Definition of Body Balance

In recent years sports activity has undergone great transformations. In this sense, different modalities and cultural traditions have merged creating specific exercise programs. This is what has happened with Body Balance (or Body flow in the US), a technique that combines different disciplines, specifically Pilates, yoga, Tai Chi and traditional stretching. The goal of this combination is to find the Balance between the physical and the mental and for this reason The term body balance is used, which we could translate as a balanced body.

Main features

A session has different sections or tracks and each of them is accompanied by a type of music that brings the choreographic element to the movements (there is chillout, house, dance or hardcore music).

The priority aspect of training is muscle toning, which is worked through Pilates exercises. On the other hand, tai chi techniques enhance balance and stability. Yoga positions promote relaxation, flexibility and posture

bodily. With respect to the classes, shoes are not used in them, since it is considered that bare feet help to enhance the self control of the body.

Body Balance is normally practiced in a group and classes are led by a specialized instructor

A normal session lasts approximately 45 minutes. The exercise routine usually begins with a tai chi-based warm-up. In a next section, yoga postures and mind control techniques are incorporated. The class continues with Pilates exercises aimed at enhancing the force physics and toning of the main muscles. Finally there is a return to calm in the last minutes of the session. The end result is a synthesis of physical and mental work and proper posture.

It is a demanding activity and, at the same time, playful and relaxing. In the first sessions it is common for practitioners to have stiffness and discomfort, as the body needs to get used to the rhythm of the Body Balance.

The Evolution of Led Classes

In recent decades, all kinds of supervised classes have become fashionable. In the 1960s, gymnasiums practiced a discipline very traditional, the well-known gymnastics Swedish. In the 70's yoga became popular all over the world. In the early 80's some celebrities gave a boost to aerobics.

Over the years, new disciplines appeared: pilates, taichi, zumba, step, body combat, crossfit, spinning or body pump. Body Balance is a type of directed class and its appearance took place in New Zealand in 1998. It can be practiced at any age, it implies a consumption high in calories and provides good physical shape and mental balance that helps combat stress.

Photos: Fotolia - Adrenalinapura / Microgen

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