Easy Stretches

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Want a workout that strengthens and tones your body while also calming the mind? Look no further than Yogalates . Yogalates is a total system of mind and body healing, combining the flexibility and meditative aspects of yoga with the muscle strengthening and toning benefits of Pilates .

As summer approaches, you’re probably vowing to embark on a gruelling diet and exercise regime to get your body in shape. But rather than subject yourself to punishment, care for your body and mind by incorporating a few simple Yogalates moves into your daily routine.

Australian Louise Solomon was inspired to develop Yogalates after injuring herself during a yoga class 14 years ago. “I realised you need strength and stability to hold the yoga poses, and Pilates gives you that tone and muscle power,” Louise explains. Combining both disciplines seemed a logical solution.

During the past few years, Yogalates has become a buzz word in fitness. The training required to teach Yogalates is government accredited in Australia and there are now 80 certified teachers practising the discipline throughout the world.

What to expect

Most of Louise’s Yogalates postures are based on those used in traditional Hatha yoga. In addition to relaxation and meditation, Yogalates offers many of the same benefits as yoga, helping to increase flexibility, as well as improving muscle strength, digestion and breath control. Where Yogalates differs from yoga is that, like Pilates, it helps you to develop greater inner core stability. Louise says the discipline is both safe (in that it helps to prevent injuries and strains) and sustainable (because the moves are so simple, you’re more likely to maintain the practice).

All you need to practice Yogalates is a non-slip mat to stand or sit on and a long stretchy band (Louise says a pair of pantihose will do the job). You use the band to stretch into the pose, stabilise yourself, and then hold that position for a few seconds.

Breathe easy

Breath control is key to the successful practice of Yogalates. “When you learn how to hold the breath through the postures you can not only stretch more deeply into the poses, you can also relax the muscles and the central nervous system,” explains Louise. When following the basic postures provided in these pages, pay particular attention to Louise’s instructions on when to inhale and exhale. Correct breathing technique can help you to discover new reserves of power, vitality and stamina.

Exercise to harmonise

As Yogalates moves work to strengthen and lengthen your muscles, they will also help to balance your mind and emotions. Louise says regular practice should help you to bring a sense of calm to your life: “Yogalates is a holistic system that helps every aspect of your body and being, inside and out.”

For best results, perform our suggested postures four to six times each week. Combined with three sessions of moderate cardiovascular exercise a week and a healthy diet, you should be able to see and feel mind and body benefits by summer.

Words: Nikki Goldstein. Photography: Steven Chee.