Yoga. Pilates. Yoga. The popularity flip flop between these two forms of exercise is tough to keep up with. When it comes to Pilates vs. yoga there may be quite a few factors to take into consideration.

A longstanding tradition in India, yoga in the West is often looked at as a practice for cross-legged, om-chanting practice for zen minded folk who frequent ashrams. The prevalence of those unmistakably sleek, sculpted arms are a dead giveaway of yoga’s popularity. You can spot someone who practices regularly a mile away.

Then came Pilates. Originally deemed a souped up version of yoga, the workout took off with studios cropping up in yoga studios, gyms, and everywhere in between.

So now the question is: Pilates vs. yoga? Is one better for your body?

While Pilates may not be as popular as yoga, Pilates classes and individual sessions for exercise are still widely popular; and it is also used as a form of physical therapy for some individuals. While reformers (those strappy, table-like contraptions) were the thing at the height of the Pilates craze, some fans think the mat version of the exercise regimen deserves a closer look.

You remember mat Pilates? The class you took to see if you liked it before springing for the more expensive reformer classes? Some Pilates experts feel a mat practice can offer that same intense workout, with the on-the-fly-ness of a yoga practice. Only tools required are a mat and yourself.

So if we are going back to the mat, why not just practice yoga, then? While the two exercises may look similar upfront, there are unique benefits to each.

Pilates is a structured workout with slight variations between classes. While it works the entire body, core is the main focus. Yoga comes in all shapes and sizes, from gentle stretching and peace of mind to intense cardio, and works the larger muscle groups.

If you are looking for flexibility and overall strength in an easily personalized format, yoga is likely for you. If a more structured regimen and sick abs sound right up your alley, give Pilates a try. Even better news…the two work well together. Incorporate some of each into a tailor made practice, or switch out days for benefits of both.

To get started try this mat Pilates workout for any fitness level or check your gym for a reformer class. There are tons of great yoga DVDs out there. Check out this 30 minute classic yoga routine. For a more sweat inducing workout, I love Jillian Michael’s Yoga Meltdown DVD (which you can find at Target).

Do you do Pilates or practice yoga (or both) regularly? What’s your favorite thing about either? We’d love to hear from you!

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

Related on EcoSalon

Yoga Poses You Should Not Do

Can You Practice Yoga Poses on Your Period

Hot Yoga: Does It Really Burn More Calories?

Image of yoga mat via Shutterstock

The post Pilates Vs. Yoga: Is There a Perfect Practice? appeared first on EcoSalon.

That title is maybe too far a stretch, but after last week’s feasting, stretching – and more crucially, constraining – might be the perfect metaphor for fashion’s brewing trend – outfits and accessories that accentuate the waist.

If you’ve been busy digesting designer pre-fall 2011 offerings, you’ve noticed the subtle references to the waist-friendly 70s that dominated springs/summer 2011 collections continue to endure. At DKNY the long flared pants, tucked in sheer blouses and midi-length skirts were paired with brightly-colored tie belts to give a fresh, modern look to the retro separates.

While the look is often referred to as high waisted, I think what we’re seeing on the runways is actually a return of the natural waist. In terms of traditional garment construction, the natural waist refers to the smallest part of a women’s midsection. Long celebrated as the epitome of femininity, isn’t it strange that a lady-like pulled-in waist silhouette seems like such an anachronism now?

Vintage lovers know first hand that while we are getting bigger overall, the waist has grown more in proportion. There is evidence to suggest the increasing stress of our modern day lives has rendered women more apple-shaped, but I’ve always wondered if there’s a bit of a muscle memory component to it. After years of low-rise jeans, tunics, blousons-style tops and long tees, we’re no longer used to clothes that focus our attention to this area of our bodies. Certainly, women under the age of 45 aren’t. Wearing a corset – or even a tight belt – during your ordinary day of sitting, standing and walking around is an informing experiment. I’ve marveled at how it forces you to tighten the upper part of your torso, automatically giving you the flat tummy and straight back you go to Pilates class for.

Perhaps the easiest way to creating an hourglass shape of your own is to employ an optical illusion or two. Wrap dresses, cardigans and tops that create a deep V neckline are brilliant for this. Royal bride-to-be, Kate Middleton demonstrated the effectiveness of this strategy in her Issa-designed engagement dress, adding the perception of curves to her reedy physique. Anything that highlights a low v-neck, such as a dangly medallion on a chain (very 70’s) works. By building volume at the shoulders and hips, voluminous sleeves, tulip skirts, and boat neck lines are particularly clever for whittling down the look of a waist too. Another trick is is wearing a fitted top and bottom in the same color to create the illusion of length and adding a contrasting belt. My sneaky move in summer is to wear a black top with white jeans to streamline an almost daily ice-cream bloat.

Since we all have a closet full of those blousons-style tops, I’m not suggesting throwing them out this coming season, but simply tucking them in and belting them up. So, if your fashion future is looking nipped in, cinched and knotted at the waist – or you’re thinking of all the money you’ll save on Pilates – you’ll want a new sustainably-made belt. Check out this Obi wrap belt by taxi cdc, made from reclaimed materials. Available from Candystore Collective and Shift Boutique.

The post A Waist Is a Terrible Thing to Waste appeared first on EcoSalon.