When I committed myself to two pilates and one yoga class a week I did it as part of my goal to be healthier. What has pleased me greatly is the emotional benefits that I have received from these two forms of exercise.

Both yoga and pilates require concentration. As someone who tends to have her mind move quickly from one thought to another this mental discipline has also helped me focus better in other areas.

Another unexpected benefit of yoga and pilates was how the mental discipline I had learned helped me when I had to have an MRI of my head and neck. It is scary and claustrophobic to be inside this narrow tube where you can not move. I reminded myself to breathe the way I had learned in my classes and it made all the difference. I entered a state of quiet mindfulness and was able to get through the lengthy procedure staying calm and actually relaxed. A real achievement for someone who is known to be fidgety and prone to anxiety.

My body is stronger and more flexible. I notice a big improvement in balance and posture. It wasn't until I had to do the pose in yoga where you stand on one foot where I saw that I favored the outside of my right foot. I have had to retrain my foot in order to be able to stand comfortably on either foot. The mental discipline to concentrate on my breathing and the exercises continues to be challenging.

This has surprised me because I would have predicted that I would soon get bored with the repetitiveness of the exercises.Best of all I find that I have more energy. I found that just one pilates class was not enough. Two pilates classes and one yoga class in addition to regular walking seem to give me the vitality that I need. This past summer I turned seventy years old. I love the fact that I am limber enough to go kayaking and sailing, can keep up with my young grandchildren, and that my mind is energized so I can take my business in new directions.