Yoga and pilates have become popular classes in gyms over the last few years, and the Center for Physical Activity is offering a variety of classes in both exercises.
Yoga differs from other exercises because it focuses more on toning and strengthening muscles, and has a strong concentration on breathing, said Latosha Walker, fitness coordinator.
Yoga has come to describe a means of uniting the mind, body and spirit through mental and physical activities. Yoga has six branches. The physical aspect of yoga is known as hatha yoga. It was developed as a channel for meditation.
According to www.yogajournal.com, “Classes that have gained popularity in the United States usually teach one of the many types of hatha yoga, a physical discipline which focuses mainly on asanas (postures) and breathwork in order to prepare the body for spiritual pursuits.”
Other branches include raja, karma, bhakti, jnana and tantra yoga.
One of the hatha yoga classes the CPA offers is Power Yoga. It is an advanced class and most students have prior yoga experience before taking part in the class. “Power Yoga is a nonstop flowing sequence of movements that requires a tremendous amount of strength,” Walker said. Power Yoga is taught from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. by Jennifer Kitner.
Pixote McLaughlin is the instructor of the other yoga classes and the pilates classes.
“Yoga is beneficial because it improves flexibility and muscle strength,” McLaughlin said. “It relaxes you and clears your mind. It doesn’t let you think of anything.”
The yoga classes are designed to have a relaxed atmosphere, soft music playing in the background while the students concentrate on their breathing patterns.
Walker believes yoga is good for students. “Exercise is a stress buster,” she said. “When you incorporate exercise into your daily routine it helps you function.”
Walker also believes that “TV yoga bodies” are deceiving. Television sometimes portrays yoga as a way to lose weight, but that’s not always true. Cardio exercises are the real way to shed pounds, but yoga can be used as the stretching part of any workout, she said. Yoga classes are offered on Monday and Wednesday nights from 7-8.
Compared to yoga, which is over 2000 years old, pilates is new. Pilates was founded by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s.
According to www.pilatesinsight.com, “Pilates’ interest in physical fitness stemmed from a determination to strengthen his own body and improve his health after a sickly childhood. With a background in yoga, Zen meditation, martial arts and other ancient fitness techniques plus some success as a gymnast, diver and boxer, Joseph Pilates devised a unique sequence of movements that worked the mind and muscle in harmony.”
Although much of pilates is based on yoga positions, there are some key differences between the two exercises. “Pilates focuses on strength, and doesn’t focus on flexibility. It doesn’t relax you quite as much as yoga,” McLaughlin said.
The CPA has 8-9 a.m. pilates classes on Tuesdays, and matwork fundamentals based on pilates Tuesday nights from 7-8, and Thursdays from 6-7 p.m.
Walker said the yoga classes have always been popular, but this year each class is averaging 35 to 50 people. “I’m glad people are showing an interest and that they want to stay fit.”

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