What's the rub?
Two people in my office do pilates, a few of my friends do yoga and my sister in law has just started gyrotronics.
Does anybody know the difference? What's best for toning and reshaping?

cheers m'dears.......

I rate Pilates give it a go.....amazing for abs


Much Love Lucie
xx

is not a fitness activity.

I teach Yoga and it is a fitness activity. It strengthens your muscles (core) it increases flexibility and improves overall stamina and strength.

Maybe you should look up what fitness means.

I have studied all three, and they are very similar. A lot depends on the teacher also. All three focus on using the human body properly, and efficiently, and getting rid of bad habits (which everyone develops over time).

Yoga, depending on the type of yoga, also focuses on the mental connection between mind and body and is good for reducing stress. Breathing is also stressed.

Pilates is like "western-ized" yoga, in that it approaches it from a biological and medical perspective, less mental, and focuses more on strengthening the "core", or torso muscles, which includes the abdomen and back muscles. There are mat exercises which require no equipment, then there are exercises that include a ring, a ball, or a bench, then there are large, expensive pieces of equipment (such as the cadillac and the reformer).

Gyrotronics uses a machine with pulleys and gears to give resistance to the motions included in yoga and pilates. It focuses on fluid motion, not "up and down" type motions like weight lifting, and incorporates breathing and the "core" muscles in all exercises.

They all reduce stress and are great for posture and avoiding or improving back problems. I think Pilates is best for improving abdominal strength, but good instructors will focus on that in all three.

Hope that helps.

Does anybody do Pilates in London? I have been to Pilates Art (http://www.pilatesart.com) in Hampstead, how does it compare to other places? It seems ok, a little expensive though.

I just started gyrotronics and I leave my session feeling so peaceful. I sleep better and have tremendous amount of energy for days to come. I've been using the machine with an instructor and have noticed that some of the exercises are great for toning. Either way, I love this far better than yoga or pilates. I just could never get into them. Yet, I am fascinated with the gyrotronic experience.

yoga is to keep in shape your soul in the first place.

As for the other two, have a look at this:

Gyrotonics (sometimes spelled Gyrotronics) is one of the newer exercise systems to enter the mind/body fitness arena. Developed by Julio Horvath, the method combines elements of Kundalini yoga, gymnastics, swimming, ballet, tai chi and resistance training - and is a perfect complement to Pilates workouts. Focusing on three dimensional, circular, energizing movements, Gyrotonics has been referred to as "yoga in motion", "yoga with resistance" and "the next big thing".

AffairResearcher

Yoga is more than shaping your body, it's about changing your lifestyle and the way you think.
http://www.yogauk.com/ for more info.

to be honest, I just want to look hot in my bikini next year!

Depending on how "into" fitness you are, I would recommend cardio vascular exercise about three time a week to keep fat off, and Pilates once or twice a week to tone up your abs and butt.