Pilates, Yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong — What’s Best For Me?

CNN.com recently asked me to offer insights and guidance regarding Mind-Body movement modalities (which I refer to as 'BodyMind').

Many methods are available, such as Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, and Qigong, but often people don’t know how to choose or where to start. My experience as an educator with expertise in movement and mindfulness practices allowed me to break down the uses and advantages of the various movement practices. In the full article I also offer my number one tool to manage anxiety.

I determined that viewers of CNN.com would benefit from a simple and fundamental technique that brings us into the present. Practice taking three full, conscious breaths when you wake up in the morning. The purposefulness of this technique helps us pay attention to the messages our bodies are sending. Such awareness is critical to avoid injury, pain, sleep disturbance, depression, and other disfunctions. Some of us may listen to but then ignore our body’s messages and not pay attention until it's too late.

A number of people have come to me injured from participating in what was touted as 'Pilates' or from other practices not rooted in proper fundamentals. When I developed The Core Expert® Method I based my exercises and techniques on time-tested Pilates fundamentals and drew in appropriate elements of contemporary exercise science, biomechanics, yoga, mindful breathing, and full-body movement practices. Numerous scientific studies demonstrate that our mental and emotional health are inextricably connected to our physical health. So we are wise to to understand and adopt movement practices that lead us on a path to health and well-being by addressing the whole of us: mind-body-spirit.

Read the full article for my guidance on how to navigate all the various Mind-Body movement modalities on CNN.com.