Alternatives to Yoga for Core Health: Pilates, Barre & Zumba

Physical fitness is more important now than ever. With radical changes in both diet and lifestyle worldwide, staying in good health is a top priority. For those new to fitness or looking to diversify, here are a few alternatives to traditional exercising to spice up the regimen.

Pilates

Pilates, recognized after its namesake Joseph Pilates, was originally known as Contrology. Developed in early 1912 Germany by Pilates, who was its first practitioner, it was developed to aid in rehabilitation work after injury or illness. After Joseph and his wife Clara emigrated from Germany to the United States in the twenties, they opened a ‘body conditioning gym’ where they taught their method. Their work quickly became a household name, with word spreading quickly particularly to the dance community. As the studio received a massive influx of practitioners, Joseph would go on to further develop the method while Clara taught the classes. Because a majority of the original students were male gymnasts or athletes, Pilates shifted teachings to suit individual needs on a physical level. Before his passing Pilates released two booklets, ‘Your Health’ and ‘Return to life through Contrology’ where he highlighted three key components of his method: Breath, mind-body-spirit health, and mind-body-spirit commitment.

Pilates focuses primarily on the aspects of fitness that may be ignored today: posture, flow, precision, core strength, injury prevention and rehabilitation, and mobility. There are plenty of other benefits that Pilates provides, but the overall outlook is to be a more connected and complete being. Rather than focusing on fat burning or muscle growth, which are entirely possible, Pilates is a passive way to regain complete control of your body. Where hips or lower back may ache, or range of motion in shoulders or ankles is limited, Pilates can help to achieve peak peak performance. ‘Above all, learn how to breathe correctly’ - Joseph Pilates.

Barre

Barre, also developed in Germany albeit in the early 60’s, is another movement designed to aid in injury rehabilitation. Developed by ballet dancer Lotte Berk after she experienced a back injury, it was born from the combination of both ballet and physical therapy. While recovering, her doctor suggested that she find a way to remain fit without placing a strain on her lower back. Using light weights and functional movement, Berk created a form of exercise that would ensure both strength and flexibility were increased. With the first barre fitness studio being opened shortly after her recovery, Lotte taught classes focusing on teaching non-dancers how to move as dancers would, in order to make exercise fun. 

Modern Barre classes highlight aspects of dance inspired fitness, with intervals of high intensity and low impact movement. It can be categorized as a full body exercise where muscular endurance is the name of the game. Equipment such as resistance bands, kettlebells and ballet bars are key components to Barre. Practitioners focus on flexibility, joint health and posture to achieve the results they want. A great alternative to traditional cardio, expect to sweat a good bit in a Barre class. 

Zumba

Zumba is described as a happy accident that mixes aerobic fitness and various Latin American dances such as Soca, Merengue, Salsa and even Capoeira. It was created when fitness instructor Alberto Perez realized on his way to his studio that he had forgotten his music for the class. Improving by playing the salsa and merengue tapes he had with him, he found a way to keep the class moving and ironically, smiling. 

With many traditional forms of exercise being uncomfortable and strenuous, Zumba is all about freedom of expression and fun, while supporting high calorie burning activity. Though Zumba does result in incredible toning, endurance, and is great for cardiovascular health, its main benefit is the impact it has on certain mental facilities. It decreases stress while simultaneously boosting positive emotions, improves foot and eye coordination, and increases perceived pain threshold. All these things combine to help give exercise a different light, one where they can be enjoyed.