Aerobics is a great way to improve your physical and mental health. Exercising regularly is crucial to your overall well-being. It can improve your mood, enhance sleep, and reduce stress.
Many people get discouraged going to typical gyms and think that means they can’t work out! But luckily, there are many ways to get exercise that don’t include treadmills and bench presses.
Three increasingly popular classes are Barre, Pilates, and Yoga, but people often don’t understand the difference between them or the benefits that each class offers.
So what are the differences, and how do you know which is right for you? Let’s look at barre vs pilates vs yoga and their benefits.
Barre
These classes combine ballet movements with dynamic stretching. This is a great exercise that remains low-impact.
A bar is used for support, but you can also use a sturdy chair. To increase resistance, you can add ankle weights or use dumbbells.
History of Barre
This style of exercise was originated by dancer Lotte Berk who started teaching it in 1959 in London. Lotte was trying to stay in shape while recovering from a back injury.
Benefits of Barre
The benefits of barre are vast, including:
- Enhanced flexibility
- Strengthened core
- Improved posture and body alignment
- Increased muscular control
- Boosted endurance
If the thought of dance-like movement intimidates you, pilates may be a better option.
Pilates
This is a series of controlled exercises that focus on form rather than reps. The exercises work to stabilize the spine and pelvis in order to activate the abdominals.
In order to increase the level of difficulty, you can use resistance bands and rubber rings to add tension.
History of Pilates
Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates, a German gymnast in the 20th Century, to help rehabilitate injured soldiers in World War I.
Types of Pilates
There are several different types of pilates classes available:
- Pilates Reformer
- Mat-based Pilates
Pilates reformer classes can come in a range of difficulty levels from beginner to advanced.
Benefits of Pilates
There are many benefits that come from doing Pilates regularly such as:
- Rehabilitation
- Build core, back, and hips strength
- Flexibility
- Improve balance
- Increased range of motion
- Strengthen memory and cognitive functions
- Better pelvis and hip alignment
But if you’re looking for something that not only works your body but also your mind, yoga may be right for you instead.
Yoga
Yoga is a mind, body, and spirit workout through exercises, also called poses and breathing techniques. Yoga is great for those who seek spiritual awareness and whole-body balance.
This is a great entry-level workout because it doesn’t typically require equipment. Most facilities offer mats but you can always purchase your own.
History of Yoga
Yoga originated in India with poses named in Sanskrit. Yoga in Sanskrit means “to control” or “to unite.”
Since then, yoga has developed into many different styles.
Types of Yoga
There is a wide range of types of yoga to choose from depending on your needs:
- Vinyasa
- Restorative Yin
- Wall
- Aerial
- Restorative Aerial
- Nidra
- Chopra
Each type focuses on specific benefits or styles.
Benefits of Yoga
There is a wide range of benefits of yoga including:
- Increase strength
- Improve flexibility and decrease stiffness
- Decrease risk of injury
- Feel grounded
- Improve posture
- Manage and reduce stress
Depending on the type of yoga, you may see different benefits.
Sign Up For Your First Class At The Mind-Body Zone
Our Chopra Mind-Body Zone offers a wide range of classes for barre, pilates, and yoga, including classes that combine techniques.
The Chopra Mind-Body Zone is a great place to find your center while connecting with other people. There are so many amazing classes to choose from led by Chopra Certified instructors.
Then after your workout, you can wind down in our luxurious locker rooms that include a Himalayan salt sauna, a steam room, and Whirlpool.
If you are not ready to join the Chopra Mind-Body Zone, you can drop in for the day or purchase a 10-visit punch pass. Become a member today to take advantage of our discounted rates and extra amenities.
