or Prefer Exercise is a balm for many; an endorphin-releasing physical pursuit that shapes not just the body, but keeps the mind in good – or at least better – condition, too. The form of exercise we decide to undertake is also a subjective choice dependent on personality as much as ability: the individual who favours an hour on the treadmill followed by an intense session with the weights is perhaps not suited to the slow yet meaningful routine of the Tai Chi practitioner (though that is probably what they need most to be including). Similarly, Yoga devotees oftentimes struggle to conform to the more regimented and subtle movements of Pilates. There are many who do Yoga as well as Pilates, of course, but although they both unfold (pun intended) on a mat, they can seem vastly different. However, they’re not so very dissimilar: developing muscle strength and endurance, improving balance and coordination, the flow of poses activates the parasympathetic nervous system, brings us away from the “fight or flight” sense of our sympathetic nervous system, and allows us to relax, be present, and take pleasure in the moment. Yet, what about weight loss (the primary goal of so many who purposefully undertake exercise, rather than for the sheer joy of
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utilising our bodies, awesome biological structures that they are)? Weight loss is a process of many parts. From diet to exercise, it is psychological as much as physical, and when Yoga and Pilates are implemented into a person’s week – combined with high intensity workouts inclusive of running or power walking – then the results are pretty impressive. Indeed, someone weighing approximately 130lb could burn 413 calories during an hour’s Astanga class. Compare that with an hour’s Bikram Yoga (the hot one) and you’ll burn about 354 calories (the positions not as intense as those in the Astanga series), while those who attempt an oh-so-gentle Hatha Yoga session will find themselves only 148 calories down. By comparison,
Pilates generally burns 177 calories if a beginner’s class and 354 calories in more advanced sessions, like Lagree. Certainly, it’s no bad thing to be blending exercise forms. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that a mix of workouts resulted in more body fat being lost when endurance training was undertaken in addition to resistance training. What’s more, a 2009 study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that Yoga promotes mindful eating habits, the asanas developing a deeper awareness not just of one’s body, but of the experience of others. In other words, compassion: for people and planet.
