Tai Chi, Pilates or Yoga: Which is best for mental clarity and main power? (Image Credit: ISTOCK)
Feeling mentally tarnished, overwhelmed, or taking your posture like a long hit at the desk? You are not alone. As stress becomes part of our routine, more people are looking for ways to remain mentally fast and physically strong – without killing the gym for hours.
But not worry! Three practices are gaining serious popularity for mental clarity and core strength – Tai Chi, Pilates and their ability to promote both yoga. But if you are wondering which one is best for you, then the answer depends on your goals, preferences and how you want to feel at the end of your workout.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi may look slow and relaxed, but don’t be foolish – this ancient Chinese martial arts offers major mental health allowances. Often described as “meditation in motion”, the movements flowing in Tai Chi, controlled breathing and being mentally present.
The 2018 review in Frontiers in Psychology found that practicing Tai Chi can improve cognitive function and especially reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in older adults. It is also great for balance and coordination.
Professor of Harvard Medical School and Dr. of Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi, Dr. Peter Wayne explains, “Tai Chi enhances mindfulness and reduces cognitive decline by focusing on the body’s awareness and current-gall.”
Although it is not focused on the manufacture of visible core muscles in the form of pilates, Tai Chi still works to your deep stable muscles, especially those that help in posture and balance.
Pilates
If your main goal is to build a strong and toned core, then pilates are a great place to start. Made by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s, this method focuses on slow, controlled movements that strengthen your spine, abdomen, hips and muscles around the pelvis.
According to a 2021 study in supplemented in therapy, people practicing pilates saw significant improvements in core strength, balance, asan and even anxiety levels.
“Pilates focus on breath and controlled movement, which helps in focus and emotional regulation,” says Brent Anderson, the founder of the Poestar Pilates.
Unlike Tai Chi, pilates are less about attention and more about physical control, although it still requires mental attention, especially to do each step correctly. It is also highly adaptable, whether you are recovering from injury or looking for a more athletic challenge.
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Yoga is perhaps the best round of the three. In ancient Indian tradition, with its roots, yoga connects physical asana, breath and meditation in one practice. Whether you prefer soft persistence or high-energy power yoga, there is something for every fitness level.
A 2020 study in JAMA Psychiatry has shown that yoga, especially when combined with breathing and mindfulness, helped reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
Dr, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Sat Bir Singh Khalsa says, “Yoga is one of the most overall welfare equipment – it strengthens the body, calms the mind and improves emotional balance.”
Yoga asanas such as plank, boat posture, and downward dogs work core without feeling a specific workout. In addition, regular yoga practice can improve flexibility, sleep and stress flexibility.
What is right for you?
All three exercises – Tai Chi, Pilates and Yoga – provide a mixture of physical and mental benefits. Here is a quick takeaway:
If you want soft movements and better mental peace, then choose Tai Chi.
If your goal is core toning, posture and body control then go for pilates.
If you want an all-in-one practice for the welfare of the mind and body, then choose the option of yoga.
And if you can’t decide? mix and match! Even any of these 15 minutes a day can make a noticeable difference in your mood, energy and strength with time.
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