Mat work is ideal for people who don't want to be dependent on a machine, but the reformer, which offers extra resistance, is the traditional way to practice pilates. Because the pilates method emphasizes fluid movements rather than short contractions, it's a great way to achieve maximum flexibility. There are several yoga traditions, all of which combine breathing, posture and exercise. The physical postures, called asanas, are isometric moves that tone and stretch muscles, using your body's own weight as resistance. Each yoga tradition employs the asanas but has a different emphasis.
Iyengar yoga zeroes in on the body's alignment by strictly adhering to the correct postures.
Ashtanga, also called power yoga, is a more demanding cardiovascular workout that involves quickly flowing from one posture to the next. Hatha yoga is a blend of traditions. An Australian actor, F.M. Alexander, developed this exercise method a century ago to solve his own vocal problem. Through extensive experiment and self-observation, he discovered that the relationship of the head, neck and spine is crucial in determining quality of movement and function. When the neck muscles don't overwork, the head balances lightly, the spine naturally lengthens and the body's internal support system revives.