Yoga is a union of body, mind, and spirit and its history is as rich as what it professes to do for overall well being and harmony. The word “yoga” came from the Sanskrit word “yuj” which translates into “to unite or integrate.” 

Yoga is an ancient system of health and fitness which originated in India and dates back approximately 5,000 years. The word yoga had its first mention in the Rig Veda, the oldest of the sacred texts.   

The history of Yoga can be divided into five main periods: vedic, pre-classical, classical, post-classical and modern. They are defined as follows:

    Vedic: The existence of the Vedas marks this period. The Vedas contains the oldest-known Yogic teachings -- Vedic Yoga. This is portrayed through rituals and ceremonies that attempt to go beyond the limitations of the mind. During this time, the Vedic people relied on rishis or dedicated Vedic Yogis to teach them how to live in divine harmony.

    Pre-Classical: The creation of the Upanishads marks this period.  The 200 scriptures of the Upanishads describe the inner vision of reality resulting from devotion to Brahman. These explain three subjects: the ultimate reality (Brahman), the transcendental self (atman), and the relationship between the two. The Upanishads further explain the teachings of the Vedas. Yoga shares some characteristics with Hinduism and Buddhism. During the sixth century B.C., Buddha started teaching Buddhism, which stresses the importance of meditation and the practice of physical postures. Around 500 B.C., the Bhagavad-Gita or Lord’s Song was created and this is currently the oldest-known Yoga scripture. Just as the Upanishads furthered the Vedas, the Gita builds on and incorporates the doctrines found in the Upanishads.

    Classical: The development of the Yoga Sutra took place during the classical period. Written by Patanjali around the second century, he attempted to define and standardize Classical Yoga through what is referred to as the Eightfold Path or Eight Limbs. They are:

    Post-Classical:  The yoga of this era is similar to the post-classical and Vedic traditions; it’s characterized by the unification of body and mind. Yogis of the past did not pay close attention to the (physical) body, as they focused most energy on contemplation and meditation. The new generation of Yogis, however, developed a system where different exercises when used along with deep breathing and meditation, can help to maintain a youthful body and prolong life.

    Now that you are well versed on the history of yoga, why not give it a try? You’ll be in the company of over 30 million people from around the world who currently practice yoga.

    According to Ramakrishna Ananda, Founder of the Yoga Center of California, when you first start practicing yoga, never strain — in the postures or meditation.

    To aid in yoga practice, many products are available to enhance the experience. For instance, Banner Therapy Products offers an array of alternative health care products.  Yoga supplies include: yoga mats, yoga DVDs, yoga videos, yoga books, yoga blankets, and more.     

     Over its long history, different schools have emerged, and there are numerous examples, branches and philosophies.  Ultimately, all agree on one common element: the fundamental purpose of yoga is to foster harmony in the body, mind, and environment.

    Yoga and Pilates are two of the most prominent mind/body exercises around, but what sets them apart? You do them on the floor, they are often seen together in the holistic “mind-body” section of the exercise world, and both promise to be a mental and physical panacea. But, despite these similarities, yoga and Pilates spring from different schools of thought.    

Yoga and Pilates: Defining Differences and Similarities

    “Yoga was developed thousands of years ago and is based in spiritual practice of union, Eliza D. Morgan, YMCA fitness trainer and certified Pilates instructor said. “Pilates was developed within the last 100 years, more or less, by an individual named Joseph Pilates who invented machines and developed mat exercises that rehabilitate the body through mind/body coordination.”

    Pilates is mostly body oriented, and a session typically includes a short series of exercise sets with some mind-body focus, while yoga incorporates deep breathing and longer sets of exercises and intense mind introspection.

    “In my opinion, yoga is a bit more serious than Pilates,” Stephanie Keach, yoga and Pilates instructor said. “Students are encouraged to study the self while in the postures. In Pilates, people are reminded to think about which muscle groups to focus on.”

    What they have in common is core strengthening. Both yoga and Pilates focus on stretching, strengthening/toning, and are rehabilitative techniques that improve posture, joint mobility and balance within the musculoskeletal system.  Blood flow to organs is also enhanced by both practices.

    “Having core strength is really the key to happiness as we experience injury, illness and old age,” Keach said. “Specifically with yoga, I have seen amazing results in people with asthma, allergies, diabetes, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, bone spurs, foot problems, heart conditions, poor digestion, and more.”

What are the Primary Benefits of Yoga and Pilates?

While Keach prefers yoga to Pilates, she sees benefits in both.

    “Yoga has more breath awareness. I find a deeper connection with my mind and body and am able to achieve a deeper peace,” Keach said. “However, Pilates is great for someone seeking pure toning and conditioning.”   

    As a fitness trainer, Morgan teaches all types and levels of strengthening/flexibility exercises.  She also includes yoga-type stretches and poses within her personal exercise program.  She explains that she prefers Pilates because the emphasis is on strengthening and stabilization of the body’s core muscle structure as well as strengthening, stretching and toning of the entire body.

    “More and more Pilates teachers are becoming interested in yoga as well and, therefore, a fusion of the two often occurs,” Keach explains.  “While traditionalists may be up in arms about this, I think it’s wonderful to see the Americanization of these systems blending together. It’s a product of our culture.”
So, how do you decide which is for you?

    “I would recommend trying each,” Keach advises. “Every instructor will have a certain flavor or style.”

    Keep in mind that any pre-existing medical conditions can be worsened by any type of exercise.  A skilled instructor will be able to work around this.  

    “If a person came to me and asked which class would best suit them, I would first evaluate their strength and note any pre-existing medical conditions,” Morgan explains. “I would recommend seeking medical advice for any pre-existing conditions before beginning any type of exercise program.”

    Pilates and yoga also have little impact on the joints.  Both methods are designed to strengthen/tone muscles without impact on the knees and hips (as in aerobics/running).  When done correctly, joint mobility, balance, posture, back strength and core stability improve.   

What equipment do I need to practice Yoga or Pilates?

    Since Pilates and yoga and have many similarities, the equipment needed for both also crosses over. If you would like to start practicing at home, the first thing you will need is a Pilates DVD or yoga video. Additional items include:

•    Yoga sticky mat: for non-slip exercising;
•    Yoga blanket: used for poses and to keep the body warm during final relaxation;
•    Yoga foam wedge: assists in poses;
•    Toning ball: helps with core strengthening and stability; and
•    Spa Rhythms CD

    Whether practicing traditional or contemporary Pilates, versatile pieces of equipment known as Pilates Reformers can help to establish torso stability and postural alignment.  They can be used in professional or home environments and range in price and style.  
Pilates Reformers work the peripheral limbs in a range of motion. The adjustable springs allow for progressive resistance, which helps to lengthen and strengthen the muscles rather than building bulk. It makes for an effective, no-impact stretching and toning workout that is friendly to the joints.

What is a Pilates Reformer?

    The apparatus consists of a sophisticated system of springs, straps and pulleys which allows for more than 200 exercises to be performed. The Pilates Reformer provides finely-tuned exercise resistance that allows the user to work very precisely with alignment and core strength. Some reformers are wood and some are metal. There might be leather straps or ropes, and the reformer may be on legs or not. Nevertheless, the basic parts and their functions will be the same.

    Users can get into an array of positions on the Pilates Reformer. It consists of a gliding platform where the user can sit, kneel, stand or lie on their front, back or side. The user can push or pull off the foot bar with their arms, legs, wrists and ankles. They may also slide back and forth along the rails, in a controlled manner, while the tension in the springs gently works the muscles.

Who Benefits from Pilates Reformers?

    The Pilates Reformer is a fixture in many Pilates studios and is incorporated into most personal Pilates training sessions. It is also becoming a key component to many rehabilitation clinics, as more and more professionals such as physical therapists, chiropractors and osteopaths embrace the Pilates approach as complementary to their specialties.

    If you are thinking about purchasing a Pilates Reformer, keep in mind that most companies try to balance quality craftsmanship with aesthetics. Prices typically range from $2,000-$4,000.  For occasional home use, less expensive machines ($300 to $700) are sufficient and practical.

    Banner Therapy Products (www.BannerTherapy.com) is a good source for Pilates Reformer needs and offers different packages to suit various budgets.

    For those who do not wish to spend a lot of money, but still want a quality product that is primarily for home use, the Stamina Pilates Premier Reformer is a good choice.    

    “Stamina reformers are the only true Pilates Reformers that provide low-impact, total body strength training, sculpting and toning combined with a unique, built-in, Free-Form Cardio Rebounder. Users will burn calories, shed fat and lose weight quickly and effectively,” Tom Maroney, CEO, Banner Therapy Products, said.   

    A mid-range Pilates Reformer, the Stamina Aero Pilates Pro XP, takes Pilates practice to the next level.  Some Pilates machines feature a jump board made of solid wood, but because the Aero Pilates Free-Form Rebounder is like jumping on a trampoline, the cardio workout is gentle to joints and connective tissue and will still allow users to reach and maintain their target heart rate as effectively as with a treadmill.

    Banner Therapy also offers a high-end package: “The at-home package” called the Stott Pilates At Home STX Reformer Package.
“We designed this affordable package for people who want to practice Stott Pilates in their home,” Maroney said. “Stott Pilates is a contemporary version of the traditional Pilates and incorporates modern exercise principles, including contemporary thinking about spinal rehabilitation and performance enhancement. For example, unlike the original approach, which promotes a flat back, Stott Pilates exercises are designed to restore the natural curves of the spine and rebalance the muscles around the joints.”

    In addition, many users will benefit from using Pilates DVDs which are designed for the whole body and for different levels of sophistication.   

    Ultimately, Pilates, in any form, is ideal for everyone from young adults to aging baby boomers, and post-rehab patients to elite athletes.