Yoga and Exercise

Apart from the benefits of physical exercise, Yoga will also provide peace, satisfaction and happiness to the individuals.

In the modern world, individuals have become fitness conscious and health conscious and subsequently, there is a steady increase in the number of individuals taking membership in gyms and those who ride bicycles. We can also see an increased preference for Yoga in the modern times. But most often, Yoga is misunderstood as mere exercise. In fact the physical aspects of yoga are meant to be just the supporting activity for the mental state and the holistic well-being it aims at.   

Speaking in terms of the physical aspects, Yoga is focused in providing enough rest to the muscles and attaining a holistically healthy physical state. Patanjali describes asanas as states that help attain pure bliss. Routine practice of yoga emphasizes on the flexibility of muscles and maintaining the ideal rhythm of the body. Hence Yoga is most often a step higher than exercise in terms of its effects. 

Effect on Muscles: yoga helps in enhancing the muscle power and also to maintain the ideal growth of the muscles. This subsequently results in the increased flexibility of muscles and maintaining the energy. Exercise on the other hand emphasizes on increasing the muscle density and this would result in decreased length and flexibility of muscles. Moreover, exercise results in increased loss of physical energy.  

Effect on the heart: Effective practice of Yoga results in reduced blood pressure and consequent enhanced cardiac health. Exercise on the other hand, might result in increased blood pressure and excessive exercise can end up in cardiac problems.  

Effect on Breathing: Since the body is in a state of rest and relaxation, it will help the breathing organs relax. Exercise on the other hand, consumes more oxygen and thus results in increased breath rates and this might be taxing for the respiratory organs in the body. 

Effect on Immunity: Yoga can help enhance the growth and functioning of the immunity cells in the body, thereby boosting the immunity power. Exercise also provides similar effects but the rate of the same depends on the duration and the intensity of the exercises.