What is Yogalates? The benefits for mind and body

Yogalates or Yoguilates was created in 1997 by the instructor and personal trainer Jonathan Urla (and then developed by Louise Solomon). It is an exercise technique that combines the benefits of strength training of Pilates and the flexibility of yoga in one session, which usually lasts from 30 to 60 minutes.

What is Yogalates about?

Yogalates sessions are designed to increase strength and elasticity and are especially recommended for people suffering from stress or osteoporosis.

Yogalates concentrates strength in the middle (abdominal area, buttocks and lower back), the body develops harmoniously, stretching muscles, toning the body, improving posture and developing coordination, stimulating blood circulation.

Yogalates sessions start as a traditional yoga session; with warm-ups and stretching of joints, short meditation and breathing exercises, postures supported by deep breaths… and begin to change when the movements gradually increase to almost the pace of Pilates, unlike in Yogalates machines are never used.

Why is Yogalates beneficial?

Yogalates uses a mind-body connection to improve physical, emotional and spiritual levels of those who practice it.
As it improves breathing, circulation and energy levels, Yogalates speeds up metabolism, so combined with good nutrition, this type of exercise can be used very effectively for weight loss.
Mental benefits are also noticeable as exercises performed accurately and fluently need all our attention to increase the total control of the body and breath.
Besides better oxygenation of the blood, the release of endorphins facilitates the elimination of stress and problems related to it.
Yogalates helps lower back pain, strengthen the abdominals and lengthen muscles, allowing better control of posture.

Ultimately the Yogalates method allows us to improve our daily activities, work, family, other sports…