inverted.

* The teacher will ask you to focus on your breathing at times and to hold your body in a given time in a certain position to give it strength.

* Classes normally finish with sitting meditation or laying down relaxation.

* After your first class you will experience relaxation and a feeling of well-being and happiness.

* Yoga is a form of stretching and strengthening of your muscles, able to be applied for beginners and later to impose a challenge in intermediate classes.

* It is good for people that don’t like choreographic moves and the rapid loud music experienced in the cardio gym classes.

* If your goal is to get very fit you might want to try yoga together with another aerobic exercise.

Yoga gets you started by improving your breathing and circulation, while stretching your muscles. Make sure to find a teacher that suits you and shows the yoga results you are looking for.

There are many types of yoga one can try, here are a few:

o Kundalini yoga – Focuses on the release of energy around the spine by fairly heavy positions. It is based on tantric tradition in order to reach enlightenment.

o Lyengar yoga – It is based on the teachings of B. K. S. Iyengar. It entails physical strengthening, combined with heavy breathing and relaxation.

o Asatanga or Power yoga – Has gymnastic like moves, focusing on the production of heat. It is popular in the younger community and targets people that are already fit.

It is very important for your metabolism and health to have some type of workout schedule. Here are some thoughts:
    * Try to incorporate exercises into your daily routine, if you don’t already do so. Make the time in which you exercise consistent every day, making your body used to the routine.
    * Always start with very basic exercises. Workouts won’t change your metabolism overnight. Try an easy routine for the first month or until you feel ready for the next step. If you push yourself too hard in the beginning you will find many excuses to avoid the workout entirely, and before long it will be out of your routine completely.

    * Motivation during workouts is imperative to achieving maximum gains from the exercises. Motivation works differently for different people so experiment until you find what works for you. Music can be a great motivator for many people. Try to find the perfect tunes that will get you moving.
    * After your body gets used to the exercise routine you will feel more energetic. You will find yourself looking forward to your next workout session and it will ultimately make you happier.

    * A better physique boosts anyone’s confidence. You will feel great and will be proud of your progress.
We at healthy gurus would recommend exercise as a form of prevention and sometimes cure for many diseases. If your body is healthy and provided with all of the nutrients it needs you most likely won’t get sick. It is that simple!