Pilates and yoga are used to condition the body while developing the mind, and have become alternatives to cardio or strength training.
Christa Adams, a yoga and pilates instructor, and Joe Scavens, a yoga instructor, provide lessons at the Family Y in North Augusta.
While yoga utilizes the body alone, pilates can incorporate equipment such as weights and balls, Adams said.
Teaching prana kriya yoga, Scavens focuses on "building strength through stretching instead of pumping."
"It is an emphasis on breathing and connecting breath with movement, while staying mindful and being in the present moment," he said. "You can't be disconnected and do this kind of stuff."
Scavens said yoga is a great way to relieve stress. People also tend to drop bad habits such as drinking sodas or eating junk foods, he said.
"It can be a cure-all for getting your life together," Scavens said.
Workouts in pilates that use body weight alone are similar to yoga, Adams said. Pilates is good for restoring natural balance, improving flexibility and posture, and increasing physical and mental strength, she said.
It is also a way to reduce stress, Adams said.
Adams and Scavens displayed yoga and pilates workouts that do not require equipment and are easy to learn.
"Most people make the mistake of going into full extension quickly," Scavens said, which is why he advises to start off slow and gradually move into the full positions.
CLASSES AT THE Y
PILATES
MONDAY: 8:30 a.m.
TUESDAY: 5:30 p.m.
THURSDAY: 9:30 a.m., 4 p.m.
FRIDAY: 10:30 a.m., 4 p.m.
YOGA
TUESDAY: 8 and 10:30 a.m., 5:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY: 9:30 a.m.
THURSDAY: 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION: Rates vary, contact the Family Y at (803) 278-0882
