My adventure with yoga has been going on for many years. We had a good time together. However, recently Pilates has entered our relationship. How did this happen and how do I find myself in it?
Beginning
First time I started to consider doing yoga when I was living abroad, in the Netherlands, about 9 years ago. It always takes some time from thought to action, but in the end, it did work. I remember that I started with single positions (asanas) and that the hardest thing for me was to lie down a few minutes in Shavasana.
The era of Adriene
At some point, I found a Youtube channel Yoga with Adriene. I liked her style of conducting sessions very much and, although I still sometimes tried to look for other yoga movies, Adriene became my guide. Soon 10 minutes of Shavasana passed unnoticed.
But the moment of change has come. Everything flows, Heraclitus once said. In the meantime, Adriene has become very popular, and her films were strongly focused on the spiritual side. I started to be disturbed by the slow pace. I needed something stronger.
The era of Sean
I don’t exactly remember how I found Sean. Nevertheless, he became my new guru. Sean Vigue uploads mainly Pilates and yoga videos on his channel. But as for yoga, it’s power yoga. The pace is faster, the exercises more demanding. And how actually does yoga differ from Pilates?
Yoga and Pilates
Yoga and Pilates have in fact a lot in common. They develop the body and mind, reduce stress level, improve posture, flexibility and health. They also increase self-awareness. Basically like any kind of exercise. 😉
The main difference is that yoga is more of a philosophy, a spiritual way. Often, you stay in one pose for a longer period of time. Pilates is more dynamic, exercises change more often.
When and where
Always and everywhere! But seriously, it all depends on motivation. All you need is a mat and a few minutes off.
I like best to practice in the morning. If I don’t spread the mat in the morning, in 99 out of 100 cases it will have to wait until the next day. It’s ideal for me when I wake up at 4 or 5 while the rest in the house is still sleeping. I go downstairs, make a cup of tea and light a candle. After a few sips, I put the mat on the floor and do some training with Sean. ?
It happens, however, that I do not get up so early. Then there is still a chance that I will practice while my son is eating breakfast. It’s not so calm though, because sometimes he passes over me, under me, or jumps on my back and sometimes he even wants to join the exercises.
How often and how long
This is also where the most important thing is motivation. My biggest motivation is that I feel good when I practice. And while one or two days of a break do not have any major side effects, after a longer period of disobeying, I simply miss it and my body reminds me of its daily dose of movement. So I exercise every day. Well, almost…
When it comes to the time I spend on exercises it is usually 20-30 minutes. If I find a 10-minute video, I add another one to it. In the beginning, to be systematic, I assumed that even 10 minutes is good. Now it is simply not enough for me. 30 minutes is the optimal time. And usually, I just don’t have more.
Exercise!
Whatever form of exercise speaks to you, I encourage you to go for it! I know that sometimes it’s hard to get down to it and excuses just come out of your sleeve. If you don’t feel it, don’t be harsh on yourself that you’re not practising. However, if the thought of yoga or Pilates has been in your head for some time, unfold the mat and try yoga, try Pilates. Find out what you’re feeling good about.
One is as good as the other. The choice depends on your own preferences. I have long liked the yoga itself. Sometimes you can sweat too! But the moment has come when it was no longer enough for me. So I’m practising with Sean. Sometimes yoga, sometimes Pilates. Anyway, no matter the name. The important thing is that it feels good to me.
Namaste!
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