| That is until now. | | | | used during the exercises: Pilates uses breathing to |
| Tired of attempting to run around the block and | | | | focus on endurance, while Yoga uses linking breaths |
| being by myself during this trying time, I decided to | | | | and movement. |
| look up a few alternative ways to exercise. I | | | | Another key difference is that Pilates can seem to |
| managed to convince one of my friends to come | | | | be a little bit more intense. Pilates moves away from |
| with me and try out a few of these classes, and | | | | being relaxed and meditating and travels to |
| surprisingly I had the time of my life! | | | | strengthening your core muscles. Your core muscles |
| So, of course I have to share these exercises with | | | | are your lower abs and the muscles along the side of |
| you and encourage all you women out there to pick | | | | your abdomen. These muscles are really important |
| at least one and give it a try! | | | | when performing a Pilates exercise since they |
| Yoga | | | | support you and assist you in maintaining your |
| I took my very first Yoga class without any | | | | posture. |
| experience and found it beautiful, calming, and | | | | Belly Dancing |
| peaceful all at the same time. I felt graceful for one | | | | I have to admit my friend had to drag me, push me, |
| of the first times in my life (I did stumble a bit on a | | | | and shove me into this class. As you might have |
| few of the positions). | | | | guessed, I am not an extremely graceful person and |
| Yoga is concentrated on traditional methods from | | | | I have stayed away from dancing as much as |
| India that is composed around movement and | | | | possible. Overall though, this class was my absolute |
| breathing. Yoga, though it looks simple enough, can | | | | favorite! |
| be deceptive and does require practice and patience. | | | | Unbeknown to me, Belly Dancing has become very |
| During a Yoga class, you hold a number of positions | | | | popular among women as a fun form of exercise. |
| that are designed to increase your flexibility and | | | | Most women, including me, find that Belly Dancing lifts |
| strength. Staying relaxed throughout Yoga poses is | | | | their confidence and comfort within their own bodies. |
| one of its most important concepts. | | | | Best of all, most Belly Dancing classes do not require |
| There are various types of Yoga classes available. | | | | to you to show your belly. Athletic wear is perfectly |
| Some Yoga classes go through each position quickly | | | | acceptable. Some women choose to wear a coin belt |
| and are intended to increase your heart rate. Other | | | | or scarf around there waist to make them more |
| classes focus on building your strength by holding | | | | aware of their hip movement. |
| poses for a set amount of time. | | | | The main focus in Belly Dancing is isolating and |
| No matter what type of Yoga class you choose it is | | | | learning how to move different muscles one at a |
| a positive way to not only increase your fitness level, | | | | time. Belly Dancing strengthens with ongoing |
| but handle everyday stress. | | | | repetition, just like Pilates and Yoga. Belly Dancing can |
| Pilates | | | | be an extreme aerobic activity depending on the |
| When I was younger I took a few Pilates classes | | | | class level. |
| and I have no idea why I gave it up. Pilates is | | | | A great plus with taking Belly Dancing classes is that |
| somewhat like Yoga when it comes down to holding | | | | it helps improve your rhythm, posture, and |
| poses to increase your strength. The biggest | | | | coordination. |
| contrast between the two is the type of breathing | | | | |