Yoga is an ancient practice which involves the use of breathing techniques and bodily movements to attain physical and mental wellbeing. However, contrary to what is generally perceived, yoga is not just a mere mental exercise or physical workout alone. Yoga is a systematic series of different physical postures or “asanas” that help us strike the perfect balance within our body while various “mantras” help us in focusing our thoughts towards finding inner peace.

Pilates, as we all know, is a well-known exercise technique of modern times. Originally invented by health and fitness guru Joseph Pilates in the 1920s, today Pilates is an integral part of any good workout regimen. Both Yoga and Pilates are an extremely popular form of exercise for hundreds of people, from Hollywood celebrities to your next-door neighbor.

Just like several exercise methods, Yoga asanas aim to strengthen and stretch the body. Similarly, the Pilates program too is designed to stretch and strengthen the core or powerhouse of our body. Pilates is also practiced to add definition to the body, enhance strength, and develop a good posture which is again not unlike the effects of practicing Yoga.

In fact, Yoga and Pilates are so similar in some aspects that people who practice both tend to substitute certain techniques of one, with the other. Here are few tips to help you practice Pilate and Yoga at home:

1. Before you begin practicing, make sure you are wearing comfortable clothing which allows you freedom of movement. Also, the room you intend to practice in should be ideally well ventilated. You should also ensure you have enough space around for you to move your arms or legs in all directions without any objects obstructing your movement. This way, you won’t hurt yourself or break something while shifting from pose to pose.
2. Both Pilates exercises and yoga postures especially those that involve compression of the mid-section should never be attempted on a full stomach. It’s always a good idea to listen to your body instead of going ahead with the exercises anyway, since practicing too soon after eating or drinking will make you feel uncomfortable.
3. When practicing either yoga or Pilates its best to use non-slip surfaces like a mat or rug. This especially important when practicing on your back as is the case with certain Pilate exercises since the padded surface will provide protection for your spine.
4. One of the most important things to remember when attempting a Yoga asana or Pilates pose is to not overdo it. In other words, do not try to execute positions or body movements you aren’t physically comfortable with, because if you push yourself beyond your personal limitations, you might end up injuring yourself.

Keep these tips in mind when practicing yoga and Pilates and you should be well on your way to healthier and happier lifestyle.