Little Book of Yoga Workouts

By Michelle Brachet

Yoga and Pilates is for inner strength and outer radiance. The Little Book of Yoga highlights exercises that have been carefully selected, which are a fusion of the best aspects of yoga and pilates. They will build up core strength, improve posture, flexibility and range of movement. Stretches will tease out tension from the body and ease away aches and pains.

• Language: English
• Publisher: G2 Rights
• Release date: Jul 20, 2015
• ISBN: 9781782811794

Book preview

Introduction

Originating in ancient India, yoga is a commonly known generic term for the physical, mental and spiritual practices or disciplines that have the sole aim of creating a state of permanent peace. Yoga, specifically, is one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy. Different traditions of yoga can be found also in Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism.

Hindu monks brought yoga, particularly what is known as Hatha yoga, to the western world in the late 19th century and it became a popular method of physical exercise during the 1980s.

Apart from the spiritual goals, the physical postures of yoga are used to alleviate health problems, reduce stress and make the spine supple in contemporary times. Yoga is also used as a complete exercise programme and physical therapy routine.

Pilates is a physical fitness system developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates whose concept was intended to strengthen the human mind and body. Pilates believed that mental and physical health is interrelated. It is an extremely popular method of exercise all over the world. Pilates called his method ‘Contrology’ from the word ‘control’.

The techniques employed for pilates builds up flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance in the legs, abdominals, arms, hips and back. It puts emphasis on spinal and pelvic alignment, breathing and developing a strong core, as well as improving coordination and balance. The pilates’ method allows for different exercises to be modified in range of difficulty from beginner to advanced. Intensity of exercises can therefore be increased over time as the body conditions and adapts to the exercises.

Yoga and pilates is for inner strength and outer radiance.

The exercises here have been carefully selected by Maddy Barrington-Groves (pictured throughout) and are a fusion of the best aspects of yoga and pilates. They will build up core strength, improve posture, improve flexibility and range of movement, and stretches will tease out tension from the body and ease away aches and pains.

Exercises should be performed slowly and mindfully to rebalance the nervous system, to centre the mind and to increase body awareness. From regular practice, you will look and feel taller,