Most people on Kaua‘i are very familiar with the abundant offerings of various types of Yoga here. Yoga is a great form of exercise that helps with balance, posture, breathing, alignment, flexibility and strength. Yoga also helps with stress reduction,
Most people on Kaua‘i are very familiar with the abundant offerings of various types of Yoga here. Yoga is a great form of exercise that helps with balance, posture, breathing, alignment, flexibility and strength. Yoga also helps with stress reduction, oxygenation of the blood and endorphin (feel good hormones) production.
Pilates, a newer form of exercise, became popular in the mid-1980s after it became mainstream from Joseph Pilates’ little Pilates studio in Manhattan. Pilates caught on with the Broadway crowd as they could see the benefits in their acting and dance careers. The strong core work and extension of the limbs out from the core meant that not only did the dancers and actors see a difference in their long strong muscles but also their carriage, their strength their flexibility and their endurance.
I have taught both Yoga and Pilates for several decades, and while both have many benefits, it seems that a combination of the benefits of both forms is an idea whose time has come. Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years and the physical and even medical benefits have been documented. The meditative aspect is one that for many is the prime reason for participation. For others the physical components are the most engaging. In Pilates there is no focus on any spiritual benefits. The work is physical and it is called “Intelligent Exercise.”
Pilates can help beginners to develop breath and posture control or for more advanced practitioners to achieve incredible strength and poise under pressure like a dancer.
I am offering two new classes at the Kaua‘i Athletic Club. One is a combination of Pilates and Yoga (Yogalattes). This is given Saturdays at noon. Yogalattes is ABSolutely focused on making that midsection lean and strong as well as adding flexibility, power and endurance to your fitness level.
We use a combination of mat Pilates’ techniques, ball and resistance tubing for this class. The other is called Warrior Yoga, which is offered Monday evenings at 4:30 p.m. Warrior Yoga is specifically designed to help those who are very tight and need balance work as well. Many men as well as strength or bodybuilding athletes are inflexible and lack balance. Working on these two aspects of fitness improves all the other aspects of fitness immensely as we work through a full range of motion. You can contact me directly to find out more about these classes or just come to the KAC to experience hard core-core or flexibility to the max!
Another class that I offer at Kaua‘i Athletic Club is early morning YogaStretch. This is offered every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 7 a.m. and combines flow Yoga with a full body stretch. A great way to start the day. Join us!
• Jane Riley, certified personal trainer, B.A., C.P.T, C.N.A., can be reached at 212-1451 or www.janerileyfitness.com.
