How to know the difference between pilates and yoga

In pilates, the breath is fluid and increases circulation. Yoga does the same thing, but through yoga, we open all channels and chakras. We let go of any ego and connect mind, body and soul. I teach and practice yoga and have attended few pilates classes. Many people believe they are the same, they are similiar. here are a few poses. try them out and feel the difference in your OWN body.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• A yoga mat
• comfy clothes

1. Bridge pose. In yoga. Laying down, bend both legs, hip width apart ( a few inches). Take your feet flat to the matt. Walk heels in towards your but tucks. Palms should be facing down, arms by your side. Tuck your chin into your chest. Begin to lift hips, butt, lower back and upper back. Press your heels into the matt. Hold here and take 7 long breaths. Coming out of the pose, release slowly from your upper back.
   Repeat two more times. Than stretch legs out in front of you, shift from side to side. To get more range, take arms behind you, interlace fingers and stretch the arms, pressing hands down towards the butt.
   
   Shoulder Bridge. In Pilates. Similar posture, but your feet are not close to your buttocks and your arms lay along the sides of the body palms down. Your feet are also a bit wider.
   
   This pose strengthens the back, thighs and works the butt as well. This is also a great pose for anyone who suffers from any pulmonary problems such as asthma. It opens the lungs and chest and heart.
2. Plow pose. In Yoga. This pose focuses on stretching the entire spine, lateral and cervical. Beginning with your hips on the floor, bring your knees into your chest , place your hands upon your lower back and kick your legs straight up. take your legs all the way behind your head, as far as you can. Rest here and breath. See if you can touch your toes to the floor behind you. If this is too much pressure on your neck, take your toes off the floor and rest your lower back on the matt.
   You can also use a sofa to rest your legs and feet, instead of the floor if you feel any strain.
   
   Roll over pose. In Pilates. Same pose here but toes do not touch the floor. This pose brings flexibility to the spine and gives strength to the legs and abdominal muscles. This pose is an inversion.
3. Downward Dog. In Yoga. Come onto all fours (table top pose) Curling your toes under, begin to lift your knees and begin to bring your chest towards your knees. Now, begin to straighten legs as you press heels to the floor. Relax your head and neck. Hold and breathe. If you need to walk your legs back a bit, do so. This pose strengthens spine, shoulders, legs and back. It is an inversion.
   
   Snake pose. In Pilates. Similar pose but you are on your toes, you are not pressing heels to the floor. Reach one arm out, hold and breath. repeat with the other arm.
   
   To release this pose, slowly take knees to the floor, relax your feet and come into child pose. bring butt all the way back to your heels, rest arms to your sides and rest head and neck.
4. Boat pose. In Yoga. Sitting with your legs stretched out in front of you, spine lifted. Now begin to walk your heels in. Extend both legs up and out in front of you. Stretch arms out as well. Hold here and breath. if you find that you are hunching over, take a blanket and sit on the edge, this will bring more comfort in your back as it creates more range. In this pose, both arms and legs are all the way out and lifted. Your spine is straight as you are creating a "v" position.
   
   Half seated Boat. In Pilates. This is where you use a lot more of your abdominal muscles than in full boat. Similar but you are pointing your toes and you are only lifting your legs half way up giving your abdominal a deeper stretch. It also reduces the work in the lower back.

Tips & Warnings

• • Yoga postures, especially inversions and those that compress the abdomen, should not be done on a full stomach. Listen to your body—if you practice too soon after eating or drinking, certain poses will feel uncomfortable.
• • It’s best to practice yoga asanas barefoot, using a yoga mat or nonslip surface for standing poses. A mat, rug, or folded yoga blanket will provide firm padding for other asanas.
• • Wear comfortable clothing, something that allows you to move freely.
• • Ideally, the room should be well ventilated. Have enough space to extend your arms and legs in all directions without hitting anything.
• • Concentrate on the feeling that the posture is producing in your body.
• • If you feel too weak or shaky in a pose, come out of it. Eventually and gradually, you will build up your strength and be able to hold the pose longer.
• • Don't go beyond your personal limitations, but extend your boundaries gently.
• Do not forget to breathe. Deep inhalations, Long exhalations.