FitStop asks: What's the difference?

...between Yoga, Stretching, Pilates, and Mobility?

Do you get these practices mixed up?

This month, FitStop is diving into what's the difference!

Yoga: loved and practiced by many.

It blends movement (poses or "asanas"), breathing techniques and mindfulness. There is a mind-body connection with flexibility and relaxation.

Yoga often moves at a slow to moderate pace and can be gently (restorative) or athletic (power/Vinyasa).

Stretching: simplest and most specific. It's main goal is to lengthen muscles and increase flexibility.

There is no philosophy behind it. Best done at the end of a workout to prevent injuries and create blood flow. There are different types, however, but let's just look at 2. Static stretching: holding a stretch for an amount of time (usually done in cool-down or post workout). And Dynamic Stretching: moving stretches to get the blood flowing and heart rate elevated (warm ups at beginning of workout).

Pilates: created specifically as a strength system and not as relaxation practice. It focuses on core strength, posture and controlled movement. A good way of looking at it is Pilates feels like strength training in slow motion. Minus the weights.

Precise movements, core-focused, Pilates is an excellent workout to prevent back pain and also to introduce in post-natal fitness.

Mobility: move joints better through full range of motion. Combining strength and flexibility, going beyond just the stretch. Mobility is active, joint focused, and important in injury prevention, aging well, reducing stiffness, and gym/sport performance.

All in all, these 4 areas offer different ways to reach 1 end goal. A GOOD LIFE. :)

A life of movement. A life of freedom.

Let us know: do you prefer one to the other? Do you practice any regularly?

PSAs

New Challenge starting May 18th: FREE: Restore and Regulate. All about your nervous system and turning your survival mode into a safe space. Sign up on the app: Sside.ca/FitStopApp

Birthday Draw: we're halfway through May! Don't forget to enter the draw if you celebrate this month.

Please remember to scan your fob at the front desk before coming up to the gym. This enables the CUP to know who is in the building. It also helps us know that you are not getting into the gym or pool without a membership.

Every chance I get, I will reiterate, please wear clean, indoor sneakers to the gym.

Until next time,

Your coach,

Tracy