MIND & BODY

How Yoga, Pilates and Core Conditioning Sculpt Amazing Abs

These classic disciplines are incredibly effective at sculpting and strengthening your midsection—each forces your body and muscles to work in similar, torso toning ways:

• Both train from the "inside out." Yoga and Pilates require that you generate all movement from your core (abdominals and spine extensors) with precision.
• Both enhance everyday movement. When doing yoga and Pilates moves, you stabilize your body as you move through many planes and angles of movement, just as you do in life. This improves your ability to perform virtually any activity. Also known as "Functional Conditioning."
• Both improve balance. When your abdominal and back muscles work together, the mobility and extension of your spine is increased so you move more fluidly and gracefully. Tai-Chi is another discipline which will enhance one's balance.
• Both promote quality over quantity. Yoga and Pilates encourage precise and purposeful movements, so you're less likely to use momentum to execute a move.