Fitness is a goal that many of us share, and for most people today, the emphasis goes beyond just the physical. Complete fitness is about finding balance in body and mind. Several types of workouts now focus on the mind-body connection. These include yoga, tai chi, and Pilates - including the newer Windsor and Stott methods. Each of these programs has its own unique elements, but they all have a few things in common. Pilates, tai chi and yoga all focus on balance. These methods teach various techniques that correct and enhance posture while developing lean muscle through slow, flowing...

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I have decided to try a new form of exercise this summer. One of my really good friends is a dancer and loves Pilates. I’m more of a running on the treadmill kind of girl, but I have recently found that it is getting kind of repetitive and I need something new to keep my interest in working out. I did a little research and here’s what I found out about it: The main purpose of pilates is to obtain strength within the individual’s core. The majority of the core muscles are located in the abdomen and in the back. Pilates...

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Often heard in yoga classrooms throughout the country, the greeting "Namaste" is sometimes performed without more than a cursory understanding of its meaning and significance. One common, and very literal, translation from Sanskrit is "I bow to you", which may be more aptly described as "my soul bows to your soul". Even beyond this linguistic interpretation, Namaste is deeply meaningful and profoundly significant on an intensely spiritual level. To fully comprehend the connotations of Namaste, one must not only look at the etymology of the term for literal meaning, but also at its mystical relevance. First, it is important to...

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Most of us could tell you how Yoga can do wonders for your body. Whether it be a way to increase your flexibility, a method of relaxation, a meditation, a strength builder, or something else, there is something for everyone. Many of us know that there are different styles of yoga. We refer to them as "hot yoga" or "meditative yoga", but there are so many different types of yoga--all with names that are not simply "hot yoga." Here are some examples of the different styles of Yoga. Maybe one of them will interest you? The one that most people think of...

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Yoga does the body good. More specifically, yoga helps exercise certain aspects that normal aerobic and intense workout routine don't. A weight lifting, or even running, routine will not address balance, relaxation, and flexibility like yoga does; all of which are very important aspects of a healthy body. Yoga also will help increase overall endurance, muscular strength and weight loss. An ideal workout regimen will include weight lifting, aerobic, and yoga exercises in the entire routine. The reason yoga has such an effect on the body is due to the unique motions and discipline ideals used during a normal session. The average body...

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