In a Yoga class you might do an pose (exercise) called Warrior 2. In Body Balance you could be asked to perform the same move. You may see Yoga classes and Body Balance classes appear on the timetable in the same fitness club. So what is the difference between Yoga and Body Balance?
Crucially Body Balance is an exercise to music class based upon moves from Yoga, T’ai Chi and Pilates. Les Mills, the New Zealand based fitness giant behind the programme describes Body Balance as follows:
BODYBALANCE™ is the yoga, t’ai chi and Pilates workout that builds flexibility and strength, and leaves you feeling centred and calm.
And the exercises are often modified from the originals to make them more achievable for people of all ages and abilities.
In a Yoga class your teacher may play music but it will be very much in the background rather than a focus for your attention. In Body Balance the exercises are specifically choreographed to the music. So you might perform the Warrior 2 move during the verse of a well known song and then move into a different pose during the chorus.
Les Mills launch a new class structure every 3 months with new moves and a whole new play list of great songs.
Depending upon the style of yoga the class might embrace more of the “8 Elements of Yoga” rather than simply the exercises and the breathing awareness you will focus on in Body Balance. In Yoga there is much more to explore and for some people it can become a way of life (although others will not consider these other elements).
Sometimes, unfortunately, people can be put off Yoga because they have heard it has religious overtones (it doesn’t), or that it is about chanting and spirituality (it can be but it doesn’t have to be). Body Balance focusses entirely on Yoga based exercises and leaves out all the rest.
As a teacher of both, I have found that that Body Balance has more general appeal initially but can provide a great introduction to Yoga. Both can provide similar physical and health benefits such as greater strength, more flexibility and muscle stretch.
Many people go on from Body Balance classes to find they enjoy the “full” Yoga experience even more.
Over to you: Which do you prefer, Yoga or Body Balance? What elements of each do you prefer? Please share your thoughts and leave a comment below.