Yogalates - Another Fitness Fad, Or the Best of Both Systems?

Terms such as yogalates often seem to be a typical fitness con / fad designed to make a quick buck from poorly advised people looking to lose weight. At first, I thought that the term yogalates was a complete joke. To start with, many of the exercises in Pilates are taking directly from various schools Yoga. Yoga is essentially a form of stationary exercises and stretches aim at improving balance, strength and flexibility. Pilates was developed to help hospitalised patients to build strength while still bed-bound.

So what does Yogalates have to offer, which traditional yoga, or Pilates, classes cannot? All it actually does is strip down both yoga and Pilates to their core exercises, which work the abdomen, and upper body. The easiest way to learn is from a yogalates instructor, although they are hard to find. A good alternative, especially if you have had some yoga or Pilates experience, is to learn from a video.

The Yogalates DVD shows how to harness the health benefits of Yoga and Pilates. Yogalates for Weight Loss is the ultimate low-impact workout for those wanting to slim down, tone up and lose weight safely. It not only targets the tummy and upper body, sculpting the arms and toning the abs, but also targets the lower body, tightening the buttocks, shaping the legs and aiding all over toning. Follow this award-winning programme at least three times a week, and you'll see a noticeable difference within a month. For even faster results, a 15 minute 'Instant Abs' routine is included for an intensive abdominal workout. Of course, what Yoga plan would be complete without a guided body relaxation to help you unwind?

Alternatively the book Yogalates: the breakthrough workout that combines the best of yoga and pilates, by Louise Solomon, is described as a brilliant combination of the gentle stretch of yoga and the core-building strength of Pilates. Yogalates is quite simply the perfect East meets West fitness answer for just about everyone. Everything a beginner needs to know is shown in dozens of color photographs, from body basics and breathing essentials to six complete, easy-to-follow workout plans. This total toning program will kick start the abs; work the waist, shoulders, and arms; tighten the butt and thighs; and train every muscle. There's even a resistance series and dynamic stretching. In-depth information explains how to control the breath; find the proper alignment; master the principles of movement and coordination; build endurance and prevent injury; and activate the core muscles. Each series of exercises is laid out clearly, simply, and logically, and taken together they absolutely transform any body into something beautiful. There's no better way to reach your ultimate goal.

So Yogalates really is a good combination of the schools of Yoga and Pilates. It takes the best exercises and teaching from each school to create a workout that is more intense and aims to provide quicker results. You can learn more about motleyhealth.com/yoga.html yoga, pilates and yogalates at MotleyHealth.com.

J.P.Wade runs MotleyHealth.com, a health and fitness community, motleyhealth.com motleyhealth.com/