Overview of Pilates and Yoga

Pilates is a series of exercises that aims at lengthening and stretching all major muscle groups in a balanced fashion and it improves body flexibility, strength and awareness. Yoga brings body and mind together based on – exercise, breathing and meditation. Both yoga and Pilates improve muscular and postural strength, together with lowering blood pressure and a sense of wellbeing.

What is Pilates [1]?

Pilates requires concentration of your body as your body moves through precise ranges of motion by lengthening and stretching all muscle groups in your body. It can be both forms of aerobic and non-aerobic exercise. Each exercise has a unique placement, rhythm and breathing pattern. These exercises are performed in low repetitions, sometimes together with mat work and specialised equipment are used.  

Benefits of Pilates [2]

Improved flexibility
Increased muscle strength and tone, especially in abdominal muscles, lower back and hips
Enhanced muscular control of the spine and improved spine stabilisation
Rehabilitation and prevention of musculoskeletal injuries
Stress management and relaxation

What is Yoga?

Yoga is an ancient Indian philosophy that was designed as a path to spiritual enlightenment. In modern days, yoga is well known as a form of gentle exercise and stress management. Yoga relies on structured poses practices with breath awareness. Studies found that regular practice of yoga can increase fitness and normalise blood pressure. In a long run, yoga practitioners report lower levels of stress and increased feeling of wellbeing. Practice of yoga requires effort, accuracy and commitment therefore it brings your body and mind together based on three elements: exercise, breathing and meditation.

Benefits of Yoga

Improves cardiovascular fitness and circulation
Normalises blood pressure
Encourages mobility and eases pressure on joints
Prevents osteoporosis
Reduces back pain and improves posture
Reduces stress, anxiety and fatigue

At Lakeside Chiropractic, our experienced and holistic chiropractors can provide advice and resources to help you establish an exercise routine tailored to your specific needs to achieve optimal physical and mental wellbeing. We are a Medibank and BUPA preferred practice but accept all health insurance which you can claim on premises through our HICAPS machine. If you have any enquiries or would like to book an appointment, feel free to contact one of our friendly staff on 9300 0095 or visit our website at www.lakesidechiro.com.au to book an appointment.

References

Post on March 28, 2022

Dr. Kaitlyn (Yun Qi) Lau

I was first introduced to the world of Chiropractic in my teenage years, when I was given the opportunity to observe my cousin who is a chiropractor. During my brief time in observation, I witnessed the wonder of chiropractic and it was truly a miracle to me, seeing how it can change a person’s life. An old lady came in limping with chronic pain, after the treatment, she walked out perfectly fine with a big smile on her face. She held onto my hand to say thank you to me, even though I was just standing there doing nothing. It filled with me with such joy and fulfillment that in that instance, I made up my mind to become a chiropractor, no matter what it took. I graduated from Murdoch University with Distinction honours in 2016. During these 5 years at University, I participated in a 2 week placement in Northern India, called “Hands on India”, helping to raise over $80,000 to assist the communities living in poverty there, in return, I gained a wealth of knowledge and I was humbled by the amazing people there. In my role at Lakeside Chiropractic, I endeavor to provide excellent Chiropractic care and health advice to our community. I keep myself current with the best available research and professional development opportunities. I absolutely love being a Chiropractor and find that one of the most rewarding parts is being able to assist my patients in expressing their optimal health. My special interests are cervicogenic migraine, TMJ and sciatic pain. I especially love helping our moms-to-be achieve their best shape along the journey, this lead me to recently attended seminars for women’s fertility and pregnancy care essentials. Outside of the clinic, I enjoy my routine of going to yoga and pilates 3 times a week, as well as being a couch potato in front of TV with family. Born and raised in Malaysia, I am also fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin.

How Yoga and Pilates Help with Pain Relief?