We are all becoming increasingly aware about the importance of physical fitness. Gym memberships, runners groups and cycling groups are quite common. Yoga is also becoming popular but is commonly misunderstood as a form of physical exercise. In fact, the physical aspects of yoga, the asanas, are an auxiliary part of the practice. Moreover, these asanas differ greatly from regular physical exercises both in their mode of performance and in the results.

Yoga focuses more on steady postures and relaxation of muscles. Patanjali defines an asana as, “a steady and comfortable state.” The movements are slow and controlled; the breathing is synchronized. In regular exercise, the emphasis is on movement and stress on the muscles. Exercise usually involves repetitive movement where synchronized breathing is absent, even though we may try to control the breathing pattern. As a result the effects of yoga and exercise differ.

Muscular system

Yoga: It helps develop muscles evenly over the bone surface, thereby increasing flexibility. Yoga is also an energy efficient activity.

Exercise: Exercise usually focuses on increasing muscle mass. As a result, the length of the muscle shortens and flexibility decreases. When we exercise, we use a lot of energy.

The heart

Yoga: In yoga, once the asana has been attained, the body is relaxed and blood requirement is reduced. This relieves the stress on the heart.

Exercise: In exercise, the effect is the opposite. Ordinary exercise puts a strain on the muscles. This increases the speed of blood circulation and blood pressure, which in turn increases the workload on the heart as it needs to pump faster.

Respiratory system

Yoga: In yoga, the body is in a relaxed state, so the workload on the respiratory system is reduced.

Exercise: The constant movement in regular exercise increases the oxygen requirement in the muscles. This increases the speed of breathing, causing the lungs to work harder.

Immune system

Yoga: Yoga boosts the immune system by increasing the number and functioning ability of immune cells.

Exercise: While this is true for exercise as well, it usually depends on the nature, intensity and duration of exercise.

Stress levels

Yoga: Yoga reduces the cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is a hormone produced from cholesterol that is linked with perceived stress.

Exercise: Exercise may actually increase cortisol levels in the body because the body perceives exercise as a stress.

Yoga also promotes better cognition through specific nostril breathing; this is absent in regular exercise. After yoga, the body experiences relaxation due to the soothing effect on the nervous system. Exercise leads to production of lactic acid, which may cause fatigue and exhaustion. Other benefits of yoga which are absent in exercise are an increased pain tolerance, control over impulsive behavior and resetting the biological rhythm. Overall, yoga provides most of the benefits of exercise and in addition, also improves subjective aspects such as peace, contentment and happiness.

Donate

Kindly use the following bank details to make a donation: