Exercising Archives | proGRO Nutrition https://progronutrition.co.uk/category/exercising/ Eat Good or Die Bad Tue, 20 Dec 2022 16:14:59 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://progronutrition.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/cropped-progrologo_pg_white_orange_black_1080x1080-120x120.png Exercising Archives | proGRO Nutrition https://progronutrition.co.uk/category/exercising/ 32 32 The Best Abs Workout: The Only 7 Exercises You Need to Get a Six-Pack https://progronutrition.co.uk/abs-workout/ https://progronutrition.co.uk/abs-workout/#respond Wed, 14 Dec 2022 06:45:00 +0000 https://progronutrition.co.uk/?p=19427 The six-pack abs workout recipe is simple: Do abs training, eat a healthy diet and avoid late-night pizzas at the same time. It is arguably the holy grail for men to be able to improve their performance and confidence when it is time to remove their shirts and show off those washboard abs. Abs are…

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Estimated reading time: 11 minutes

The six-pack abs workout recipe is simple: Do abs training, eat a healthy diet and avoid late-night pizzas at the same time.

It is arguably the holy grail for men to be able to improve their performance and confidence when it is time to remove their shirts and show off those washboard abs.

Abs are not just there for looks

Your abs are truly superheroes in disguise! Not only do they help you look great, but they also play a major role when it comes to essential bodily functions – like coughing and sneezing.

Plus, your abs support the spine by helping with posture, keeping internal pressure consistent and of course protecting all those important organs that keep us running smoothly.

The Anatomy of Your Abs

You’ve got a veritable pentagon of power in your abdomen – two strong vertical pillars to hold up the three stacked flat muscles, positioned protectively along each side.

The two vertical muscles are:

  • Pyramidalis: Nestled delicately in your pelvis is a tiny triangular gem—the vertical muscle. This plucky little powerhouse works tirelessly, helping to keep everything nice and secure inside the abdomen!
  • Rectus abdominis: Your rectus abdominis is the foundation for a toned tummy – because it slinks from your ribs to your pelvis, keeping all of those internal organs in check. This muscle can provide you with an Instagram-worthy “six-pack” when properly exercised!

The three flat muscles are:

  • External obliques: The external obliques are the powerhouse of your core, helping you twist from side to side like an Olympic figure skater. They act as a bridge between those mighty rectus abdominis muscles and the sides of your body – so make sure they’re included in all that ab-busting action!
  • Internal obliques: Your internal obliques are like two secret agents, tucked away just inside your hip bones. Together with the external oblique muscles, they provide a covert mission: twisting and turning you into all sorts of fabulous shapes!
  • Transversus abdominis: The transversus abdominis is at the bottom of the stack. This pair of muscles is the deepest of the flat muscles. They stabilize the trunk and help maintain internal abdominal pressure

Let us get to it with some abs exercises

Before you think of doing any physical exercises, you need to exercise restraint. There is no point trying to get your ab muscles to show if you have layers of fat covering them.

If you have a strong core it benefits you in many ways. From protecting your back to simply helping you walk upright which results in a more confident you!

If, however, you want that flat six-pack on display you need to get rid of fat. Control what you eat and don’t put it on in the first place.

Managing your diet is just as important as exercise. If you put a gun to my head and forced me to pick which is more important I would probably say diet is more important…

My 7 favourite Abs Exercises

1. Hardstyle planks

hardstyle plank abs exercise

Equipment: Nothing.

How to: Assume the standard plank position, hands below your shoulders. Bend your elbows 90 degrees, and heels over your toes. Keep Your left leg and right leg straight.

Push upwards and pull shoulder blades in, to form a straight line from head to heels. Ensure your lower body is not sagging for this exercise to be effective.

Hold that 90-degree angle as long and strong as you can; remember to keep those abs tight and breathe in pace.

Training tips: Three reps minimum is recommended. Why not test out pushing backwards for additional upper abs resistance training benefits?

2. Hanging knees bent, raise & twist (focussing on lower abs)

hanging core abs exercise

Equipment: Pull-up bar or Vertical Knee Raise Machine

How to: Rep 12 on both sides, rest ten seconds in a dead hang position. Keep your legs and knees together. Look up, engage your core and lift your knees to either side in one movement. Slowly lower back to the starting position with your hanging leg.

Training tips: Continue in different directions whilst maintaining tension. Always return to the starting position first before lifting your knees again on the opposite side.

3. Obliques And Core Workouts

obliques and core side plank

Equipment: Nothing.

How to: Get into the side plank position so your body forms a triangle. You do this by placing one forearm down on the floor, flexing your ankles and stacking feet together for stability. Keep your body in a straight line and do not bend at the hips.

Then raise the left leg slightly off of the right while keeping the elbow behind the ear – as you keep balance draw the knee towards the left elbow for 10-12 reps then switch sides each round until completed. You will feel a tight burn in the lower abs.

Training tips: This is an easy-do-it-anywhere exercise.

4. Tuck and crunch abs workout (Focussing on Upper Abs)

tuck and crunch exercise

Equipment: Nothing.

How to: Rep x 15. Put your hands under your head and raise your knees at an angle to your body. Immediately raise your body and bring your knees to your chest.

Hold the fingers close to your temples and begin the exercise smoothly but do not twist your body. Don’t touch the floor with your head or legs between reps.

Training tips: Rest for 10 seconds lying on your back legs straight and your arms straight out above your head allowing you a full stretch in the starting position.

5. Dumbbell side bend

Equipment: Small mediumweight dumbbell.

How to: Stand up with your feet shoulder width and hold one dumbbell with your palm facing up towards the back. Make your upper body straight, keep the core engaged and bend to the side. Only at the waist. Keep one second below your range and then go on for one repetition. Do 2-4 reps in 1 set.

Tip: Be smart when picking a dumbbell. It shouldn’t feel too hard unless you use reasonable weights.

6. Barbell back squat ab workouts

Barbell back squat ab workouts

Equipment: Barbells, but there’s hardly any weight on this machine. So far.

How to: Take a bare bar from a lifting platform and place it evenly on the shoulders with your feet flat on the ground.

It targets the core, not the leg and therefore you should not be using as much weight to perform the squat. Keep your feet hip-width. Bring your hips back like you are sitting up and keep the knees bent in the most comfortable way.

Press down the heels and start a second rep on the ground. Do two sets of 12 reps.

Tip: Keep abs engaged throughout the movement.

7. Dead bug ab workouts

dead bug ab exercise

Equipment: A mat or comfortable floor space

How to: Get ready to strengthen your core with a quick and powerful exercise. Coil up like an inchworm by lying face-up on the mat, arms extended over the chest, hips and knees bent 90 degrees so that torso and thighs form a right angle.

Balance your lower back contact with the floor and engage those abdominal muscles – breathe in as you simultaneously extend your left arm behind your head and your right leg with your heel towards the ground for an even leg & arm extension.

Return to the starting position with your arms extended to the sky. Now alternate. Keep your left arm and right leg steady and slowly extend your right arm above your head and your left leg horizontally to the floor.

Tip: Reach out further each time to become stronger! Breathe in and out in concert with the movement and DO NOT go too fast. Keep it controlled.

Tell me the frequency.

The myth once arose that in an effort to increase strength in the abs it is essential that these muscles be rehabilitated. Increasingly people are saying abs workouts should be done every week, but the truth lies somewhere in between.

The average person should get 2 or 3 abs training a week, according to trainer Jonny Jacob. Consequently, breaking it down into two days for static, anti-rotation and dynamic moves is the best way.

Look beyond deadlifts

In this CrossFit and Strengthman age, deadlifting seems to be your best way to achieve ab strength. Not true.

A new analysis found press-up holds and plank hold holds are better for strengthening the core than the weights of deadlifts or squats.

While the weighted moves caused the most pressure on the back, the movement of weight was most effective on the rectus abdominis and the external obliques.

Nutrition Tips To Support Your Abs Workouts

It does not matter whether you want to have an ab workout or just want some healthy weight gain.

Eating healthy foods will help maintain optimum body weight as well as increase your muscle density, which in turn will increase your metabolism.

Make sure you get enough protein to support muscle growth!

Ab Exercises Benefits

Getting visible Abs muscles will only be the tip of the iceberg of core training. It is easy to have a defended midsection, and this benefit is a universal necessity for nearly everybody.

You’ll Hit Personal Bests

Do I reach the maximum training limit? Is the squat stuck? Deadlifting doesn’t work?

A strong midsection is a solid base for compound moves. As a result, engaging in ab exercises is important to get stronger and keep your back strong.

You’ll beat back pain with Ab Exercises

Low back injuries are the most common problem for many adults.

Those who had low back pain could be helped to relieve their symptoms by strengthening their lower abs with targeted ab exercises.

You can dominate at Your Sports

A strong core will give you more energy to transfer to the legs and allow you to get stronger, and push further.

Ab workouts are important because it helps makes athletes stronger for most of their speedy sports.

You’ll become more agile with Ab Exercises

A new study found that athletes completing 13 core movements at least three times a week helped them gain explosive strength and improve their agility significantly in eight weeks.

You’ll Have Better Balance

Deep core muscles help keep the body stable when a person moves. This translates to your training as well as your daily actions.

Your posture will improve with ab workouts

Fundamental training can make you stand straighter. The researchers found core training improved posture in volleyball players.

Frequently asked abdominal workout questions

How long should an ab circuit be?

If you’re looking for killer abs, forget spending hours isolated on those machines. All it takes is a few minutes of ab work at the end of your full-body workout. Moreover, don’t worry about making any big sacrifices either!

A simple diet tweak or lifestyle change might be all you need to see serious results that last through time.

Can I train abs every day?

Want a rock-solid core? Technically you can work your abs every day but don’t. Instead, up the efficiency with three weekly mini ab circuits after regular training.

As a result, it will give you defined results without risking bad posture or muscle imbalances!

Does the Tik Tok ab workout work?

NO. Of course, dancing has benefits and is better to do than just lying on the couch watching fitness videos.

However, if you are looking to find serious value in social media you need mental health counselling and not fitness tips.

The Takeaway

Firstly, stay away from takeaways if you want the best abs that show!

Secondly, focus on exercises that build core strength and be sure to perform them as mini circuits at least 3 times per week.

Thirdly, back to point number one. It is all about your diet if you want to show off a phenomenal midriff.

Lastly, there is no way to target fat loss in specific areas. Therefore, focus on being happy and healthy, the rest is a bonus!

Let me know your thoughts or if you have any questions, leave a comment below!

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CrossFit Explained. What is This Program that has Inspired the Fitness World in Recent Years? https://progronutrition.co.uk/crossfit/ https://progronutrition.co.uk/crossfit/#comments Wed, 30 Nov 2022 05:45:00 +0000 https://progronutrition.co.uk/?p=535 CrossFit is a fitness program that can accomplish any fitness goal, from improved health to better performance. The program is known for Forging Elite Fitness™ but works for everyone. This includes people who have never worked out and those who have trained for years. Everyone shares equally in the benefits. What is CrossFit and What…

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Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

CrossFit is a fitness program that can accomplish any fitness goal, from improved health to better performance. The program is known for Forging Elite Fitness™ but works for everyone. This includes people who have never worked out and those who have trained for years. Everyone shares equally in the benefits.

What is CrossFit and What are its Benefits?

Crossfit is simply a workout program. However, it can help you achieve any fitness goal, whether it is improving your health or getting stronger. It has been gaining popularity in recent years because it works for everyone, regardless of your workout experience.

Who is This Type of Training Aimed at?

CrossFit is for anyone looking to improve their fitness, regardless of experience level. The design is such that it is adaptable to any person. So whether you are a beginner just starting out, or an experienced athlete, you can benefit from CrossFit workouts. It is perfect for those who want to achieve better overall health and fitness. Furthermore, it is specifically aimed at those who are looking to compete in CrossFit competitions.

How Does It Work?

CrossFit workouts are designed to be adaptable to any person, regardless of experience level. Instructors base each program on constantly varied functional movements that participants execute at a high intensity. This means that each workout is different. Consequently, you never know what you will be doing when you walk into the box. Participants call a CrossFit-affiliated gym a “BOX”).

This makes it an exciting and challenging workout program that keeps you motivated and interested.

CrossFit is also based on intensity, which means that you are working at your maximum effort during each and every workout. This not only helps you achieve better results, but it also helps you burn more calories and lose weight.

CrossFit is a great way to get in shape and improve your overall fitness. The program is challenging and exciting, and the results are undeniable. If you are looking for a fitness program that will help you achieve your goals, it is definitely the right choice.

4. How Did it All Come About?

CrossFit is a workout program founded in 1996 that can help you accomplish any fitness goal, from improved health to better performance. The program is known for Forging Elite Fitness™.

Greg Glassman and Lauren Jenai conceived CrossFit, meaning cross-discipline fitness in 1996 as “Cross-Fit”. They incorporated the company in 2000. Soon after, they opened a gym in Santa Cruz, California in 2001. Greg posted their workouts on the Internet for their clients. Individuals in the police, military and firefighting services quickly adopted these workouts. The rest, as they say, is history.

CrossFit North in Seattle, Washington was the first affiliated gym to form in 2002. As a result of Glassman’s internet postings, trainers began to officially incorporate his workouts into their training regimen.

Glassman then began to develop a curriculum to train and certify coaches and gym owners using his methodology. Coaches associated with CrossFit include Louie Simmons, John Welbourn, and Bob Harper.

The CrossFit program has experienced rapid growth in recent years, with over 15,000 CrossFit gyms now open in 162 countries. Eric Roza, the former CEO of Datalogix, bought the company in 2020 and the future looks bright for this rapidly expanding workout program.

CrossFit Exercises

Participants perform functional movements which they execute at a high intensity, which form the basis for CrossFit workouts. This means that you will be doing a variety of exercises during your CrossFit workout, including squats, lunges, push-ups, and pull-ups. These exercises help improve your overall strength and fitness, and they are also a great way to burn calories and lose weight.

There are nearly 650 affiliated gyms in the UK find one here

Cross Training Gear and Attire

crossfit gear

CrossFit is a workout program that you can follow at any gym, and the necessary equipment and attire are very basic. All you need is a weightlifting belt, which is optional but recommended, and some comfortable clothes.

You will be working out in a group setting, so it’s best to wear clothes that allow you to move freely. Shorts and a t-shirt are perfect, or you can wear whatever makes you feel most comfortable.

CrossFit Nutrition

People who participate in CrossFit need to be aware of the type of diet or nutrition requirements that are necessary for the program.

Like any intense workout program, cross-training requires a lot of energy and stamina. This means that you need to make sure that you are eating the right foods so that you have enough energy to make it through your workouts.

The best way to fuel your body for CrossFit is by eating plenty of protein and carbohydrates. You should also make sure to drink plenty of water, especially if you are working out in a hot environment.

CrossFit Myths Busted

There are many myths out there, but the three most common are that it is only for athletes, is too dangerous, and is a waste of time. Let’s take a look at the truth behind these myths.

Myth #1: CrossFit is Only for Athletes.

Truth: The beauty is that instructors can tailor the program to any person, regardless of fitness level. So whether you’re just starting out or have been working out for years, CrossFit can help you reach your goals.

Myth #2: It is Too Dangerous.

Truth: If you are not careful you can can sustain an injury while doing CrossFit, just like with any sport or exercise. But, if you seek proper instruction and supervision, you can minimise the risk. If you train yourself, as a novice, with no supervision it can be dangerous, yes. However you could say the about simply running in the park. Knowledge is everything.

Myth #3: CrossFit is a Waste of Time.

Truth: It isn’t a quick fix; it takes hard work and dedication to see results. Once you start to see results, it will be worth all the effort you put in!

The Future

CrossFit is gaining in popularity every day, mostly due to the marketing push by its new CEO. The program is incredibly effective for reaching any fitness goal, from improved health to better performance. And the best part is that instructors can tailor cross-training programs to any person, regardless of their fitness level.

So whether you’re just starting out or have been working out for years, CrossFit can help you reach your goals. But with its growing popularity comes the risk of being overwhelmed by information.

Make sure you do your research before starting a routine to avoid injury and maximize results. Are you excited about the future of CrossFit?

Let me know what you think about this training program in the comments!

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Callisthenics: We Unravel the Mystery Around This Form of Training Where You Use Only Your Body Weight as Resistance. https://progronutrition.co.uk/callisthenics/ https://progronutrition.co.uk/callisthenics/#respond Wed, 23 Nov 2022 05:45:00 +0000 https://progronutrition.co.uk/?p=339 Callisthenics is a form of training where you use only your body weight as resistance. It is an ancient form of exercise that has recently seen a resurgence in popularity. Most importantly, this type of training can be done anywhere and requires no special equipment. What is callisthenics and what are the benefits of doing…

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Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Callisthenics is a form of training where you use only your body weight as resistance. It is an ancient form of exercise that has recently seen a resurgence in popularity. Most importantly, this type of training can be done anywhere and requires no special equipment.

What is callisthenics and what are the benefits of doing it?

Callisthenics is a form of exercise that uses your body weight as resistance. Consequently, it can be done anywhere and requires no equipment. Callisthenics includes a wide variety of exercises, including push-ups, pull-ups, squats, and lunges.

Callisthenics is a great way to get in shape because it works all your muscles simultaneously. It is also a good way to improve your strength and flexibility. And because it doesn’t require any special equipment, callisthenics is a great option for people who don’t have access to a gym or other fitness facilities.

How to get started with callisthenics?

To start with callisthenics, choose four or five exercises you would like to do. You can find videos online demonstrating how to do these exercises correctly. Once you have learned the proper form for each exercise, start by doing one set of 10-15 repetitions. As you become stronger, increase the number of sets and repetitions that you do.

The different types of callisthenics exercises that you can do

There are many types of exercises you can do by yourself such as Yoga or Pilates but callisthenic exercises have one big advantage – it is very simple. There are 6 basic categories of callisthenic exercises namely:

1. Upper Body Pushing Exercises

The upper body pushing exercises train the pressing muscles of your upper body. These include chest, shoulders and triceps!

You can break the exercise down further into two groups namely horizontal pushes or vertical pulls.

2. Upper Body Pulling Exercises

The upper body pulling exercises train the muscles of your back and biceps.

These muscles include the posterior shoulders, rhomboids, trapezius, lats and biceps

You can also break the exercise down further into two groups namely horizontal pushes or vertical pulls.

3. Knee Flexion Exercises

The knee flexion exercises train the muscles that allow you to squat down and squat back up.

Those muscles are the the quadriceps, the adductors, various other muscles in the hip and lastly the the glutes

4. Single Leg Exercises

Single leg exercises help train your ability to balance yourself on each leg individually. It may surprise you, but do you realise that you spend the majority of your day on one leg.

When you perform these callisthenics exercises you strengthen the quadriceps, adductors, the core musculature and all of the small stabilizer muscles that normally aren’t stimulated during bilateral exercises.

5. Hip Extension Exercises

The purpose of the hip extension exercises is to train the powerful muscles of the posterior chain to assist you in flexing and extending at the hip.

These muscles are the the hamstrings, glutes and the lower back.

6. Core Stabilizing Exercises

If you didn’t already know, here is a shocker: sit-ups and stomach crunches are NOT the best way to train your abs. In fact it, many experts agree that it is not the correct way at all.

The callisthenics approach instead, dictates that you need to train core stabilisation. This means the ability to resist motion under load.

How to progress in your callisthenics training

If you’re looking to progress in your callisthenics training, there are a few things you can do. First, try adding some weight to your exercises. You can use a weighted vest, ankle weights, or even hold a dumbbell while you perform the exercises. Second, try doing more repetitions of each exercise. Finally, try challenging yourself with more difficult variations of the exercises.

The most important thing you must remember is that you have to concentrate on keeping good form!

FAQs about callisthenics

Below are some frequently asked questions people have about callisthenics. Whilst there are many differing opinions, all the experts agree that callisthenics is a great way to improve your physical and mental strength.

Is Callisthenics Good For Fat Loss?

Callisthenics offers a great way to lose weight. It typically burns around 330 calories per hour for someone who weighs 11 stone, though less if you’re lighter and more often than not still seeing some good results at 20-30 minutes long sessions!

Is Callisthenics Good For Building Muscle?

The body is an amazing machine. It can do so much with the little it has available, and one way that exercise affects your muscles positively for all sorts of reasons, including building new fibres, is by making them stronger after each workout!

You will not get to look like the hulk with callisthenics, for that you need lots of protein, heavy weights and low reps.

Why You Should Start Doing Callisthenics?

Callisthenics is a great way to build strength, balance and coordination without having any of the negative side effects that other types of exercise may cause such as running or weightlifting.

The continued higher functionality of your body requires you to focus on agility so you can perform daily tasks with ease while being aware enough not only for what’s happening around you but also inside yourself too!

Will Doing Callisthenics Help Improve Your Performance In Other Sports?

Callisthenics is a great way to get in shape and maintain strength while playing sports. Professional athletes often rely on this form of exercise, which helps them develop fast-twitch muscles that can be used for quick movements like blocks or tackles during competition time!

Are Callisthenics Athletes Stronger Than Bodybuilders?

Bodybuilders in general will be able to lift much more weight as a result of specific training for specific movements. Callisthenics practitioners on the other hand tend to have a much better strength-to-mass ratio (and they don’t tend to look like cartoon characters).

Callisthenics or Calisthenics?

Let us clear up the spelling confusion on the correct spelling of callisthenics. It’s quite simple: both are correct! It simply depends on whether you are using British English (two L’s) or American English (one L).

The best resources for learning more about callisthenics

There are tonnes of resources online and many experts and even more people who call themselves experts. I can recommend Hampton from Hybrid Calisthenics (yes, he is from America, hence only one L).

I do so with confidence as he is someone that I follow and have for a long time. He has such a pleasant manner which is especially great of you are just starting out on your journey. I have learnt quite a lot from Hampton and I am sure you can too.

Give his channel a look and see for yourself.

hampton youtube ecreenshot hybrid calisthenics

Conclusion

So, if you’re looking to get stronger without bulking up, improve your agility and coordination, or just generally become a badass human being… callisthenics is the way to go! Just be sure to concentrate on keeping good form – no one wants an injury. And always consult a professional trainer before starting any new exercise routine.

Do you have any questions or suggestions? Let me know in the comments section below!

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Yoga or Pilates: Which is More Effective for You? https://progronutrition.co.uk/yoga-or-pilates/ https://progronutrition.co.uk/yoga-or-pilates/#respond Wed, 16 Nov 2022 05:49:00 +0000 https://progronutrition.co.uk/?p=322 Yoga and Pilates are both popular forms of exercise, but which one is better for you? Let’s take a look at the benefits and disadvantages of each to help you decide. Both Yoga and Pilates have their origins in ancient practices. Historians believe Yoga to dates back 5,000 years. Joseph Pilates developed his style of…

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Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Yoga and Pilates are both popular forms of exercise, but which one is better for you? Let’s take a look at the benefits and disadvantages of each to help you decide.

Both Yoga and Pilates have their origins in ancient practices. Historians believe Yoga to dates back 5,000 years. Joseph Pilates developed his style of practice in the early 20th century.

Many famous people swear by either yoga or Pilates for keeping them fit and healthy. Some notable yogis include Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow and Sting, while celebrities who use Pilates include Kelly Ripa and Jennifer Lopez.

What are Yoga and Pilates?

Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit root “yuj,” which means to unite or integrate. Yoga is a system of practices that aims to unite the mind, body and spirit.

Conversely, Joseph Pilates developed his physical fitness system in the early 20th century. It emphasizes mental and physical strength, flexibility and breath control.

The history of Yoga and Pilates

Yoga has been popular in the western world for many years, and there are now many different types of yoga that people can try. It originated over 5000 years ago in India and original forms are still practised today. However, the practice has had many permutations and re-iterations.

Swami Vivekananda introduced Yoga to the West during the 1960s and 1970s, first giving rise to its popularity . Since then, it has become increasingly popular.

Joseph Pilates was a physical fitness trainer who developed Pilates in the early 1900s. He created Pilates as a way to improve strength, flexibility and breath control. Millions of people around the world now practice it as it has become increasingly popular in recent years too.

How Yoga and Pilates are similar

  • Experts have shown that the practice of Yoga and Pilates have many health benefits for the mind, body and spirit. It is also an excellent way to cultivate greater awareness in your everyday life by connecting you on levels deeper than what you perceive with your rational thoughts or conscious decisions-to help create balance within yourself!
  • Both of them focus on the “process” of moving, rather than the end product. It can either be a goal of being stronger, having a more well-toned body or simply peace of mind.
  • Yoga and Pilates workouts invite you to concentrate on the present moment and the movement itself rather than the results.
  • They are mat-based programs which tone and condition the muscles. Furthermore they both use body weight as a natural resistance tool. Yoga does not allow for the incorporation of machines or “apparatus” to perform exercises, where Pilates does.
  • With either you need little more than a sticky mat. Non-orthodox Yoga practice can also incorporate simple props, like blocks or cushions, to enhance comfort and form. Some Pilates mat exercises use props that can either increase the challenge through the increase of resistance. Alternatively, it may aid in form such as the magic circle, resistance rings, inflated balls or resistance bands.
  • Both improve your blood circulation which consequently highly oxygenates the body.

How Yoga and Pilates differ

  • Yoga concentrates primarily on strength and flexibility of the spine and limbs. Pilates focuses on building abdominal strength followed by overall flexibility.
  • In Pilates, movements start from the centre (core) and extends through the limbs. In yoga, it is the concentration on the breath first, after which practitioners place a focus on deepening a pose.
  • In yoga, your main goal is to stay connected to your breathing. In Pilates, the first order of business is the precision of movement, and then, the coordination of that movement with the breath.
  • The breathing patterns are different in both. In yoga, for the bulk of the asana practice, the breath is either ujjayi, a smooth, heat-inducing breath that sounds like the ocean, or kapalabhati, a rapid breath that creates greater internal heat. In Pilates, the breath for most exercises is a slow, controlled, diaphragmatic breath, but a few exercises use a rapid, staccato-like breath (similar to kapalabhati breathing in yoga).
  • You mostly perform Pilates Exercises lying down, either prone (on the stomach), supine (on the back), or on your side. These movements aim to defy gravity the entire time, engaging the abdominal centre in order to lift up from the ground to lengthen muscles. Conversely, in yoga, most of the poses are done standing and work with gravity by rooting down into the earth, trying to lengthen the body away from the floor.

    You should note that in yoga, there are a number of poses done on the floor as well. Examples are seated forward bends, twists, bow pose, and plough. In contrast, Pilates, also contains a standing series, such as the sculpting series or exercises that integrate the magic circle prop.

Which is better for you – Yoga or Pilates

This is akin to asking “Which is the better fruit, apples or oranges?”.

Both can have benefits and disadvantages. Subsequently doing either or a combination of both is definitely better for you than doing neither.

Yoga has a more spiritual element, but yoga classes vary much more. Pilates classes on the other hand tend to follow a more standardised format.

Main Benefits of Yoga

There are many benefits to practising yoga. Yoga can help to increase flexibility, strength, balance and endurance. It can also improve breathing and circulation, and can help to reduce stress and anxiety. Yoga is also known for its spiritual benefits. Namely increased peace of mind and a sense of connectedness to something larger than oneself.

Key Benefits of Pilates

Pilates is a great way to improve overall strength, flexibility and stability. It also helps to increase endurance and can be beneficial for those recovering from injuries. Pilates is especially known for its ability to strengthen the core muscles. This can help to improve posture and prevent back pain.

The verdict – which one should you choose?

What do you want to get out of the class? Both have variants and options to suit your needs. If you want to sweat, try hot yoga or a high-intensity Pilates class. In contrast, if your requirement is more along the lines of relaxation and connecting with yourself on a spiritual level you can opt for a meditative form of yoga.

Yoga and Pilates classes can differ greatly, however they can both benefit you mentally and physically. Consequently, my advice would be to grab a mat and try out some classes locally. You may even want to join an online class!

I would love to hear your thoughts or experiences on Yoga or Pilates practice, so please leave a comment below!

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Pilates: What Is It And How Can You Benefit From It? https://progronutrition.co.uk/pilates-what-is-it-and-how-can-you-benefit-from-it/ https://progronutrition.co.uk/pilates-what-is-it-and-how-can-you-benefit-from-it/#respond Wed, 09 Nov 2022 05:45:00 +0000 https://progronutrition.co.uk/?p=179 Pilates is a form of exercise that improves flexibility, strength & endurance. We cover the origins & benefits of pilates & how to practice it

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  • Pilates is a form of exercise. Joseph Pilates developed it in the early 1900s
  • It can help improve flexibility, strength, and endurance
  • You can practise at home or in a studio setting
  • There are many different types of Pilates classes available
  • Pilates can be beneficial for people of all ages and fitness levels

Pilates is a form of exercise that was developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s

Pilates is a form of exercise that was developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s. He was an inventor and athlete who was seeking a way to improve the quality of his own physical conditioning. He eventually came up with a system of exercises that are designed to stretch, strengthen and balance the body. This type of exercise has become increasingly popular in recent years as more people have become interested in low-impact forms of exercise.

People of all ages and fitness levels can take part which is one of the great benefits. It is also an effective way to relieve stress and tension. If you are looking for a new form of exercise to try, Pilates is an excellent option.

Breathing is the first act of life and the last. Our very life depends on it.

Joseph Pilates

It can help improve flexibility, strength, and endurance

There are many benefits to pilates, including increased flexibility, strength, and endurance. Pilates can help you to achieve a greater range of motion, and it can also help to improve your posture. In addition, pilates can help to strengthen your core muscles, which can in turn lead to better balance and posture. Furthermore, it can help to increase your endurance by working all of the major muscle groups. As a result, pilates is an excellent form of exercise for overall fitness and health.

Pilates can be done at home or in a studio setting

Pilates is a great workout for people of all fitness levels. You can do it at home or in a studio setting, making it convenient and affordable. The best part about pilates is that your instructor can customise it to your own fitness level. If you’re new to pilates, there are plenty of easy exercises that you can do in the beginning. And if you’re looking for a more challenging workout, there are plenty of advanced exercises that will give you a great workout.

So whether you’re looking for a low-impact workout or a high-intensity workout, this is a great option.

There are many different types of Pilates classes available

There are many different types of Pilates classes available these days. You can find classes that focus on strengthening the core, improving flexibility, or even those that are ideal for pregnant women. No matter what your fitness goals may be, there is a class out there that can help you to achieve them.

One of the great things about Pilates is that it can be tailored to suit any individual’s needs. If you have an injury or a medical condition, there are classes available that will be gentle enough for you to still participate in and reap the benefits. Similarly, if you are looking for a challenging workout, there are also classes that will push you to your limits.

If you’re not sure which type of class is right for you, it’s always a good idea to speak to a qualified instructor. They will be able to assess your fitness level and advise you on which classes would be most suitable for you. With so many different types of Pilates classes available these days, there’s no excuse not to give it a try!

Pilates can be beneficial for people of all ages and fitness levels

It does not matter how old or how unfit you are, this is a great way for you to improve your fitness. Whether you’re just starting to work out or you’re a seasoned athlete, pilates can help you improve your flexibility, strength, and balance. Plus, it’s a low-impact form of exercise, so it’s gentle on your joints. There are plenty of pilates studios and classes available, so you can find one that’s right for you. You may even have some fun while you improve your overall fitness, who knows!

If you’re interested in trying out a Pilates class, here are some tips to help you find the right one for you.

So you’re thinking about trying Pilates, but you’re not sure where to start. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. With so many different types and styles of classes out there, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect class for your needs.

First, consider what you want to get out of your Pilates practice. Are you looking to improve your flexibility, build strength, or just de-stress? Once you know your goals, you can start to narrow down your options.

Next, take a look at your schedule and choose a class that fits with your availability. There are plenty of great classes out there, so there’s no need to try and fit into a schedule that doesn’t work for you.

Finally, don’t be afraid to try out a few different classes before settling on one. Everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. So explore your options and find the class that feels right for you.

A quick google search will help you find the classes available near you.

Conclusion

Your age and fitness level does not matter. What is important is that you are taking the first step to better health by doing research. You can benefit from regular pilates classes regardless of your current condition. Reach out to your local gym and join a class to see for yourself if this is something that will benefit you.

Do you have any questions for me or suggestions for my readers? Leave a comment below.

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