Yoga & Pilates ~ make a great pair!

The Pilates Method was originated by Joseph H. Pilates to strengthen core stability, encourage proper body alignment and muscle function. It is characterized by a small number of repetitions of specific movements, focusing the mind to work the body. Pilates involves full body participation with all movements originating from the core.

Yoga is characterized by slow, deliberate movements and precise postures, all integrated with extended breathing. Yoga and Pilates do not require any specific machines or special equipment, and all exercises can be done on any soft surface or ideally a yoga or exercise mat. Pilates is the more dynamic method in that you move through poses and movements rather than hold static poses as in some forms of yoga.

The combination of Yoga and Pilates has been called the ideal wellness and fitness program for all ages. Pilates' emphasis on core strengthening and stability combined with the focus on stretching, flexibility and mental awareness of yoga practice create a comprehensive program for a complete body workout. Add the relaxation and meditation component of yoga and you have a program well-suited for lifelong practice.

	Pilates Yoga: A Dynamic Combination for Maximum Effect: Simple Exercises to Tone and Strengthen Your Body
	Yoga and Pilates for Athletes - Technique Training (Video) This video features Tom McCook, Certified Personal Fitness Trainer; nationally recognized fitness and movement specialist with over 17 years of experience, Founder and Director of Center of Balance. Tom McCook has extensive experience training athletes of all levels, including world class athletes and Olympians, and has worked with intercollegiate athletic teams at Stanford. In Yoga & Pilates for Athletes - Technique Training, McCook takes you through detailed instructions and demonstrations of Pilates and Yoga exercises and movements, showing both front and side views of the exercises. The uniqueness of this video is that it combines Yoga and Pilates specifically for athletic performance enhancement! Any team or athlete, at any level, will benefit from the training shown in this video! Excellent introduction and instruction from one of the best teachers of Yoga and Pilates today!
	YogaPilates A Balanced Workout for Healthy Living Whether you are looking for stamina, weight loss, or a renewed mental edge, Yoga/Pilates will take your there. The author introduces you to her fully researched and practiced programs aimed at giving you maximum results, whether you have only 15 minutes a day to spare or several hours. Beautifully illustrated with photographs and step-by-step instructions, this book covers: • History of old and new yoga and Pilates • Breathing and alignment • Closing postures • Counter poses and relaxation • Quick 15 minute and 30 minutes exercise plans
	Yogilates: Integrating Yoga and Pilates for Complete Fitness, Strength, and Flexibility Combines the spiritual and calming affects of yoga with the centering exercises of Pilates to present a program for health and well-being, in a guide that provides step-by-step, photographed instructions.