The Great Debate: Yoga or Pilates for Weight Loss?
What a dilemma. Yoga or Pilates?
They’re both easy on your joints, perfect for folks who are normally sedentary. They both provide a good stretch.
With Pilates, Barre, yoga, PiYo and all kinds of other similar classes, it’s no wonder you have a hard time choosing which is best for your weight loss goals!
So what’s the difference between Pilates and yoga and which one is better for dropping pounds, toning, and strengthening?
Well, that’s the thing.
The answer is both. Which is why I chose to teach a Yoga and Pilates Fusion class on myYogaTeacher! My intermediate-level class is the perfect mix of yoga and Pilates for weight loss.
But let’s talk about these two practices and how they differ!
Benefits of Pilates
Originally called “Contrology,” Pilates is a form of exercise created in the 20th century by Joseph Pilates. Mostly, it was used as rehabilitation of wounded soldiers at the end of World War I and beyond.
Pilates consists of a group or sequence of repeated anaerobic exercises performed on a mat or other equipment.
Despite what you may have heard, Pilates isn’t just for the serious athlete or professional dancer (or the injured soldier)! It is for everyone.
Pilates promotes:
- Improved core strength.
- Better posture and balance.
- Increased flexibility.
- Relief of back pain.
- Injury prevention.
Sound familiar? Of course, it does!
That’s because yoga also has these benefits.
The differences between yoga and Pilates are literally small but create a big impact. Pilates focuses on small, controlled movements that build muscle and help create stability in the body. Almost all the movements are designed to engage the core and back muscles.
Where yoga focuses on using the breath to release and relax, in Pilates, you’ll use your breath to initiate a muscle contraction.
Evidence shows that a regular Pilates practice is beneficial for people suffering from arthritis, urinary incontinence, joint injuries, back pain, and even respiratory issues.
Not only that, but Pilates works with yoga to help you lose weight and be healthier!
How yoga compares to Pilates
A regular yoga practice is often used to help achieve weight loss. Yoga is a much, much older form of exercise than Pilates but still has many similarities to the newer form of movement.
For instance:
- Yoga and Pilates both require little or no equipment and can be done in fairly small spaces.
- They both emphasize belly breathing, also known as diaphragmatic breathing, and how to use it properly when exercising.
- Both forms of exercise can be easily tailored to varying fitness levels.
- They both help reduce stress and anxiety.
It makes sense that myYogaTeacher would have a class that fuses yoga and Pilates together, right?!
One big difference between Pilates and yoga, though, is that yoga is considered a form of meditation. Yes, it’s exercise. Trust me, when you’re flowing quickly through asanas, you’ll feel the sweat trickling!
But it’s also about clearing your mind and making space for inner awareness, mental clarity, and better focus. It’s about bringing harmony to your inner and outer world.
Yoga is dynamic where Pilates is controlled.
Yin and yang. They complement each other.
So Yoga or Pilates for weight loss?
We say both!
Vinyasa yoga is definitely going to burn more calories than Pilates. But Pilates is going to help you build muscle and tone in a more controlled way.
Hatha yoga, the most common form of yoga you’re probably familiar with, will give you a dynamic workout to help improve flexibility, while Pilates will help you strengthen your core and back muscles so you can do those challenging asanas better and safely.
Yoga will help your body release lymph from your muscles and organs so it can be cleansed in the lymphatic system. The muscle contractions from Pilates will help pump the lymph to all the right places. Both forms of exercise help with immunity and lymphatic system cleansing.
They both help you release stress and anxiety, which will promote better eating habits. And they both are very safe forms of exercise, even for people with injuries!
To me, there is no debate!
Pilates and yoga work together to help you achieve your weight loss goals!
You can see for yourself! Click here to get your free trial today! You’ll have the ability to try out any of the 35+ daily live classes offered there. Including mine!
Yoga and Pilates Fusion combines the best of both forms of meditative exercise in a way that promotes weight loss, immune health, flexibility, and toning. You can learn more about my class when you click the link. You’ll burn some calories in this dynamic, flowing class! I promise!
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{"slug":"yoga-and-pilates-fusion","recentPosts":[{"id":"cl8kb5f23jq1w0ciscs2h2bxw","slug":"benefits-of-yoga-for-pregnancy","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"What are the Benefits of Yoga for Pregnancy?","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga for Pregnancy is excellent for stress relief, pain relief, and preparation for labor. Read more to understand the benefits of Yoga for Pregnancy","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-27T14:42:36.767798+00:00","coverUrl":"kvvlqndsbow5dsckhw7i.jpg","content":{"text":"When you get pregnant, people come out of the woodworks with advice, remedies and old wives tales. Everyone’s got an opinion on how you should spend your pregnancy. But the one thing we know for sure is, yoga is great for mom and baby alike. If you’re curious about prenatal yoga, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down why this type of yoga is excellent for moms (and babies).\\nWhat is prenatal yoga?\\nPrenatal yoga was designed for women who are expecting. Rather than taking a regular class and having to worry about modifications or safety, this class is specifically designed for pregnancy. The practice can help women with common pregnancy aches and pains, ease hormonal and emotional stress and help women’s bodies prepare for birth and their postpartum journey. A regular yoga practice when pregnant has tons of amazing benefits!\\nBenefits of Prenatal yoga: \\nWe asked women who’ve done prenatal yoga while pregnant for their reviews, one said “ It’s excellent for stress relief, pain relief, and preparation for labor.” And they all said they’d recommend it to friends! \\nSo let's break down the benefits: \\nRelaxation : \\nPregnancy can be very stressful! But yoga will help you to relax physically, mentally and emotionally and create a safe, relaxing environment for birth. Prenatal helps you with coping and breath techniques for all stages of your pregnancy.\n\\nPreparation for birth : \\nFor first time moms, and even sometimes vets, labor can be scary. This practice will help you to learn birth techniques so you’re relaxed and ready to go!\n\\nYoga can Help with Labor : \\nIn a 2015 study\\n, It was found that a regular yoga practice in the last 10-12 weeks of pregnancy can improve the mother's comfort during labor and help facilitate the labor process. The “yoga group” in this study on average was in labor two hours less than those who didn’t practice. Past your due date? Prenatal Yoga is also known to help induce labor\n\\nCommunity : \\nYoga classes have always been known to help us build community but during pregnancy, it's so important to have a group of women who understand what you’re going through. Taking part in a prenatal class puts you in a group of women who get it. You’ll have a built in support system and maybe even first friends for your baby!\\nFrequently Asked Questions about Prenatal Yoga:\\nIs Yoga for Pregnancy safe?\\nYes. Yoga is generally considered safe during pregnancy. However, you should always consult your doctor & make sure you’re practicing with a teacher who understands the prenatal experience and can keep you safe. Our teachers are experts in yoga and are ready to help you on your journey. If you’d like to check out our offerings, you can get started today with a two week free trial! \\nWhen during pregnancy can you practice yoga?\\nDuring your first trimester, you can stick to your regular practice with some modifications. \\nYour second trimester is a GREAT time to start prenatal yoga! At this point, you’ll be starting to officially come into your “pregnancy body” and you’ll need to be practicing poses more specific to prenatal. The second and third trimester are considered the “prep period” for your body to prepare for labor. So it's a great time to keep moving and stretching in your new skin as you make room for the baby to grow! \\nWhat yoga poses should you avoid doing? \\nFor the most part, yoga is considered safe during pregnancy. You really only need to focus on any poses that put pressure on your abdomen. You should avoid any and all twisting poses, backbends and inversions.. \\nYoga for Pregnancy Poses you can perform at Home :\\nIt’s important to stay active during your pregnancy for both mom and baby! You should try to get in some sort of movement daily for at least 30 minutes. You can stick to low impact workouts or walks but if you want to do some yoga at home, it’s a great way to end your day. Yoga while pregnant can help with pain, help you sleep better and fight tiredness and fatigue. \\nHere are some poses you can practice at home to keep you moving! And as a bonus, most of these poses will also help your body prepare for giving birth!\\n1. Bound angle pose (Baddha Konasana) :\\n\\nBaddha Konasana pose will help you open your hips, releasing any pain in your back. It can also help to reduce swelling\\nHow it helps with labor: Opening the hips will help you to stretch the muscles needed to open the birth canal.\\n2. Cat-cow pose (Marjaryasana Bitilasana) :\\n\\nMarjaryasana Bitilasana pose release back and shoulder pain and also reduce pressure from the belly\\nHow it helps with labor: Back pain is a common occurrence during the birth process. This pose will help to keep your muscles limber and help to avoid muscle spasms and pain in your back during labor. \\n3. Yogi squat (Malasana) :\\n\\n\\nBeen sitting too long\\n? This is a great hip opener and will also release lower back pain. \\nHow it helps with labor: This pose will widen the pelvic floor making the birth easier,which may help to reduce injury during birth.\\nRemember, if you’re practicing at home, it’s always best to consult your doctor and make sure yoga is safe for your pregnancy.\\n\\nOther ways to practice self-care during pregnancy\\nBeing a mom is the hardest job in the world. And there are no days off. Starting with pregnancy, we feel out of control of our body, its growth and the way we feel. Remember to take time during this beautiful process to practice self-care so you can be present, happy and relaxed. \\nBook a prenatal massage :\n\nA prenatal massage is GREAT for mom and baby. It can help reduce stress and swelling without meds, help you to sleep and get your body ready for labor and delivery. \n \\nTake a bath :\n\nTaking a warm bath while pregnant can also help to reduce stress and lower your blood pressure. It’s a great way to relax and rest your growing body. If you’re feeling pain or swelling, it can be very beneficial to relax in a warm bath. \n\\n\\nAyurveda for Pregnancy :\\n\n\nThis week, MyYogaTeacher has a special Ayurveda event running where you’ll learn how to align with your best self through nutrition and health changes. This specific class is designed to help you have your most healthy pregnancy with nutrition guidelines for a mom and foods to help with baby's development! \\n\nYou can also choose to work 1 on 1 with an instructor of your choice through your MyYogaTeacher membership! Let us help you have your healthiest pregnancy possible! \\n\\nGet started today!\\n"},"category":[]},{"id":"cl8ka13l4ionz0ck2fe0pme7l","slug":"chronic-neck-pain-relief-yoga-poses","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Are you suffering with Chronic Neck Pain? 10 yoga poses to find relief!","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":null,"readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-27T14:11:15.683866+00:00","coverUrl":"rbh6duxy7hy3y207sg1c.jpg","content":{"text":"Do you suffer from chronic neck pain? Nearly 30-50% of adults suffer from recurring neck pain. \\nNeck pain can be a common occurrence for people who:\\nhave long commutes or sit at a desk all day\\nwho have issues with posture \\nwho have chronic sleep issues\\nOur neck and shoulders can also be a place where we may carry tension or pain due to stress. In any case, the good news is yoga can help you to relieve your neck pain and move on symptom free! \\nDaily changes you can make to avoid neck pain\\nStay in alignment. Keep good posture and try not to carry heavy bags on one side of your body. Also, if you sit at a desk and work on a computer, move your monitor to eye-sight so you’re not looking up or down. Need help finding your center? \\nWe can help here at MyYogaTeacher! \\n\\nStay active! It’s important to stay mobilized. If you sit all day, take breaks to move around and give your body a break from being stuck in one position. Can’t take breaks at work? Try to go for a walk on lunch or maybe before or after your workday. \\nCheck your sleep environment. Make sure your mattress and pillows are still in good shape. Look into the best pillows for your sleep type or body. Getting quality sleep will help you avoid tossing and turning and can be your remedy to wake pain free. \\nIf you’re feeling like you need to move, starting with any slower yoga practice will help! Yin, hatha and restorative classes will all leave your body feeling relaxed, renewed and free of pain. Want to flow on your own? Here are our top ten poses to try! \\n10 Yoga Poses to relieve Chronic Neck Pain :\\n1. Easy seat with ear to shoulder stretch\\nThis pose releases your neck and shoulders and helps relieve tension and stress.\\nStart by sitting with your legs crossed and a straight back. Shoulders down. Bring your ear down to your shoulder. To deepen the stretch, bring your opposite arm overhead. \\n\\n\\n\\n2. Child’s Pose\\nReleases tension in the upper body including the neck and chest.\\nBring your knees as wide as the mat and sit into your heels. You can bring your chest to the mat and extend your arms forward or come to rest on a pillow or bolster. Try to hold this pose for up to 5 breaths. \\n\\n\\n\\n3. Downward facing dog\\nHelps to relieve neck pain by strengthening the upper body and releasing the spine. \\nStart by coming onto all fours. Check your alignment- make sure your shoulders are over your wrist, and your hips over your knees. Without changing the position of your hands and feet, push up and back to bring your heels into the ground. Relax your head, neck and shoulders down. \\n\\n\\n\\n4. Bridge Pose\\nReleases chest, neck, spine and hips.\\nLay down on your mat, bring your feet as close to your glutes as possible. Bring your hands to the sides of your body palms down. Push into the feet and hands while you lift your core and back to the ceiling. Try to relax and breathe here. \\n\\n\\n\\n5. Wide Leg forward fold\\nReleases spine, neck and back. If you’re in pain perform this stretch slowly, and come up one vertebrae at a time. \\nBring your feet as wide as you can, feet facing forward. Hinge at the hips and slowly bend forward and down towards your feet. You can hang here or grab yogi toe lock around your big toe. \\n\\n\\n\\n6. Cow face pose\\nStrengthens core and spine.\\nSit up tall and stack your knees directly over one another. Reach one arm back around your waist and one arm over your shoulder with your palms reaching towards one another. If you can, clasp your hands. If not, rest them on your back, you will still benefit from the pose. \\n\\n\\n\\n7. Sphinx pose\\nThis pose will help to physically open up the shoulders and neck. Looking side to side slowly is a great addition to the pose. \\nLie on your stomach and bring your hands next to your chest facing down. On your inhale press into the ground and lift your upper body. \\n\\n\\n\\n8. Thread the Needle \\nIncreases mobility and releases tension in the upper body. \\nCome on to all fours. Check your alignment, make sure your hips are over your knees, shoulders over your wrist. Reach one arm out to the side and thread it through the opposite side under your ribs. You can stay here or open up the opposite side by reaching the hand to the back or straight up and over. Make sure to do both sides. \\n\\n\\n\\n9. Legs up the wall\\nReleases tension and stress from the upper body by reversing blood flow. \\nFind a wall near your practice space and sit next to the wall as close as possible. Lower your head, neck and shoulders onto your mat, then roll onto your back and stretch your legs up the wall. You can stay in this restorative pose for up to 10 minutes. \\n\\n\\n\\n10. Savasana\\nSavasana releases any stress, lowers heart rate and calms the body. \\nCome onto your back on your mat, and release your body down. This is known as corpse pose because it is a full and final rest at the end of our practice. Release and let go of any and all tension. \\n\\n\\n\\nClasses to help relieve neck pain \\n\\nYoga fusion for joints \\n- This class will help you roll out your joint pain and stretch your tight limbs and joints. \\n\\nYoga for Back Pain\\n - Sometimes, neck pain can be caused by tightness in the spine. Experts say yoga helps soothe muscle pains. Try this class to strengthen and lengthen your neck and back for pain relief! \\n\\nYoga for Neck and Shoulder Pain\\n - Do you sit all day at work? Struggle with your posture? This class will help relieve upper body tension. \\n\nSo if you’re ready to make your neck pain a thing of the past, join us today. Our trial includes two free weeks of group fitness classes, one on one classes and so much more! \\nGet started on your yoga journey now!\\n"},"category":["yoga_poses"]},{"id":"cl8cuq5nnh5860biyek2vhu2w","slug":"reproductive-rights-for-women-yoga-workshop","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop - Supporting Women Through Yoga","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":null,"readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-22T09:28:27.679552+00:00","coverUrl":"dkjwcigamkavxe0yziwq.jpg","content":{"text":"Announcing MyYogaTeacher’s first ever Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop!\\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, we believe in the wisdom of women to make their own choices about their health. \\n\\nThat’s why we’re excited to offer the\\n Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop on October 2 from 9 AM - 11 AM PST (12 PM - 2 PM EST) for only $10!\\nIn the past, our community events have been free. So why are we charging a nominal fee for this one?\\nBecause ALL proceeds from the Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop go to support the \\nCenter for Reproductive Rights\\n charity, a nonprofit organization, the \\nonly\\n global legal advocacy organization dedicated to advancing reproductive rights.\\nIn the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe vs Wade and on the day before the new term of the Supreme Court begins, we think this workshop is a perfect way to silently protest this new ruling through self-care and donations to an organization like the Center for Reproductive Rights.\\nThis will also be a time of healing and processing with a couple of awesome expert yoga instructors!\\nHow to join the Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop\\nWhether you’re a member or not, \\nJust click this link and register \\nas you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\nIntroducing a very special guest yoga instructor coming just for this event!\n\\nMeet Harpinder Mann, RYT-500!\\n\\n\n\\nHarpinder is a yoga, meditation, mindfulness teacher, and decolonizing activist based in Los Angeles. She works with women of color who want to reclaim their power and intuition through the lens of a spiritual, joyful, and sustainable path. Her studies have spanned from reading the Japji Sahib since she was 3, to over 700 hours of yogic training within the traditions of Raja, Vinyasa, Kundalini, and Prenatal Yoga. \\nWe’re super excited to have her lead the beginning of the workshop. Afterwards, MyYogaTeacher yoga instructor, \\nTrupti Parikh\\n, will lead us in asanas, and a discussion session will follow.\\nAre you ready to experience a workshop where we solely focus on supporting and advocating for women’s health \\nwhile\\n improving our mental, emotional, and physical health?\\n\\nJoin us for the Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop!\\n\\nTogether, we make a difference."},"category":["workshops"]},{"id":"cl8a9804vy5de0biznpg4ai2t","slug":"yoga-benefits-for-runners","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga For Runners : Why Runners Should Incorporate Yoga Into Their Training?","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Adopting an active yoga practice to complement your running routine can have tons of benefits! Read now to learn more","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-20T13:50:56.406936+00:00","coverUrl":"tbdacuzob0fuqml8dyjd.jpg","content":{"text":"Training for a big race? Setting some goals you want to crush before the year ends? No matter what your reasons, yoga can be a great way to cross train for running from a 5k to a marathon! Running is great for your heart and body but can also be a huge strain on the muscles. Having an active yoga practice to complement your running routine can have tons of benefits! Let’s dive into how yoga can help!\\n1. Breathing\\nProper breathing and breath stabilization are both incredibly important principles in Yoga and Running. If you can practice proper breathing while running, you can maintain speed longer because you will take long deeper breaths to match your long strides, instead of short breaths which cause instability and speed decline.\\nPracticing Pranayama for runners - \\nAdding a pranayama breath practice before a run can help you to maintain focus as well as speed. Even if running is a release for you, and feels relaxing, Using breathwork to relax and focus can help you clearly see the physical and mental road ahead. Pranayama can also help if things are going off course on your run. If you need to regain control, you can come back to your breath and refocus. With these practices together, your run really can be a religious experience, or a way to relieve stress! \\nTo start a pranayama practice, all you need to do is focus on controlling your inhale and exhale. Start by standing tall and relaxed, or sitting tall and calm if you prefer. Close your eyes and focus inward. Start by breathing in for two and out for two. As you continue to grow your practice, you can build up to breathing in for six and out for six. You can even play with pausing for two to four breaths in between your inhale and exhale. When you finally build a practice you’re confident with, you can start to set intentions and visualize your success. With this practice, you’ll begin to see your running dreams come true!\\n\\n2. Flexibility/Strength\\nIt would be great if in life, we only ever needed to do one thing to get to our goals. But in reality,just like we can’t have cookies for every meal, cross training for runners is essential to maintaining a long term healthy routine. While you could easily just add weight training or stretching a la cart into your week, yoga gives you more by going deeper and getting into those smaller, harder to access ligaments and tendons you might otherwise miss with strength training . Adding yoga into your running routine can reduce the risk of injury and help to maintain your goals. The more flexible your muscles are, the less likely they are to tense up or be stressed during running so you can move with more confidence and ease. Not to mention, it’s always great to look forward to a nice long stretch after a run. \\n\n3. Conditioning \\nWe all know running is GREAT for your cardiovascular health, can add years on to your life and keep your heart pumping at its best! But it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a veteran, running can make your body sore. Yoga is great for conditioning those tired and fatigued muscles without having to “take a day off” to rest. In between your runs or on conditioning days, you can take a class focused on your back or knee health, or even a class to open tight hips after a long run. There’s nothing the magic of yoga can’t do! \\n\n4. Balance/Posture\\nEven though running is a “walk in the park” compared to ballet where balance is concerned, you still need to do your best to focus on alignment while you move.\\nYoga can improve your running form by elongating the limbs so you cover more ground in less time. You'll be PR’ing in no time! Proper alignment is also important when running because as you increase your speed, the level of impact (and injury) becomes greater. Maintaining your body's alignment during movement assures you arrive at the finish line aliment free! Love a tree pose? Want to learn to fly into a warrior? Lots of yoga poses force you to balance on one leg, which helps you to build a unilateral movement practice much like the ebbs and flows you take while running. \\n5. Stress and Mental Clarity\\nFeeling stressed before a big run? Worried about your PR? Yoga can help! Focus your breathing and set an intention. You’ve got this!\\nFocus and clarity are so important when running so you can know where you’re headed and stay on track. Add your yoga practice in before training or race days and you’ll feel your worries melt away. According to scientists at \\nHarvard,\\n adding just minutes of yoga to your week can improve your outlook, slow down the body and decrease stress. You’ll find your body will be more relaxed, focused and ready to run for those goals when you release your tension with yoga. \\nGetting started:\\nSo what do you need to get started? Simple! Yourself, a mat, some water and a quiet space are all you need! Are you ready to add yoga into your running routine? \\nGet started with a two week free trial of our classes and one on one sessions!\\n\\nLet’s figure out where your yoga practice would serve you best! \\nDoing yoga BEFORE your run will help you to warm up your muscles and ligaments. By fully warming up your body before you hit the pavement, you decrease the chances of injury, help with an easier recovery and can improve your PR as you continue to train! \\nBest Yoga Poses to practice before a run :\\nHigh Lunge - This pose stretches the legs from top of the thighs down to the ankle\\n\\nWarrior II - Helps with focus and stamina. Great before heading out!\\n\\nSide angle bend - This stretch helps to stretch the side body and release any tension in the shoulders and spine. \\n\\nPrefer to do yoga after your run? That’s a great option too! Yoga is great for recovery after a run! Finishing your running routine with a yoga stretch helps you to rebalance. You can stretch muscles or limbs that became tight during your run and strengthen anything that may have become fatigued. You can also refocus and deepen your breath to reset for the next part of your day. \\nBest Yoga Poses to practice after a run :\\nButterfly Pose - a basic hip opener to ease into your stretch\\n\\nHalf Pigeon - A great pose for multiple alignments! Working through the psoas and hip flexors. Make sure to practice on both sides.\\n\\nHappy Baby - This pose is great for finishing up your hip opener extension while giving a nice massage to the back and stretching the soles of the feet.\\n\\nWant to take a class? Try some of our favorite classes for runners!\\n\\nYoga for Strength and flexibility \\n\\n\\nYoga for Knee Pain\\n\\n\\nYoga for Back health\\n\\nReady to join us for class? \\nGet started with a free trial now! \\n\\nRemember, with a great training plan for your runs, and an ongoing yoga practice you’ll be ready to run to your greatest finish line feeling and looking your best! Just like peanut butter and jelly, yoga and running are great together!"},"category":["fitness","yoga"]},{"id":"cl81n0o6wh1g80ajz2gpco553","slug":"yoga-at-home","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"How to Start Doing Yoga at Home","subTitle":"Everything you need to know for an at-home yoga routine","seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Get a beginner’s guide to starting yoga at home with tips and suggestions for setting up your own practice, including online yoga classes and private lessons.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn how to perform yoga at home with this quick and easy guide","tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-14T13:07:13.39269+00:00","coverUrl":"cqivxw3vkrcihpumlny7.jpg","content":{"text":"There are lots of reasons for doing yoga at home instead of a yoga studio, some of which include distance, busy schedules, kids, financial concerns, and health issues. The good news is you can set up your own yoga practice at home, and still get all the benefits of a regular yoga routine — without the studio. It can also be a great way to integrate yoga into your life on a regular basis, and it’s easy to do in your own home.\\nCan Anyone do Yoga at Home?\\nAnyone can perform yoga at home, and you don’t have to be an advanced yogi to try. Even beginners can practice yoga in a home environment, all you need is adequate floor space, a few (optional) pieces of equipment, and guidelines for practicing the primary yoga poses. \\nIf you’re a beginner, it’s recommended to first learn from a certified yoga instructor, so you can progress with the proper technique and alignment to avoid injury. Thanks to online learning platforms like\\n MyYogaTeacher\\n, you can still practice yoga at home with the help of a qualified teacher.\\n11 Tips on How to Perform Yoga At Home\\nThe idea of starting a yoga practice in your very own living room can seem daunting or intimidating at first, especially if you’re accustomed to attending classes in a yoga studio. But with a little bit of preparation and creativity, you can set up your own yoga space and develop a mindful yoga routine that can benefit your life.\\nHere are some suggestions to help get you started:\\n1. Make Space in Your Home for Yoga\\nIt’s easy (and fun) to make your own yoga space, and you can design it as a temporary space or a dedicated one, depending on your needs. All you need is enough floor space to move around and stretch out the full length of your body — a little more than the length and width of your yoga mat. This can be your living or bedroom floor, your kitchen, or your backyard. Just make sure there isn’t any furniture or objects lying around that could get in your way or cause injury.\\n2. Decorate With Calming Accessories\\nYou can also create a comfortable and inviting space for yoga by hanging calming or inspiring artwork on the wall, lighting a candle or incense, and keeping a few house plants nearby for a pleasing atmosphere. The more you can tailor and dedicate your space for yoga, the easier it will be to motivate yourself to keep up a steady routine. Hanging a mirror in front of your practice space is also helpful in maintaining the correct alignment while performing postures.\\n3. Be Prepared With the Right Equipment\\n\\nYou’ll want to invest in a yoga mat, and it’s wise to also keep modifying props on hand — like blocks, bolsters, blankets, and a strap. If you’re just starting out and you’d like to improvise for props, you can use pillows, blankets, and other items around the house to suit your needs. Just make sure your props are sturdy, supportive, and nearby for when you need them.\\n4. Practice Regularly\\nThe best part about practicing yoga at home is it can be done any time you want. The challenge lies in your dedication and commitment to the practice even when your couch appears more inviting.\\n \\nAccording to this study\\n, it can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days to create a new habit. It’s important to be patient with yourself and identify guidelines for your practice that you can realistically follow through with. \\n5. Schedule Your Yoga Session\\nSet yourself up for success by committing to your yoga practice at a certain time of day, and for a specified number of days per week. It’s best to start out easy with goals that are achievable and progress as you gain momentum. For instance, if you’ve never been an early riser, don’t expect yourself to suddenly start practicing yoga at dawn. If that’s the case, try scheduling your yoga session for late morning, afternoon or evening, and keep your existing schedule in mind when planning a time that works for you.\\n6. Keep it Simple\\nRegardless of your experience or ability level, practicing yoga at home means watching out for your own safety. Make sure you have props handy for when you need them, and avoid overdoing it with strenuous poses. When it doubt, keep your routine simple. Even if you’re an advanced yogi, those basic, primary yoga poses are still an important part of a holistic yoga practice, and may be less likely to cause injury.\\n7. Listen to Your Body\\nThe best way to avoid getting hurt while practicing yoga at home is to listen to your body. If any posture causes you discomfort or pain, stop practicing it immediately — no matter how easy or difficult the pose. Don’t push yourself too hard, and remember to focus on your alignment. If you are unsure of how to execute a specific pose, try learning it from a certified instructor before performing it on your own at home.\\n8. Take an Online Yoga Class\\n\\nBy far the best way to practice yoga at home is with an online class. This way, you get all the benefits of doing yoga at home in your own time, with the added help of an instructor who can make sure you’re performing poses safely and effectively. You can find\\n online group classes\\n for every type of yoga at\\n MyYogaTeacher\\n, with over 42 classes offered throughout the day. Private, 1-on-1 instructors are also available for at-home yoga, giving you plenty of options to get the right kind of training while still practicing in the comfort of your own home.\\n9. Squeeze in a Short Practice\\nThe beauty of an at-home yoga practice means you can squeeze in a quick session when you just have 20-30 minutes of time. Even short yoga routines are beneficial for your body and mind, and performing a few of the primary yoga poses on a daily basis will change your life for the better. Try incorporating the Sun Salutation flow series into your morning routine when you first get out of bed in the morning, or practicing some relaxing poses like Legs-Up-The-Wall or Savasana in the evening. \\n10. Switch it Up and Make it Fun\\nYoga doesn’t always have to be serious, and you can make your home yoga practice fun and spontaneous for you and your family. Practicing with your kids is a great way to help them learn mindfulness and self-awareness, while stretching and strengthening their growing bodies. You can also take your practice to the backyard to enjoy sunshine and good weather, or invite friends over to share in the experience. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box!\\n11. End Every Practice With Savasana\\nWhen practicing yoga at home, it can be tempting to skip important parts of the journey due to time constraints, distractions, or disinterest. If there is one element of yoga you should never skip, it’s Savasana, or otherwise known as Corpse pose. Always end your practice with 5 minutes of relaxation to help your body integrate the routine. Keep a blanket nearby to warm your body after it has cooled down, and consider an eye pillow to help you relax. Your body and mind will thank you as you move on to the rest of your day, having given yourself the gift of healthy movement to better your life."},"category":["yoga","therapy"]}],"randomPosts":[{"id":"ckfqxov60014x0178pen9w4xk","slug":"why-i-started-myyogateacher","author":{"name":"Jitendra","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":"jitendra1.png"},"title":"Why we started myYogaTeacher","createdAt":"2020-01-18T00:00:00+00:00","coverUrl":"image-1_37.png","content":{"text":"\\n\\n\\nHaving started 3 companies, I believe, there are two kinds of startup ideas.\\n\\nFirst, there are ideas that make intellectual sense – I mean ideas where you can think of a need, talk to customers and imagine a way to deliver a service in an economically viable fashion to address that need.\\n\\nBut myYogaTeacher is the second kind of idea. The ideas where you personally feel the need. These are ideas where you feel a sense of \\nmission\\n and you are compelled to pursue them because you feel that the universe and your entire life has been building up for you to bring the idea to reality.\\n\\nYou see – My name – Jitendra – is derived from Sanskrit and it means “one who has control of his senses.” For the most part, I felt I lived up to this but while running my previous startup I found myself miserable and losing control.\\n\\nOn the outside, I had it all together. I owned successful companies, had tons of friends and a great family. I had everything I wanted and worked so hard for … but despite all of that, I had thoughts running like trains in my head I could not control, I was not sleeping well, not exercising enough, counting the days to my next break and feeling like there was more to life. There was something that I was missing. You know what I mean?\\n\\nI felt sad and depressed pretty much every day. My eating habits were terrible and all my efforts to improve fell flat. My mind circled in unhealthy thought patterns that I just couldn’t stop.\\n\\nI didn’t feel good in my body, I didn’t feel good in my mind, and I didn’t feel good in my life.\\n\\nNow, I’m originally from India. Of course I had heard about Yoga since I was a child. Even here in America, Yoga is a big deal. A regular \\nYoga practice\\n creates peace, drastically increases health and well-being and can even help you to lose weight.\\n\\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\n\\nThese were all the things I desperately needed.\\n\\nBut, despite knowing all that, I didn’t want to go to a yoga studio! I was out of shape, totally inflexible and just plain self-conscious.\\n\\nMy old friend, who lived in India and practiced Yoga everyday, said the best way to learn yoga was the classic Guru–shishya relationship that has been passed down for generations. To put this in modern terms (and to pass on the outdated “guru” idea), this meant having a connection with a teacher to learn from directly. A teacher who could get to know me and my unique struggles. My friend offered to find someone for me and I agreed.\\n\\nHe delivered!!!\\n\\nHe found me Pranjal, a yoga teacher with 8 years of teaching experience and 1,600 hours of certified teacher training! Yes, you read that correctly – a whopping 1,600 hours of training.\\n\\nBut, she lived in Pune, India and I was in California! So we decided to try practicing through video calls.\\n\\nI was skeptical – Yoga is a physical thing! Was she going to see me well? Would she be able to tell how I was doing and give me the guidance I needed? I was just starting out and was going to need A LOT of help.\\n\\nBut Pranjal was amazing!\\n\\nShe helped me build the strength and \\nflexibility\\n to perform the postures really well. She guided me towards realistic goals. I could feel and notice the improvement in each session.\\n\\nThe flexibility, strength and ability to meet challenging postures in my yoga practice was spilling into my mental health as well.\\n\\nI was happier, calmer and able to make healthier decisions (and stick to them). I was losing weight and the stress from building my businesses practically vanished. I still get stressed but I don’t take it home with me.\\n\\nAfter a few months, I felt ready to go practice in a yoga studio…\\n\\nWhat. A. Disappointment!!!\\n\\nAfter all the 1-on-1 personal attention I was getting from Pranjal, it was a bitter experience to finally feel ready to practice in public. The teacher had no time to focus on me.\\n\\nYeah, she would do (MAYBE) one correction during the class. But nothing more. She didn’t KNOW my body the way Pranjal did. She didn’t help me to set goals or work toward them. She didn’t change the pace of the class when I felt ready to\\n\\nIn the group classes, I was just another one of 30 people the teacher needed to keep track of.\\n\\nAfter a few classes of that, I sprinted back to Pranjal!\\n\\nBut something was off…with all my tech skills and entrepreneurial spirit, I needed to share this with other people. I knew there were tons of people too busy to go to a studio, too shy to practice in front of others. People who need and want the 1-on-1 personal attention that will help them to progress, heal, and grow fast!\\n\\nI knew there were so many people out there ready and waiting for yoga to transform their lives.\\n\\nWith a team of amazing people, I started myYogaTeacher to improve physical and mental well being of the entire planet. To help empower you to take positive steps forward in your life. And even to heal the symptoms of pain and illness that we’ve seen yoga heal.\\n\\nSound’s big, doesn’t it?\\n\\nIt’s a bold mission, but I also know that our teachers have the power to make it a reality for every one of our students. So I brought together a team of awesome engineers to start working on myYogaTeacher.\\n\\nBut, most importantly, I hired a group of scouts in India to find the best yoga teachers in the country.\\n\\nAfter 8 months of hard work, it’s time for the big test! We launched recently and I am so excited to see this venture grow. I value all of my businesses, but helping people improve their physical and mental health through a personal connection to one of the best \\nYoga teachers\\n of the East is close to my heart.\\n\\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\\n\\nI genuinely hope you try and enjoy your time with myYogaTeacher. We would sincerely love to hear from you. Email us, call us or chat with us through the app.\\n\\nYour friends in growth, health and wellbeing!\\n"}},{"id":"cknabgsso4cxb0c80ev4250xl","slug":"yoga-for-skin-and-hair","author":{"name":"Rashika","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"Grow and Glow: 4 Ways Yoga Helps Your Skin and Hair","createdAt":"2021-04-09T12:59:57.071033+00:00","coverUrl":"cknabgsso4cxb0c80ev4250xl.jpg","content":{"text":"You know you’re at least a tiny bit jelly of that one person who has the most amazing hair and perfect skin. Or maybe you are that person already! (Good for you!)\\n\\nFor many people, growing a thick, healthy mane of hair they’re proud of is hard. Like, really hard! Not everyone is fortunate enough to be blessed with beautiful hair and skin. Sometimes we have one but not the other, right?\\n\\nThe fact is no one’s perfect. And that’s, of course, beautiful in and of itself! \\n\\nBut we’re here to tell you a regular yoga practice helps you have healthy hair and skin. I talk more about this in my \\nYoga for Healthy Hair and Skin Class \\non myYogaTeacher, so if you’re still interested after reading this, hop on over and check it out!\\n\\nNot a MYT member? That’s ok too! \\nGrab your MyYogaTeacher 2-week free trial here\\n and get access to my class and tons of others here. \\n\\nIn the meantime, let’s go over some ways yoga promotes healthy skin and hair!\\n\\n\\n1. Breath is life\\n\\nIf you’re not a yogi or you’re a new yogi, you’ve maybe taken advantage of the fact that you breathe. Unconsciously. \\n\\nBreathing comes naturally. But the quality of your breath does not.\\n\\nWhen you’re stressed, anxious, depressed, or angry, your breathing changes. Some people hold their breath without even realizing it. You may take shorter breaths, faster or more shallow breaths. This reduces the amount of oxygen flowing through your body to your muscles and...you guessed it, your skin.\\n\\nYour skin is your body’s largest organ! Getting enough oxygen to your skin and hair follicles is important for healthy skin and hair.\\n\\nA regular yoga practice includes conscious breathwork. Deep, intentional breathing, belly breathing, is a major component of circulating more oxygen throughout your body.\\n\\nBreathwork also reduces stress, anxiety and helps calm your nervous system so that you will unconsciously breathe better!\\n\\nSpeaking of circulation…\\n\\n\\n2. Yoga increases blood flow\\n\\nThis may seem obvious to you, especially during that fast-paced hatha yoga flow. You know when the sweat struggle is real and your muscles are on fire.\\n\\nBut there are specific yoga poses that increase blood flow to the scalp and skin. And better and more circulation of blood means more nutrients are being brought to those areas. Here are some poses I focus on in my Yoga for Healthy Hair and Skin Class:\\n\\nDownward facing dog.\\n Any time your head is below your heart, gravity draws more blood down towards your scalp.\\nCamel pose.\\n This pose is great if you’re struggling with acne because it helps balance cortisol hormones.\\nStanding forward bend.\\n Another good pose to promote healthy hair and scalp.\\nHeadstand or shoulder stand\\n. Even if you’re unable to fully do these, the modifications for them still promote healthy skin and hair since they are inversion poses\\n\\nThere are many inversion asanas that help bring more blood flow to skin and scalp, particularly facial skin, which is where many people struggle with acne.\\n\\nWe cover most of these poses in my class!\\n\\n\\n3. Better digestion, better skin and hair\\n\\nYou’ve no doubt heard about how a healthy gut biome affects your health in almost every way – brain function, immunity, organ function and heart health. But did you know that a healthy digestive cycle also improves those things?\\n\\nYour digestive system plays a huge role in healthy skin and hair as well. Your digestive tract absorbs nutrients from the food you eat, and then those nutrients are distributed to the various different tissues in your body, including your skin.\\n\\nIf your digestive system isn’t on track (pun intended ;-) ) it can’t absorb the nutrients your body needs to thrive. This means your skin and hair also suffer.\\n\\nKnow what’s particularly helpful for digestion? Yes! Yoga!\\n\\nThere are waaaaaaay more poses that exist to aid digestion than we can mention here, but here are some that are perfect for every body type and any fitness level:\\n\\nSeated or reclined twists.\\n Twisting poses are particularly useful for better digestion.\\nCobra or upward facing dog.\\n Both of these poses open up the chest and stretch out the abdomen, lengthening the digestive tract.\\nCat and cow.\\n The gentle stretch and contraction of the abdominal muscles in this active asana stimulates digestion.\\nSide stretches.\\n Asanas like triangle pose, pyramid pose, and seated side stretch are also gentle poses that assist with digestion.\\n\\nNext time you overeat or ate something that didn’t agree with you, try some of these poses and see if they help. Hold each pose for 5-10 slow belly breaths for maximum benefit.\\n\\n[CTA-GC]\\n\\n4. Meditation makes a difference\\n\\nI’ve talked before about how \\nmeditation\\n affects your mental, emotional, and physical state. But you’re probably wondering how it helps your hair grow and your skin glow, right?\\n\\nInadvertently. That’s how.\\n\\nA regular meditation practice is usually a part of a regular yoga routine. At least at myYogaTeacher it is. Yoga isn’t just about the physical. The work out. It’s about creating an inner and outer world that work together for the good of all.\\n\\nWhen we meditate regularly, we stress less, worry less. We are angry less. We are happier, calmer, and more clear-headed. We’re more at peace. And when we are this way, we take better care of ourselves.\\n\\nMeditation is a part of your yoga practice that is very, very important. Because when you feel good enough to take better care of yourself, your hair and skin will show it. Whether it’s brushing your hair more often or using hair and skin products that are better for you or work better for you. Maybe you go to the salon or you finally go see a dermatologist or holistic health practitioner about your skin problems.\\n\\nEither way, yoga helps.\\n\\n\\nIf you need help in these areas, definitely try out my \\nYoga for Healthy Hair and Skin Class on myYogaTeacher!\\n I would be honored to help you move past the things in your life that are preventing you from having healthy hair and skin or things that are contributing to your bad health in general.\\n\\nIf you’re not a member of MYT yet, don’t worry! \\nYou can go here to sign up for your 2-week free trial and get access to 35+ different classes a day!\\n Try it out. I’m sure you’ll love it.\\n\\nNamaste.\\n"}},{"id":"ckk6171m80qng09252bc0eedt","slug":"what-to-look-for-in-yoga-ttc","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"7 Things To Look For in Your Next Yoga Teacher Training","createdAt":"2021-01-20T23:02:14.849663+00:00","coverUrl":"shutterstock_1661655565.jpg","content":{"text":"Community Experience\\nQuality of Teachers\\nWell rounded Curriculum\\nYoga Alliance Certification\\nSchedule & Location\\nType of TTC: 200-hr, 300-hr, 500-hr, Yoga Therapy\\nCourse Price\\n\\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\n\\nIf you want to have the best possible experience, \\nhere are 7 key-factors you should look for in your next Yoga TTC\\n.\\n\\n\\n1. Community Experience\\n\\nYou would never know this without having done a teacher training course\\n, but the community experience is one of the best (or worst) parts of a TTC.\\n\\nYou should \\nnever sign up for a TTC where you haven't connected with the community\\n. So no random residentials in Bali or taking a TTC at the local yoga studio. Not unless you've done at least a few classes there and seen if you like it.\\n\\nThe \\nlast thing you want is to spend 200 to 500 hours feeling awkward\\n around people who just aren't 'your people'!\\n\\nWhen you \\nfind a studio, retreat center, or online community you vibe with\\n, then you'll likely have an \\nincredible TTC experience\\n. You'll make life-long friends who have the same passion for personal growth, authenticity, kindness, and joy in their life!\\n\\nBut none of this is likely if you don't check out the community first. That's why at myYogaTeacher \\nyou can start off with a 2-week free trial before ever signing up for the TTC\\n (or any other course or workshop).\\n\\n\\n2. Quality of Teachers\\n\\nNext, you'll want to \\nbe sure that the teachers leading the TTC are highly qualified and experienced yoga teachers\\n.\\n\\nNot only do you want them to be experienced at teaching yoga, you want to make sure they are \\nexperienced at teaching other teachers to teach yoga\\n.\\n\\nYou see, TTCs are a fast way for yoga teachers to make a lot of money. So for the really good teachers, it becomes an essential part of their lifestyle. \\n\\nBut it also attracts a lot of brand new teachers looking to increase their income.\\n\\nSo \\nyou'll want to find out how many TTCs they've led, and what previous students thought about it\\n. Any well established TTC will be able to offer you testimonials from previous students. And will be quick to answer your questions about how many TTC's they've led.\\n\\nRohan, the lead teacher for \\nmyYogaTeacher's TTCs has lead 17 in-person TTCs, 6 online TTCs, and managed 13 other TTCs\\n. That's a lot more than your average Yoga TTC leader, but it's important to know you're in good hands!\\n\\nAnd true to our own tests, \\nyou can see what past TTC graduates are saying here\\n.\\n\\n\\n3. Well Rounded Curriculum\\n\\nA Yoga Teacher Training is a life changing opportunity to go deeper in yoga. You can discover aspects of yoga no regular class has the time or structure to show you.\\n\\nBut that being said, \\nif your TTC curriculum is bland, or asana only, you'll continue to only scratch the surface of what yoga has to offe\\nr.\\n\\nThat's why it's so\\n important that your TTC covers more than just asana and correct alignment\\n... that's the minimum.\\n\\nYou want to \\nfind a TTC that also dives into pranayama (yogic breathing exercises), meditation, yogic philosophy\\n. \\n\\nYou'll want a TTC where you learn about \\nPatanjali's Yoga Sutras\\n. Learning the sutras may sound academic and irrelevant. But it's practical, down to earth, and more relevant today than ever. This is \\nthe core of yogic philosophy\\n.\\n\\nAlthough you're probably signing up for the asana — \\nmost TTC students find that the philosophy and meditation practices are what transform their lives most\\n. \\n\\nYoga is a big beautiful ice-berg, and asana is just the tip...\\n\\nDon't worry though, any Yoga Alliance certified Yoga Teacher Training Course must have a well rounded curriculum.\\n\\n\\n4. Yoga Alliance Certification\\n\\nThis certification is becoming less and less relevant. Because more studio owners and yogis are realizing it's mainly a tax on teachers and studios. But it's still a certification you'll want to have.\\n\\nIt used to be that to get a job teaching yoga, you had to have Yoga Alliance certification. That's slowly changing. But today, \\nif you want to be eligible to teach yoga at most studios, you're still going to want Yoga Alliance certification\\n.\\n\\nSo make sure whatever TTC you sign up for is accredited by the Yoga Alliance. \\nAfter you graduate your TTC and receive your certificate\\n, you can go to \\nyogaalliance.org\\n and register for certification. Then, as a teacher, you pay a yearly fee to keep your certification.\\n\\nMost yoga teachers feel like it's just a way to tax yoga schools and yoga teachers. But they do, at least, \\nenforce a minimum standard of quality for TTCs\\n. So it's not all bad.\\n\\nThat's why it's still in your best interest to make sure your TTC is Yoga Alliance certified. And for this reason, \\nall myYogaTeacher TTCs are Yoga Alliance certified\\n.\\n\\n\\n5. Schedule & Location\\n\\nThis one comes down to personal preference and lifestyle. There are \\ntwo main types of TTC; residential and non-residential\\n.\\n\\nA \\nresidential TTC\\n is often in a beautiful location like India, Bali, Mexico, or some other tropical area. You carve out anywhere from one to three months of your life, to go live at a yoga retreat center. There, you study and practice yoga full-time. Usually 6 to 10 hours a day, 5 or 6 days a week.\\n\\nThis is a great way to have \\na fully immersive experience and do nothing but yoga for a few months\\n.\\n\\nNot all of us can do that. \\nWith kids, work, and other responsibilities non-residential TTCs are the best option for most of us.\\n\\nIn a \\nnon-residential TTC\\n, you \\nstudy part time\\n at your local yoga studio or online. The schedule is still intense, because you need to finish anywhere from 150 to 450 hours of class time (the last 50 hours is self-study).\\n\\nThis means that for a 200-hour TTC, you'll need to spend 150-hours in class. So even at part time, 12 hours a week, that's a 3 month course.\\n\\nYou'll want to find a TTC that has the right schedule for you. Is 6 hours a week for 6 months better for you, or 12 hours a week for 3 months? Do weekends work better, or weekday nights?\\n\\nFor you, these may be inflexible. But \\nafter watching hundreds of students complete TTCs, I've seen that most people can make any schedule work\\n. Even a working mom can do 12 hours on the weekend. It's an adjustment, but I often hear them saying things like; \\n\\n\"I didn't know how I would do it, it was so much time every weekend. But I really wanted to join the TTC and I knew that if I didn't do it now, I might never do it! Then, it turned out to be completely manageable. Actually, I look forward to every Saturday, it's the best part of my week. And I'm getting so much 'me' time!\" \\n - every mom who takes a TTC\\n\\nSo \\nbefore getting too hung up on the schedule, ask yourself, \"can I make this work?\" And if so, then focus on the other parts first; the community, teachers, and a well rounded curriculum.\\n\\n\\n6. Type of TTC: 200-hr, 300-hr, 500-hr, Yoga Therapy\\n\\nThere are dozens of popular styles of yoga and many different types of TTCs.\\n\\nWhen it comes to the style of yoga;\\n Vinyasa, Ashtanga, \\nPower Yoga\\n, or some home-brand yoga — don't worry too much here. \\nIf you've taken classes with the teacher, you know their style. Do you like it? If so, then you'll probably love the TTC\\n. If not, move on until you find a teacher with a style you do like.\\n\\nWhat you don't want to do\\n is go looking for a specific style, thinking \\n\"I've heard Vinyasa is the best, I should only do a Vinyasa TTC.\"\\n That's a quick way to waste a lot of money and have a disappointing experience.\\n\\nRemember, this TTC is as much for you as it is for your future students\\n. You want to make sure that you have a deeply uplifting and enlightening experience. And you want to share a style of yoga that you love, not the one you heard is \"better\".\\n\\nDo you know what I mean?\\n\\nNow when it comes to \\nthe type of TTC\\n: 200-hr, 300-hr, 500-hr or Yoga Therapy, \\nchoosing is pretty easy\\n.\\n\\nA \\n200-hour TTC is perfect for beginners\\n. It's the entry point and smallest time commitment. If you like the TTC experience, you can always take a 300-hr TTC later. This will bump your training hours up to a total of 500.\\n\\nThe \\n300-hour TTC has traditionally been for people who have already completed a 200-hour TTC\\n. That's changing recently, but it's still the norm. This is a great way to get 500-hours of certified training, without having to quit your job or dedicate 9 months of your weekends to full-days of study... Intense!\\n\\nA \\n500-hour TTC is good for beginner to advanced yogis\\n. It's basically the 200-hour and 300-hour rolled into one. You make a big commitment and dedicate a few months of your life to a deep-dive, full-time yoga immersion. These are usually residential.\\n\\nAnd finally, a \\nYoga Therapy TTC\\n. These are \\nfor advanced teachers who want to specialize\\n in solving big problems for their clients. You don't have to be super flexible or anything like that. But you will become an expert at anatomy, perfect alignment, and healing all sorts of injuries and illnesses with yoga. These TTCs are often 600-900 hours of training, with long apprenticeships. \\n\\nYou typically must have already graduated a 200-hour or 500-hour Teacher Training Course, before you can apply to join a Yoga Therapy TTC. So graduating a TTC is a prerequisite for Yoga Therapy TTCs.\\n\\nIf you've never taken a Yoga Teacher Training Course, you'll probably want to start with either the 200-hr TTC\\n or 500-hr TTC, depending on the time and energy commitment you want to make.\\n\\n\\n7. Course Price\\n\\nThe last thing you want to do is pay more than you should\\n when it comes to your next Yoga Teacher Training Course.\\n\\nYoga TTCs are not cheap to begin with. So you probably don't want to overpay.\\n\\nIn a studio, you can expect to pay around $3,500 for a 200-hr TTC\\n (plus or minus $800). This is a fair range, so watch out for any 200-hour TTC that costs more than $4,300. Unless the teacher is famous or highly sought after, you're probably better off going elsewhere.\\n\\nBut these days, \\nunderpaying is even more of a problem\\n. You see, for the first time ever, Yoga TTCs have gone online. \\nYou'll see 200-hr online TTCs for $900, $600, even $400. \\n\\nWhy is this a problem?\\n\\nWhat these TTCs aren't telling you is that 85% of the course is pre-recorded video\\n. That's how they keep the cost down and therefore the price down. It's not so different from what you might find free on YouTube.\\n\\nI don't know about you, but I \\ndon't want my next yoga teacher to have learned from a bunch of YouTube videos!\\n\\nThat's a quick way to injure yourself, and your future students.\\n\\nDefinitely and absolutely, weather in-person or online, make sure your next TTC is 100% live instruction. It's totally OK to take a TTC online, just make sure it is 100% live.\\n\\nSo you get to ask questions DURING class, DURING lectures, and DURING examples. Not just at \"office hours\" 1-week after the class, when you forgot your questions anyways.\\n\\nWith live instruction you get feedback in every practice session. And importantly, you learn the nuances of the asanas.\\n\\nTTCs can be tough. Long hours and lots of learning\\n. With \\nlive instruction and an interactive setting\\n (only possible in-person or through live classes online), you \\nstay motivated and connect with your new yoga community\\n.\\n\\nThat's why \\nevery one of myYogaTeacher's TTCs is 100% live\\n. You'll find the price very reasonable. It's much less expensive than in-person at a studio, but necessarily enough to pay living breathing teachers to give every class live.\\n\\nIf you're interested in a 100% Live TTC\\n, \\nyou can check out myYogaTeacher's TTC full course description here\\n (with testimonials, course syllabus, and reasonable rates).\\n\\nWhen you follow these 7-steps, you can't go wrong. You'll have an incredible TTC experience, make new friends for life, and walk away a better yogi, better parent, better human\\n... You'll be less reactive, with more self-acceptance, and more full of joy!\\n\\nSo now you have everything you need to choose your next TTC wisely. And \\nif you have any questions\\n about TTCs or myYogaTeacher's upcoiming TTCs, feel free to drop us a line and ask at \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n"}}],"relatedPosts":[],"blogContent":{"id":"ckl9siabs142j09774ind6d2g","slug":"yoga-and-pilates-fusion","author":{"name":"Harshitha","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"The Great Debate: Yoga or Pilates for Weight Loss?","createdAt":"2021-02-17T18:49:49.948279+00:00","updatedAt":"2022-05-09T14:50:41.161321+00:00","coverUrl":"ckl9siabs142j09774ind6d2g.jpg","seoDescription":"If you're a fan of pilates, you'll love this one! Explore how yoga and pilates work together to improve your fitness level.","content":{"text":"What a dilemma. Yoga or Pilates?\\n\\nThey’re both easy on your joints, perfect for folks who are normally sedentary. They both provide a good stretch. \\n\\nWith Pilates, Barre, yoga, PiYo and all kinds of other similar classes, it’s no wonder you have a hard time choosing which is best for your weight loss goals!\\n\\nSo what’s the difference between Pilates and yoga and which one is better for dropping pounds, toning, and strengthening? \\n\\nWell, that’s the thing.\\n\\nThe answer is both. Which is why I chose to teach a \\nYoga and Pilates Fusion class on myYogaTeacher!\\n My intermediate-level class is the perfect mix of yoga and Pilates for weight loss.\\n\\nBut let’s talk about these two practices and how they differ!\\n\\nBenefits of Pilates\\n\\nOriginally called “Contrology,” Pilates is a form of exercise created in the 20th century by Joseph Pilates. Mostly, it was used as rehabilitation of wounded soldiers at the end of World War I and beyond. \\n\\nPilates consists of a group or sequence of repeated anaerobic exercises performed on a mat or other equipment. \\n\\nDespite what you may have heard, Pilates isn’t just for the serious athlete or professional dancer (or the injured soldier)! It is for everyone.\\n\\nPilates promotes:\\n\\nImproved core strength.\\nBetter posture and balance.\\nIncreased flexibility.\\nRelief of back pain.\\nInjury prevention.\\n\\nSound familiar? Of course, it does!\\n\\nThat’s because yoga also has these benefits.\\n\\nThe differences between yoga and Pilates are literally small but create a big impact. Pilates focuses on small, controlled movements that build muscle and help create stability in the body. Almost all the movements are designed to engage the core and back muscles.\\n\\nWhere yoga focuses on using the breath to release and relax, in Pilates, you’ll use your breath to initiate a muscle contraction.\\n\\nEvidence shows that a regular Pilates practice is beneficial for people suffering from arthritis, urinary incontinence, joint injuries, back pain, and even respiratory issues.\\n\\nNot only that, but Pilates works with yoga to help you lose weight and be healthier!\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nHow yoga compares to Pilates\\n\\nA regular yoga practice is often used to help achieve weight loss. Yoga is a much, much older form of exercise than Pilates but still has many similarities to the newer form of movement.\\n\\nFor instance:\\n\\nYoga and Pilates both require little or no equipment and can be done in fairly small spaces.\\nThey both emphasize belly breathing, also known as diaphragmatic breathing, and how to use it properly when exercising.\\nBoth forms of exercise can be easily tailored to varying fitness levels.\\nThey both help reduce stress and anxiety.\\n\\nIt makes sense that \\nmyYogaTeacher\\n would have a class that fuses yoga and Pilates together, right?!\\n\\nOne big difference between Pilates and yoga, though, is that yoga is considered a form of meditation. Yes, it’s exercise. Trust me, when you’re flowing quickly through asanas, you’ll feel the sweat trickling!\\n\\nBut it’s also about clearing your mind and making space for inner awareness, mental clarity, and better focus. It’s about bringing harmony to your inner and outer world.\\n\\nYoga is dynamic where Pilates is controlled.\\n\\nYin and yang. They complement each other.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nSo Yoga or Pilates for weight loss?\\n\\nWe say both! \\n\\nVinyasa yoga is definitely going to burn more calories than Pilates. But Pilates is going to help you build muscle and tone in a more controlled way.\\n\\nHatha yoga, the most common form of yoga you’re probably familiar with, will give you a dynamic workout to help improve flexibility, while Pilates will help you strengthen your core and back muscles so you can do those challenging asanas better and safely.\\n\\nYoga will help your body release lymph from your muscles and organs so it can be cleansed in the lymphatic system. The muscle contractions from Pilates will help pump the lymph to all the right places. Both forms of exercise help with immunity and lymphatic system cleansing.\\n\\nThey both help you release stress and anxiety, which will promote better eating habits. And they both are very safe forms of exercise, even for people with injuries!\\n\\nTo me, there is no debate!\\n\\n\\nPilates and yoga work together to help you achieve your weight loss goals!\\n\\n\\n\\nYou can see for yourself! \\nClick here to get your free trial today!\\n You’ll have the ability to try out any of the 35+ daily live classes offered there. Including mine!\\n\\n\\nYoga and Pilates Fusion combines \\nthe best of both forms of meditative exercise in a way that promotes weight loss, immune health, flexibility, and toning. You can learn more about my class when you click the link. You’ll burn some calories in this dynamic, flowing class! I promise!\\n\\n\\n\\n","html":"<p>What a dilemma. Yoga or Pilates?</p><p></p><p>They’re both easy on your joints, perfect for folks who are normally sedentary. They both provide a good stretch. </p><p></p><p>With Pilates, Barre, yoga, PiYo and all kinds of other similar classes, it’s no wonder you have a hard time choosing which is best for your weight loss goals!</p><p></p><p>So what’s the difference between Pilates and yoga and which one is better for dropping pounds, toning, and strengthening? </p><p></p><p>Well, that’s the thing.</p><p></p><p>The answer is both. Which is why I chose to teach a <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-and-pilates-fusion-for-intermediate-level-by-harshitha\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-and-pilates-fusion-for-intermediate-level-by-harshitha\">Yoga and Pilates Fusion class on myYogaTeacher!</a> My intermediate-level class is the perfect mix of yoga and Pilates for weight loss.</p><p></p><p>But let’s talk about these two practices and how they differ!</p><p></p><h2>Benefits of Pilates</h2><p></p><p>Originally called “Contrology,” Pilates is a form of exercise created in the 20th century by Joseph Pilates. Mostly, it was used as rehabilitation of wounded soldiers at the end of World War I and beyond. </p><p></p><p>Pilates consists of a group or sequence of repeated anaerobic exercises performed on a mat or other equipment. </p><p></p><p>Despite what you may have heard, Pilates isn’t just for the serious athlete or professional dancer (or the injured soldier)! It is for everyone.</p><p></p><p>Pilates promotes:</p><p></p><ul><li><div>Improved core strength.</div></li><li><div>Better posture and balance.</div></li><li><div>Increased flexibility.</div></li><li><div>Relief of back pain.</div></li><li><div>Injury prevention.</div></li></ul><p></p><p>Sound familiar? Of course, it does!</p><p></p><p>That’s because yoga also has these benefits.</p><p></p><p>The differences between yoga and Pilates are literally small but create a big impact. Pilates focuses on small, controlled movements that build muscle and help create stability in the body. Almost all the movements are designed to engage the core and back muscles.</p><p></p><p>Where yoga focuses on using the breath to release and relax, in Pilates, you’ll use your breath to initiate a muscle contraction.</p><p></p><p>Evidence shows that a regular Pilates practice is beneficial for people suffering from arthritis, urinary incontinence, joint injuries, back pain, and even respiratory issues.</p><p></p><p>Not only that, but Pilates works with yoga to help you lose weight and be healthier!</p><p></p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=width:1200,height:800/AMQEySwoTR2TYJV3zeh2\" alt=\"Pilates Class\" title=\"benefits-of-pilates-mat.jpg\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" /><p></p><h2>How yoga compares to Pilates</h2><p></p><p>A regular yoga practice is often used to help achieve weight loss. Yoga is a much, much older form of exercise than Pilates but still has many similarities to the newer form of movement.</p><p></p><p>For instance:</p><p></p><ul><li><div>Yoga and Pilates both require little or no equipment and can be done in fairly small spaces.</div></li><li><div>They both emphasize belly breathing, also known as diaphragmatic breathing, and how to use it properly when exercising.</div></li><li><div>Both forms of exercise can be easily tailored to varying fitness levels.</div></li><li><div>They both help reduce stress and anxiety.</div></li></ul><p></p><p>It makes sense that <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">myYogaTeacher</a> would have a class that fuses yoga and Pilates together, right?!</p><p></p><p>One big difference between Pilates and yoga, though, is that yoga is considered a form of meditation. Yes, it’s exercise. Trust me, when you’re flowing quickly through asanas, you’ll feel the sweat trickling!</p><p></p><p>But it’s also about clearing your mind and making space for inner awareness, mental clarity, and better focus. It’s about bringing harmony to your inner and outer world.</p><p></p><p>Yoga is dynamic where Pilates is controlled.</p><p></p><p>Yin and yang. They complement each other.</p><p></p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=width:969,height:527/PdSnAmL8TGu4jUXMVazw\" alt=\"Pilates Pose for Weight Loss\" title=\"What_to_wear_to_Pilates.jpg.crdownload\" width=\"969\" height=\"527\" /><p></p><h2>So Yoga or Pilates for weight loss?</h2><p></p><p>We say both! </p><p></p><p>Vinyasa yoga is definitely going to burn more calories than Pilates. But Pilates is going to help you build muscle and tone in a more controlled way.</p><p></p><p>Hatha yoga, the most common form of yoga you’re probably familiar with, will give you a dynamic workout to help improve flexibility, while Pilates will help you strengthen your core and back muscles so you can do those challenging asanas better and safely.</p><p></p><p>Yoga will help your body release lymph from your muscles and organs so it can be cleansed in the lymphatic system. The muscle contractions from Pilates will help pump the lymph to all the right places. Both forms of exercise help with immunity and lymphatic system cleansing.</p><p></p><p>They both help you release stress and anxiety, which will promote better eating habits. And they both are very safe forms of exercise, even for people with injuries!</p><p></p><p>To me, there is no debate!</p><p></p><p></p><p>Pilates and yoga work together to help you achieve your weight loss goals!</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>You can see for yourself! <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">Click here to get your free trial today!</a> You’ll have the ability to try out any of the 35+ daily live classes offered there. Including mine!</p><p></p><p><a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-and-pilates-fusion-for-intermediate-level-by-harshitha\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-and-pilates-fusion-for-intermediate-level-by-harshitha\">Yoga and Pilates Fusion combines </a>the best of both forms of meditative exercise in a way that promotes weight loss, immune health, flexibility, and toning. You can learn more about my class when you click the link. You’ll burn some calories in this dynamic, flowing class! I promise!</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>"},"category":["fitness"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"loading":false,"blog_content":[{"type":"HTML","value":"<p>What a dilemma. Yoga or Pilates?</p><p></p><p>They’re both easy on your joints, perfect for folks who are normally sedentary. They both provide a good stretch. </p><p></p><p>With Pilates, Barre, yoga, PiYo and all kinds of other similar classes, it’s no wonder you have a hard time choosing which is best for your weight loss goals!</p><p></p><p>So what’s the difference between Pilates and yoga and which one is better for dropping pounds, toning, and strengthening? </p><p></p><p>Well, that’s the thing.</p><p></p><p>The answer is both. Which is why I chose to teach a <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-and-pilates-fusion-for-intermediate-level-by-harshitha\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-and-pilates-fusion-for-intermediate-level-by-harshitha\">Yoga and Pilates Fusion class on myYogaTeacher!</a> My intermediate-level class is the perfect mix of yoga and Pilates for weight loss.</p><p></p><p>But let’s talk about these two practices and how they differ!</p><p></p><h2>Benefits of Pilates</h2><p></p><p>Originally called “Contrology,” Pilates is a form of exercise created in the 20th century by Joseph Pilates. Mostly, it was used as rehabilitation of wounded soldiers at the end of World War I and beyond. </p><p></p><p>Pilates consists of a group or sequence of repeated anaerobic exercises performed on a mat or other equipment. </p><p></p><p>Despite what you may have heard, Pilates isn’t just for the serious athlete or professional dancer (or the injured soldier)! It is for everyone.</p><p></p><p>Pilates promotes:</p><p></p><ul><li><div>Improved core strength.</div></li><li><div>Better posture and balance.</div></li><li><div>Increased flexibility.</div></li><li><div>Relief of back pain.</div></li><li><div>Injury prevention.</div></li></ul><p></p><p>Sound familiar? Of course, it does!</p><p></p><p>That’s because yoga also has these benefits.</p><p></p><p>The differences between yoga and Pilates are literally small but create a big impact. Pilates focuses on small, controlled movements that build muscle and help create stability in the body. Almost all the movements are designed to engage the core and back muscles.</p><p></p><p>Where yoga focuses on using the breath to release and relax, in Pilates, you’ll use your breath to initiate a muscle contraction.</p><p></p><p>Evidence shows that a regular Pilates practice is beneficial for people suffering from arthritis, urinary incontinence, joint injuries, back pain, and even respiratory issues.</p><p></p><p>Not only that, but Pilates works with yoga to help you lose weight and be healthier!</p><p></p><p></p>\n <picture>\n <source \n type=\"image/webp\"\n data-srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/resize=width:1200,height:800/AMQEySwoTR2TYJV3zeh2\" \n alt=\"Pilates Class\"\n title=\"Pilates Class\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <source \n type=\"image/jpg\"\n data-srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:1200,height:800/AMQEySwoTR2TYJV3zeh2\"\n alt=\"Pilates Class\"\n title=\"Pilates Class\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <img \n data-srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:1200,height:800/AMQEySwoTR2TYJV3zeh2\"\n alt=\"Pilates Class\"\n title=\"Pilates Class\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n </picture>\n <p></p><h2>How yoga compares to Pilates</h2><p></p><p>A regular yoga practice is often used to help achieve weight loss. Yoga is a much, much older form of exercise than Pilates but still has many similarities to the newer form of movement.</p><p></p><p>For instance:</p><p></p><ul><li><div>Yoga and Pilates both require little or no equipment and can be done in fairly small spaces.</div></li><li><div>They both emphasize belly breathing, also known as diaphragmatic breathing, and how to use it properly when exercising.</div></li><li><div>Both forms of exercise can be easily tailored to varying fitness levels.</div></li><li><div>They both help reduce stress and anxiety.</div></li></ul><p></p><p>It makes sense that <a\n class=\"inline-cta\"\n id=46802070-2716-4591-a648-5a715e68818c\n href=\"/signup?utm_source=MYT__article&utm_medium=ckl9siabs142j09774ind6d2g&utm_campaign=inline_cta&utm_content=CTA-INLINE&entity_name=The Great Debate: Yoga or Pilates for Weight Loss?&entity_slug=yoga-and-pilates-fusion&page_or_popup=/articles/yoga-and-pilates-fusion&entity_location=hyperlink_midst_of_article&article_cta=CTA-INLINE&from_article_page=true\"\n onclick=trigger_mixpanel_sign_up_cta(\"46802070-2716-4591-a648-5a715e68818c\")\n title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" \n data-title=\"The Great Debate: Yoga or Pilates for Weight Loss?\"\n data-slug=\"yoga-and-pilates-fusion\"\n <u>myYogaTeacher</a></u> \n </a> would have a class that fuses yoga and Pilates together, right?!</p><p></p><p>One big difference between Pilates and yoga, though, is that yoga is considered a form of meditation. Yes, it’s exercise. Trust me, when you’re flowing quickly through asanas, you’ll feel the sweat trickling!</p><p></p><p>But it’s also about clearing your mind and making space for inner awareness, mental clarity, and better focus. It’s about bringing harmony to your inner and outer world.</p><p></p><p>Yoga is dynamic where Pilates is controlled.</p><p></p><p>Yin and yang. They complement each other.</p><p></p><p></p>\n <picture>\n <source \n type=\"image/webp\"\n data-srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/resize=width:969,height:527/PdSnAmL8TGu4jUXMVazw\" \n alt=\"Pilates Pose for Weight Loss\"\n title=\"Pilates Pose for Weight Loss\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <source \n type=\"image/jpg\"\n data-srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:969,height:527/PdSnAmL8TGu4jUXMVazw\"\n alt=\"Pilates Pose for Weight Loss\"\n title=\"Pilates Pose for Weight Loss\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <img \n data-srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:969,height:527/PdSnAmL8TGu4jUXMVazw\"\n alt=\"Pilates Pose for Weight Loss\"\n title=\"Pilates Pose for Weight Loss\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n </picture>\n <p></p><h2>So Yoga or Pilates for weight loss?</h2><p></p><p>We say both! </p><p></p><p>Vinyasa yoga is definitely going to burn more calories than Pilates. But Pilates is going to help you build muscle and tone in a more controlled way.</p><p></p><p>Hatha yoga, the most common form of yoga you’re probably familiar with, will give you a dynamic workout to help improve flexibility, while Pilates will help you strengthen your core and back muscles so you can do those challenging asanas better and safely.</p><p></p><p>Yoga will help your body release lymph from your muscles and organs so it can be cleansed in the lymphatic system. The muscle contractions from Pilates will help pump the lymph to all the right places. Both forms of exercise help with immunity and lymphatic system cleansing.</p><p></p><p>They both help you release stress and anxiety, which will promote better eating habits. And they both are very safe forms of exercise, even for people with injuries!</p><p></p><p>To me, there is no debate!</p><p></p><p></p><p>Pilates and yoga work together to help you achieve your weight loss goals!</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>You can see for yourself! <a\n class=\"inline-cta\"\n id=f605285d-80d3-421a-893a-2672a7da6f5a\n href=\"/signup?utm_source=MYT__article&utm_medium=ckl9siabs142j09774ind6d2g&utm_campaign=inline_cta&utm_content=CTA-INLINE&entity_name=The Great Debate: Yoga or Pilates for Weight Loss?&entity_slug=yoga-and-pilates-fusion&page_or_popup=/articles/yoga-and-pilates-fusion&entity_location=hyperlink_midst_of_article&article_cta=CTA-INLINE&from_article_page=true\"\n onclick=trigger_mixpanel_sign_up_cta(\"f605285d-80d3-421a-893a-2672a7da6f5a\")\n title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" \n data-title=\"The Great Debate: Yoga or Pilates for Weight Loss?\"\n data-slug=\"yoga-and-pilates-fusion\"\n <u>Click here to get your free trial today!</a></u> \n </a> You’ll have the ability to try out any of the 35+ daily live classes offered there. Including mine!</p><p></p><p><a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-and-pilates-fusion-for-intermediate-level-by-harshitha\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-and-pilates-fusion-for-intermediate-level-by-harshitha\">Yoga and Pilates Fusion combines </a>the best of both forms of meditative exercise in a way that promotes weight loss, immune health, flexibility, and toning. You can learn more about my class when you click the link. You’ll burn some calories in this dynamic, flowing class! I promise!</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>"},{"type":"CTA","value":"[CTA-DEFAULT]"}],"isSlugACategory":false,"searchCategory":"yoga-and-pilates-fusion","showPopUp":false,"popUpType":null,"showedPopup":false,"windowWidth":null,"ctaPath":"signup","redirectURL":"#","ctaContent":[{"id":"ckxrz2i14tov40c25g1dpicsg","name":"[CTA-DEFAULT]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz37hsu0cj0a76mgb4594m","name":"[CTA-FREECLASS]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz4d5stsye0b75dtlx1w0n","name":"[CTA-TRENDS]","description":{"html":"<p>Get ahead of the next trend and practice with authentic Indian yoga teachers! Sign up today and <strong>get 2 free private yoga sessions PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong>. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Practice with Authentic Indian Yoga Teachers</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz6nq0tqdr0c258titvagg","name":"[CTA-REVIEWS]","description":{"html":"<p>Find out what all the hype is about! <strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>103,478 Happy Students & 12,086 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reviews</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz7nzktu400b752fym6wpw","name":"[CTA-HATHA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private hatha yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(including tons of daily Hatha yoga classes). No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Hatha Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>with Authentic Indian Teachers</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cky90p88g3zgc0d23yz6taont","name":"[CTA-NASAL]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private sessions </strong>to relieve post nasal drip and clear out your sinus. </p><p><strong>PLUS, 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>with authentic Indian yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Relieve Post Nasal Drip & Clear Your Sinus Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyirvl8g25ce0c70cldmca2g","name":"[CTA-TRATAKA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private sessions </strong>with experienced Trataka teachers. </p><p><strong>PLUS, 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(like ‘Candle Gazing Meditation) with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Learn Trataka (Candle Gazing) Meditation Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyisqh482ck60b79rp1r1jcg","name":"[CTA-YIN]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong>, work with an experienced yoga therapist to reduce (and even eliminate) your back pain. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(like ‘Yoga for Back Pain’) with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Therapy – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Relieve Back Pain Safely & Effectively Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyitki4w2liz0b30tqpzhy4i","name":"[CTA-KRIYA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions </strong>for Kriya Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation <strong>and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>with authentic yoga teachers. 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No credit card required to sign up.</p><p></p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>for Lymphatic Drainage & Boosting Your Immune System!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl2vqlpyfe3yh0biohgxyx2hg","name":"[CTA-LEAD]","description":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl4gnwnrlga640ck37gutx7sn","name":"[CTA-GC]","description":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"}],"post":{"id":"ckl9siabs142j09774ind6d2g","slug":"yoga-and-pilates-fusion","author":{"name":"Harshitha","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"The Great Debate: Yoga or Pilates for Weight Loss?","createdAt":"2021-02-17T18:49:49.948279+00:00","updatedAt":"2022-05-09T14:50:41.161321+00:00","coverUrl":"ckl9siabs142j09774ind6d2g.jpg","seoDescription":"If you're a fan of pilates, you'll love this one! Explore how yoga and pilates work together to improve your fitness level.","content":{"text":"What a dilemma. Yoga or Pilates?\\n\\nThey’re both easy on your joints, perfect for folks who are normally sedentary. They both provide a good stretch. \\n\\nWith Pilates, Barre, yoga, PiYo and all kinds of other similar classes, it’s no wonder you have a hard time choosing which is best for your weight loss goals!\\n\\nSo what’s the difference between Pilates and yoga and which one is better for dropping pounds, toning, and strengthening? \\n\\nWell, that’s the thing.\\n\\nThe answer is both. Which is why I chose to teach a \\nYoga and Pilates Fusion class on myYogaTeacher!\\n My intermediate-level class is the perfect mix of yoga and Pilates for weight loss.\\n\\nBut let’s talk about these two practices and how they differ!\\n\\nBenefits of Pilates\\n\\nOriginally called “Contrology,” Pilates is a form of exercise created in the 20th century by Joseph Pilates. Mostly, it was used as rehabilitation of wounded soldiers at the end of World War I and beyond. \\n\\nPilates consists of a group or sequence of repeated anaerobic exercises performed on a mat or other equipment. \\n\\nDespite what you may have heard, Pilates isn’t just for the serious athlete or professional dancer (or the injured soldier)! It is for everyone.\\n\\nPilates promotes:\\n\\nImproved core strength.\\nBetter posture and balance.\\nIncreased flexibility.\\nRelief of back pain.\\nInjury prevention.\\n\\nSound familiar? Of course, it does!\\n\\nThat’s because yoga also has these benefits.\\n\\nThe differences between yoga and Pilates are literally small but create a big impact. Pilates focuses on small, controlled movements that build muscle and help create stability in the body. Almost all the movements are designed to engage the core and back muscles.\\n\\nWhere yoga focuses on using the breath to release and relax, in Pilates, you’ll use your breath to initiate a muscle contraction.\\n\\nEvidence shows that a regular Pilates practice is beneficial for people suffering from arthritis, urinary incontinence, joint injuries, back pain, and even respiratory issues.\\n\\nNot only that, but Pilates works with yoga to help you lose weight and be healthier!\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nHow yoga compares to Pilates\\n\\nA regular yoga practice is often used to help achieve weight loss. Yoga is a much, much older form of exercise than Pilates but still has many similarities to the newer form of movement.\\n\\nFor instance:\\n\\nYoga and Pilates both require little or no equipment and can be done in fairly small spaces.\\nThey both emphasize belly breathing, also known as diaphragmatic breathing, and how to use it properly when exercising.\\nBoth forms of exercise can be easily tailored to varying fitness levels.\\nThey both help reduce stress and anxiety.\\n\\nIt makes sense that \\nmyYogaTeacher\\n would have a class that fuses yoga and Pilates together, right?!\\n\\nOne big difference between Pilates and yoga, though, is that yoga is considered a form of meditation. Yes, it’s exercise. Trust me, when you’re flowing quickly through asanas, you’ll feel the sweat trickling!\\n\\nBut it’s also about clearing your mind and making space for inner awareness, mental clarity, and better focus. It’s about bringing harmony to your inner and outer world.\\n\\nYoga is dynamic where Pilates is controlled.\\n\\nYin and yang. They complement each other.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nSo Yoga or Pilates for weight loss?\\n\\nWe say both! \\n\\nVinyasa yoga is definitely going to burn more calories than Pilates. But Pilates is going to help you build muscle and tone in a more controlled way.\\n\\nHatha yoga, the most common form of yoga you’re probably familiar with, will give you a dynamic workout to help improve flexibility, while Pilates will help you strengthen your core and back muscles so you can do those challenging asanas better and safely.\\n\\nYoga will help your body release lymph from your muscles and organs so it can be cleansed in the lymphatic system. The muscle contractions from Pilates will help pump the lymph to all the right places. Both forms of exercise help with immunity and lymphatic system cleansing.\\n\\nThey both help you release stress and anxiety, which will promote better eating habits. And they both are very safe forms of exercise, even for people with injuries!\\n\\nTo me, there is no debate!\\n\\n\\nPilates and yoga work together to help you achieve your weight loss goals!\\n\\n\\n\\nYou can see for yourself! \\nClick here to get your free trial today!\\n You’ll have the ability to try out any of the 35+ daily live classes offered there. Including mine!\\n\\n\\nYoga and Pilates Fusion combines \\nthe best of both forms of meditative exercise in a way that promotes weight loss, immune health, flexibility, and toning. You can learn more about my class when you click the link. You’ll burn some calories in this dynamic, flowing class! I promise!\\n\\n\\n\\n","html":"<p>What a dilemma. Yoga or Pilates?</p><p></p><p>They’re both easy on your joints, perfect for folks who are normally sedentary. They both provide a good stretch. </p><p></p><p>With Pilates, Barre, yoga, PiYo and all kinds of other similar classes, it’s no wonder you have a hard time choosing which is best for your weight loss goals!</p><p></p><p>So what’s the difference between Pilates and yoga and which one is better for dropping pounds, toning, and strengthening? </p><p></p><p>Well, that’s the thing.</p><p></p><p>The answer is both. Which is why I chose to teach a <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-and-pilates-fusion-for-intermediate-level-by-harshitha\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-and-pilates-fusion-for-intermediate-level-by-harshitha\">Yoga and Pilates Fusion class on myYogaTeacher!</a> My intermediate-level class is the perfect mix of yoga and Pilates for weight loss.</p><p></p><p>But let’s talk about these two practices and how they differ!</p><p></p><h2>Benefits of Pilates</h2><p></p><p>Originally called “Contrology,” Pilates is a form of exercise created in the 20th century by Joseph Pilates. Mostly, it was used as rehabilitation of wounded soldiers at the end of World War I and beyond. </p><p></p><p>Pilates consists of a group or sequence of repeated anaerobic exercises performed on a mat or other equipment. </p><p></p><p>Despite what you may have heard, Pilates isn’t just for the serious athlete or professional dancer (or the injured soldier)! It is for everyone.</p><p></p><p>Pilates promotes:</p><p></p><ul><li><div>Improved core strength.</div></li><li><div>Better posture and balance.</div></li><li><div>Increased flexibility.</div></li><li><div>Relief of back pain.</div></li><li><div>Injury prevention.</div></li></ul><p></p><p>Sound familiar? Of course, it does!</p><p></p><p>That’s because yoga also has these benefits.</p><p></p><p>The differences between yoga and Pilates are literally small but create a big impact. Pilates focuses on small, controlled movements that build muscle and help create stability in the body. Almost all the movements are designed to engage the core and back muscles.</p><p></p><p>Where yoga focuses on using the breath to release and relax, in Pilates, you’ll use your breath to initiate a muscle contraction.</p><p></p><p>Evidence shows that a regular Pilates practice is beneficial for people suffering from arthritis, urinary incontinence, joint injuries, back pain, and even respiratory issues.</p><p></p><p>Not only that, but Pilates works with yoga to help you lose weight and be healthier!</p><p></p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=width:1200,height:800/AMQEySwoTR2TYJV3zeh2\" alt=\"Pilates Class\" title=\"benefits-of-pilates-mat.jpg\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" /><p></p><h2>How yoga compares to Pilates</h2><p></p><p>A regular yoga practice is often used to help achieve weight loss. Yoga is a much, much older form of exercise than Pilates but still has many similarities to the newer form of movement.</p><p></p><p>For instance:</p><p></p><ul><li><div>Yoga and Pilates both require little or no equipment and can be done in fairly small spaces.</div></li><li><div>They both emphasize belly breathing, also known as diaphragmatic breathing, and how to use it properly when exercising.</div></li><li><div>Both forms of exercise can be easily tailored to varying fitness levels.</div></li><li><div>They both help reduce stress and anxiety.</div></li></ul><p></p><p>It makes sense that <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">myYogaTeacher</a> would have a class that fuses yoga and Pilates together, right?!</p><p></p><p>One big difference between Pilates and yoga, though, is that yoga is considered a form of meditation. Yes, it’s exercise. Trust me, when you’re flowing quickly through asanas, you’ll feel the sweat trickling!</p><p></p><p>But it’s also about clearing your mind and making space for inner awareness, mental clarity, and better focus. It’s about bringing harmony to your inner and outer world.</p><p></p><p>Yoga is dynamic where Pilates is controlled.</p><p></p><p>Yin and yang. They complement each other.</p><p></p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=width:969,height:527/PdSnAmL8TGu4jUXMVazw\" alt=\"Pilates Pose for Weight Loss\" title=\"What_to_wear_to_Pilates.jpg.crdownload\" width=\"969\" height=\"527\" /><p></p><h2>So Yoga or Pilates for weight loss?</h2><p></p><p>We say both! </p><p></p><p>Vinyasa yoga is definitely going to burn more calories than Pilates. But Pilates is going to help you build muscle and tone in a more controlled way.</p><p></p><p>Hatha yoga, the most common form of yoga you’re probably familiar with, will give you a dynamic workout to help improve flexibility, while Pilates will help you strengthen your core and back muscles so you can do those challenging asanas better and safely.</p><p></p><p>Yoga will help your body release lymph from your muscles and organs so it can be cleansed in the lymphatic system. The muscle contractions from Pilates will help pump the lymph to all the right places. Both forms of exercise help with immunity and lymphatic system cleansing.</p><p></p><p>They both help you release stress and anxiety, which will promote better eating habits. And they both are very safe forms of exercise, even for people with injuries!</p><p></p><p>To me, there is no debate!</p><p></p><p></p><p>Pilates and yoga work together to help you achieve your weight loss goals!</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>You can see for yourself! <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">Click here to get your free trial today!</a> You’ll have the ability to try out any of the 35+ daily live classes offered there. Including mine!</p><p></p><p><a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-and-pilates-fusion-for-intermediate-level-by-harshitha\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-and-pilates-fusion-for-intermediate-level-by-harshitha\">Yoga and Pilates Fusion combines </a>the best of both forms of meditative exercise in a way that promotes weight loss, immune health, flexibility, and toning. You can learn more about my class when you click the link. You’ll burn some calories in this dynamic, flowing class! I promise!</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>"},"category":["fitness"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"recommendations_group_class":null}© Copyright 2020 MyYogaTeacher Inc