For those that are searching for a unique exercise program, pilates or yoga exercise may be exactly what they are looking for. These two different regimes have similarities that make them the perfect partners in a program that can be used by many.

Neither of these programs are designed to bulk up muscles, rather they are created to give a person a longer, leaner appearance as well as a way to keep the body and the mind connected to help a person deal with stress on a daily basis. Pilates yoga exercise may be the perfect program that you haven't tried yet.

What a Pilates and Yoga Exercise Program Could Look Like

Since these two programs are different, many do yoga on one day and pilates on another. Some people combine portions of these programs to make their own work out regiment. A pilates yoga exercise program could incorporate positions from yoga with workouts from pilates to work on specific areas and strengthen core muscles.

A couple of pilates yoga exercise routines that can be used to help flatten that tummy include the Warrior position from yoga and the 100's from pilates. Both of these movements use very controlled and precise movements to fully engage the abdomen muscles. With the Warrior position a person needs to stand and then move one leg about 4 feet forward, extend the arms so that they are parallel to the ground.

Turn the right foot out slightly and the left foot needs to be turned to a 90-degree angle. Exhale and bend the right knee, make sure to keep the right knee over the ankle and press the left leg straight, hold the position for 30 seconds.

The 100's involve lying down on your back and pulling your legs straight off the floor slowly. Lift the head and the shoulders off of the floor and press your abdomen down. Put your hands flat by you hips and thighs and slowly lower you legs but don't touch the ground. Press hands up and down and count to five and inhale and then count to five and exhale do this until you reach 100.

This type of pilates yoga exercise allows for a person to work with both disciplines of exercise and creates a balance of yoga and pilates that is unique and specialized for an individual.

For students who have worked with both types of programs it can be a simple matter of putting together movements that share a common flow. Pilates yoga exercise is a great way to get a full mind and body workout.