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As a yoga teacher, and a pilates instructor, it is very noticeable that pilates and yoga reach two distinctly different groups of people. The typical pilates student does not want to learn about meditation, Pranayama, sanskrit, bandhas, mudras, or doshas. In the mind of a pilates enthusiast, all of these Yogic aspects are considered secondary to the physical workout.

In a pilates mat class, the emphasis is on precise movement, to gain maximum benefits and results, for physical appearance. Although yoga and pilates are often categorized as mind and body exercise, Pilates focus is much more about the physical body than hatha Yogas holistic approach to overall health.

hatha Yoga, which is union through physical mastery, is a complete health maintenance system for mind, body, and spirit. pilates is an off shoot of hatha yoga, but it is a unique, complex, and extremely complete exercise system.

Therefore, most forms of hatha yoga are not simply exercise classes. A complete health maintenance system, such as hatha yoga, took thousands of years to develop and evolve. The pilates method is close to a century old, but it has already started to evolve in its own different directions.

So, which is better yoga or Pilates? Neither - The truth is, the student makes an individual choice, based upon his or her specific needs. Many yoga students enjoy the holistic approach, which yoga takes toward health, but for some students, japa (repetition of mantras), or meditation, may feel very uncomfortable.

Lets look at this situation closely. Some people feel uncomfortable because japa is commonly practiced in sanskrit, and they do not comprehend the words.

Swami Sivananda said, Repetition of any Mantra or Name of the Lord is known as Japa. Japa is an important Anga of yoga. It is a spiritual food for the hungry soul.

Japa is a spiritual aspect of hatha yoga. Japa is commonly practiced in Bhakti yoga, which is deeply spiritual and the most popular form of yoga in India.

Some yoga students would rather not sing, chant, or pray out loud. Some people do not trust anything or anyone who is spiritual. Unfortunately, there have been a number of holy men who have violated the publics trust.

In the United States, anything spiritual has become politically incorrect. There is a movement to take, In God we Trust off US currency. The irony of this is, a few loud voices have caused the public to be hesitant about anything that could be considered remotely religious.

Hence, the pilates instructor only has to focus on precise physical techniques and making sure students experience the physical health benefits of the Pilates Method.

Copyright 2006 Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.riyoga.com He is a pilates Instructor and has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free e-book: "yoga in Practice," and a Free yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

In the days that followed Englands qualification for Germany 2006, Sven Goran- Eriksson, wayne Rooney and michael Owen all said that they think england can win the World cup. But, in my humble opinion yet again, although they have some highly talented and gifted players, I doubt they have a good enough team to do it. Look back at england s overall performances throughout the 2006 World cup qualifying campaign and you can see just what the team lacks, and why england will not win the World cup next year. A great team is built not just with technical ability (of which england have absolutely loads), fame and fortune but also passion, teamwork, commitment, tactics and personality, (all of which england desperately lacks).

You look back at the england cricket teams success in the summer and you see all of those factors mentioned above. I may not be the most ardent follower of the sport but I think Im right in saying england actually only have a couple of player in the world rankings for batting and bowling, however as a team they are formidable. michael Vaughans intelligence, calm head and Quiet but effective leadership and Andrew Flintoffs inspiration are the keys. But you can look around at the raw passion of Simon Jones, flamboyance of Kevin Pietersen, honest workmanship of Ashley Giles and you see the way the team is built.

They played with so much strength oh character. Every time they fell behind or lost wickets certain players would step up for their team and do something special, which could be anyone at different times. Look through the england football team and youll find arrogant, self-interested individuals with all the personality of a wet fish almost to a man. These guys dont look like theyre playing for england for love or passion of the game or their country. They seem to be playing for their profile as footballers, and the next big sponsorship deal. Passion isnt about spitting anger and diving in for tackles the way Rooney and David beckham respectively tend to do. It isnt about getting sent off as it lets your team mates and your country down.

No, passion is about running so hard, you are playing as both full-back and wide midfielder the way Cafu and Roberto Carlos did when their star player was sent off in 2002 against england. I can picture it if Svens lot were to win the World cup. I see beckham striking a pose with the trophy, sticking out his chest and allowing a lock of his hair to fall across his face, Frank Lampard and John Terry grinning behind him, Ashley Cole and Rio Ferdinand in the background on their mobiles to their agents demanding pay-rises com-mensurate with winning the tournament. To cut a long story short, if england wins the 2006 World cup, Ill run semi-nude around the Merdeka square on the next rainy day after the tournament, if, the authorities allow it of course.