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Why We’re Using an Ab Mat for Better Breathing, Core Strength and Yoga
Sometimes the best additions to your practice are the simplest ones. Recently, one of those additions at Balanced Planet Yoga has been the SPRI Ab Mat — but probably not for the reason you’re expecting. Yes, it can be used for traditional abdominal exercises. But what really got our attention was learning how to use it to explore lateral breathing, rib-cage expansion and the relationship between breath and core function. Because if you know us, you know we love anything that gives us another way to ask: Wait… what is my body actually doing here? And this particular rabbit hole started with someone we trust enormously: our own Dr. Carly Egrie, PT, DPT, MBGHWC,…
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Barre vs. Yoga Sculpt vs. Pilates: What’s the Difference? (And Why They’re All Trying to Steal Your Favorite Leg Muscles)
One of the questions we get all the time at the studio is: “What’s the difference between barre, yoga sculpt, and Pilates?” It’s a fair question. From the outside, they all involve small movements, strange-looking equipment, people shaking at unexpected times, and an instructor who keeps smiling while everyone else is questioning their life choices. So…are they basically the same? Yes.And absolutely not. What Barre, Yoga Sculpt, and Pilates All Have in Common At their core, all three practices are interested in one thing: helping you move better. Not just harder. Better. They all ask you to become aware of your body instead of simply surviving the workout. They build…
