Yogilates® was created in 1997 by certified Pilates instructor and personal trainer Jonathan Urla, who became originally inspired to blend his training from Pilates with his practice of hatha yoga after taking a yoga class right after a Pilates session. He found his practice got much easier and he felt better aligned and able to accomplish the poses with more effectiveness because his spine was already warmed up properly and he was connected to his center from the Pilates workout. He saw a need for more effective core strengthening in the discipline of yoga and believed that the Pilates method offered a refined technique that could be integrated into the practice of yoga for this reason. He also believed that yoga had a lot to offer all exercise enthusiasts, including Pilates devotees, because of its’ emphasis on the breath for support and relaxation, and its’ mental focus. He wanted to integrate the two in a fun, accessible, and effective training regimen that would be a complete training system with all the benefits of both Pilates and yoga.

Over the years, Jonathan has used his knowledge of exercise science, proper
alignment, and sound bio-mechanics, to develop a detailed practice with over 300 exercises from beginner to advanced. His book and videos establish a progressive system of learning the functional skills of Yogilates which allows people of all abilities to use the technique to achieve better posture and improved performance in all activities, as well as achieve reduced stress and reduced the risk of injury.

Today, Yogilates® is practiced by thousands who have purchased his videos/DVDs or his book, and he has certified other instructors who teach Yogilates group classes all over the country. Jonathan has taken his workshops around the country and his work is credited with helping to influence the evolution of yoga all over the world.

For more information about Jonathan Urla click here.