Hey Tim,would you reccomend combining these two arts?My main concern is my core strength and i know that pilates is great for that,but then again im not sure if i sure rather combine my tai chi training with hatha yoga.What yould you reccomend? Thanks for your time.

Just FYI, My kid is a Marine rifleman, his unit trys many ways to supplement their fitness, including the big balls and Pilates. I recall him stating their first impression of Pilates was: This is silly; This is gay; Hey, that's starting to hurt; ••••, that hurts!.

As a former Pilates and Yoga instructor, it really doesn't matter. There are many types of Hatha yoga styles...100s. Many Pilates approaches...100s.

A good yoga practice has good core work already.

If you want to keep the same spirit as your Tai Chi, I'd suggest Shiva Rea yoga or Paul Grilley Taoist Yoga or Yin Yoga.

If you want to just focus one core strength, I'd suggest a good program built around core stability from sports science, far better and a more athletic approach.

If you want a more simple approach with dynamic flexibility and core work , go with Pilates.


There are 1000s of programs for yoga, Pilates and core strength. They all can be very different or similar.

If you are more specific with what you need, what you don't want to do(for instance complex 3 dimensional resistance training trains the core far better than Pilates, but some prefer not to do it)and what you have access to and the amount of an investment you are willing to put up, I'll give you my opinion. It's what I do.

i wouldnt use the word "combining" since pilates is not a fighting style, and there is nothing really to combine,

but it can be a great supplement to anyone, just as lifting weights and things like that. its good for flexibilty and stuff like that, it helps condition your body to prevent injury.

If you are asking if Pilates is a good work out and if it works. I can tell you it does. But I personally don't like it. I like to hit the gym and do weights, nothing hardcore but thats just me.

I have seen quick and significant improvement in health and fitness among people who have done it.

And the more fit you are, the more it'll help with your martial arts, IMHO.

Hi Backarcher, is kettlebells a form of 3 dimensional resistance training and circular strength training?

When I was at Marine Boot Camp at Parris Island we were introduced to step aeorbics, and by a female Marine D.I. at that.

We were laughing and thinking this is girl stuff. That lasted for about 5 minutes, and then we were all praying for it to end.

"...When I was at Marine Boot Camp at Paris Island we were introduced to step aeorbics..."

Same here, but is was the Army and I was the D.I.!

k-bells can be used 3-dimensionally, more so than tradinonal barbells. Clubbell are best for CST.

Which exercises from kettlebells are 'circular strength training'?

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/kettlename.php?Real=%3C%

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