For decades, the world of fitness has adopted two revolutionary, innovative practices which, although initially many people embraced for being groundbreaking, their roots take us back many years ago. We are talking about Yoga and Pilates, which formed the number one fitness trend of the past decade – when more and more world-known celebrities started stating as their loyal followers – and today has been established as all fitness lovers’ favorite exercises worldwide.
Their common secret lies in the importance of the atmosphere, energy, and mental concentration in order for them to be carried out properly; three factors that can be really taken off when we exercise having an idyllic landscape of high energy, unique aura, and natural beauty in the background. In other words, three factors that can be taken off when we exercise having Patmos and the panoramic views that Blue Vista offers in the background.
The mystical Aegean island where many people have found their spiritual “sanctuary”, is the ideal place to be fully dedicated and without distractions, to alternative practices such as Yoga and Pilates. Indeed, based on the dreamy Blue Vista, its stone-built villas, apartments, and studios, this experience can get to another level.
But what is it that has made so many people choose these wonder practices and now think of them as lifestyle and philosophy? The answer lies behind the benefits that they have been shown on both bodies and minds, gradually turning them into their best possible version.
So let’s see how Yoga and Pilates boost both physical health and spiritual uplift in a regular way thanks to their holistic approach.
They enhance muscular strength
Although compared to other exercise programs or the simple equipment available in any modern gym, plenty of people believe that Yoga and Pilates are lacking in muscle strengthening, but this is not the case.
They both increase physical strength, contribute to developing flexibility and balance, help strengthen the abdominals and core in general, and protect against chronic muscle pain.
This is precisely where their supremacy compared to weight lifting lies because even though weight lifting helps in muscle building, it reduces flexibility. Although the importance of the latter is rarely praised, since it is considered an essential skill exclusively for dancers, yet it is vital: Flexibility and balance protect against falls and potential injuries.
They contribute to the correct posture of the body.
The modern lifestyle requires that most of us are seated on a chair for countless hours in front of a computer screen. This results in burdening the spine, as an erroneous posture is adopted. This is what we often hear as ‘hunchback’, which starts from the head.
When the head is not aligned with the spine, the neck and muscles are strained, while due to the convex back position, long-term chronic dyskinesia and physical pain are caused.
However, with the proper Yoga and Pilates exercises, the body regains its dynamics and the person acquires the right posture. Enforced with symmetry, concentration and practising the mindfulness, they prove to more and more people that they constitute the “savior” of the spine.
They help with weight loss
Aerobic programs such as Zumba may hold the lead when it comes to weight loss, but Yoga and Pilates with their own calming power ideally complete the puzzle of an overall correct fat-burning method.
If carried out on a regular basis and practitioners are consistent with their instructor, they can change their entire body. The excess mass is removed, muscles look more well-formed, and especially if combined with cardio, the results are extremely immediate and visible.
They improve breathing
In both Pilates and Yoga, breathing is the number one requirement. In these practices, emphasis is given almost exclusively to proper inhalation and exhalation; with minor differences between them. Although this is a vitally important physical process for staying alive, most people do not breathe as they should.
So just after a few Yoga or Pilates classes, everyone understands that now they are breathing in a more correct way. It is something that initially requires concentration, but later on, becomes automatic.
Yoga and Pilates: valuable gifts for our mental health
All Greeks are familiar with the phrase “a healthy mind in a healthy body”. At which level have we managed to embrace its value? Even though modern society wants us all to cling to image in a superficial way, exercising also boosts the well-being of the spirit.
But let’s talk more specifically about the Yoga and Pilates technique, which not only take care of mental health but could say that it is the first priority. With respect to Zen’s philosophy of wholeness and mindfulness, they both remind us of the importance of now, of the present time, and our role as entities in time. They are primarily energy and worldview and secondarily exercise programs.
Self-awareness, self-worth, self-consciousness: they help to draw importance to their importance
Let us go back to Ancient Greeks and the wisdom they left us as an invaluable legacy. «Γνώθι σαυτόν» (which means knowing yourself) was a prerequisite for spiritual well-being in the scholar circles of philosophers and now the same stands for those who practice Yoga and Pilates.
Both practices help practitioners to get in touch with their higher ego, their inner world, or – according to the official terminology – their center. During the class, they focus their attention entirely on their body, their emotions, their perception, and their way of responding to external stimuli. This how self-confidence is e result is none other than the cultivation of self-esteem is grown, since the more we know about ourselves, the more we love substantially every part of ourselves.
They increase concentration
“Everything comes from within, everything is happening now” is a phrase often heard by lifelong followers of Yoga and Pilates. Bearing this as their basic principle, they gradually manage to improve the ability to concentrate, sharpen perception, and enhance memory and reflexes. In fact, if combined with meditation, the above-mentioned are multiplied and a higher mental level is attained, free from excessive external stimuli and “noises” that distract the flow of thought and prevent the mind from flourishing and thriving.
They fight stress
Many people refer to Pilates and Yoga as psychotherapy while others have been able – in combination with appropriate natural medical treatment – to get rid of their depressive thoughts. Practicing Pilates and Yoga can bring you in touch with harmony and inner peace, all of which cannot be consistent with melancholy and anxiety.
In the right place, with the right guidance
Just like Yoga and Pilates focus on the tiniest detail, so should those who practice them, choosing wisely the place and the instructor who will help them explore the magical world of these practices. At Blue Vista Patmos you can attend quality Yoga and Pilates classes with the most qualified instructors at the villa or studio of your preference, in order to make the most of your training.
Do you want to work out with views of the sunset and of course with your Yoga-Pilates buddies? Done! The common areas of our idyllic hotel are ready to become your physical and mental base for this unique journey of self-awareness. On the terraces, on the roof, and by the pool, you can work out alone or in small/multi-groups. In fact, Blue Vista’s location seems almost “premeditated” for this purpose, in a quiet area – the perfect place to listen to your soul – and with panoramic views that “open up” the mind.
What could be better than combining your trip to Patmos with this spiritual–physical journey? In fact, if this is combined with good company, even better. That is why we have made sure that there is the option of renting a villa for a 10persons group.
Whether you are already a pro or are just taking your first steps in these programs, all you have to do is contact us on time to arrange the group/private sessions that will enhance your holiday on the island in the most holistic way.
