Distinction Between Asanas and Physical Exercises

Distinction Between Asanas and Physical Exercises

Both the Body and mind need exercises, when it decides to become more active, it is essential to consider that there are a few exercises that are healthier than the rest.

When you compare yoga to other forms of exercises such as running , aerobics or other activities performed in a Gym, the obvious difference one gets is that Yoga works the mind and spirit as well as the physical.

Today Yoga is influencing all sorts of mainstream sports and exercises i.e Basketball , Soccer, Running, Cycling, Football etc.

(1) IN ASANAS : The conflicts in life can be removed with the help of asanas prescribed in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Moreover, through Hatha Yoga Asanas, one can enjoy physical benefits including sound health, steadiness, firmness and lightness of the body.

IN PHYSICAL PRACTICES : In the physical culture, attention is given to physical beauty and body fitness only, without any regard for Mind fitness and growth.

(2) IN ASANAS : Asanas can be distinguished from other forms of sciences due to the fact that it gives prominence to Awareness and its development.

IN PHYSICAL PRACTICES : On the other hand, physical exercises have nothing to do with awareness and its development.

(3) IN ASANAS : After doing Asana practice, there is a feeling of being refreshed and rejuvenated. This is because Asanas, if done in a slow and steady manner as per Classical Yoga, they are said to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system.

IN PHYSICAL PRACTICES : In physical exercises, the sympathetic nervous system only is stimulated, resulting in more energy consumption, heat production in the body and generally leading to tiredness.

(4) IN ASANAS : There is a more or less even circulation of blood throughout the body, while doing Asanas.

IN PHYSICAL PRACTICES : Physical exercises cause unequal distribution of blood in the body.

(5) IN ASANAS : The tone of the muscles increases while doing Asanas, more so when the final posture during the practice of Asanas is held for a longer duration.

IN PHYSICAL PRACTICES : They are done to increase strength and stamina only.

(6) IN ASANAS : While doing Asanas, the possibility of injury or general wear and tear decreases.

IN PHYSICAL PRACTICES : Physical exercises have a larger possibility of wear and tear and injury.

(7) IN ASANAS : Asana practitioner’s muscles are often firm and soft to touch, giving them immense flexibility and durability.

IN PHYSICAL PRACTICES : There is not much flexibility and durability in the muscles, which become firm and hard to touch.

(8) IN ASANAS : Yoga Asanas do not require violent muscle movement, as this causes fatigue, muscle stiffness and injury.

IN PHYSICAL PRACTICES : Physical exercises cause violent movements of the muscles, which produces large quantities of lactic acid in the muscle fibers, causing fatigue.

(9) IN ASANAS : Yoga Asanas regard the physical body as an instrument for the journey to perfection.

IN PHYSICAL PRACTICES : It is normally designed to develop muscles for a stylish figure.

(10) IN ASANAS : It is designed to develop mental strength and concentration.

IN PHYSICAL PRACTICES : It is Rajasic, i.e., violent movements and increases adrenaline for mind stimulation.

(11) IN ASANAS : In Yogic Science, health is regarded as a state of the body when all organs function perfectly under the intelligent control of the mind. Muscular movement may not mean a healthy body.

IN PHYSICAL PRACTICES : A strong body is a requirement for undergoing daily life stresses and strains. However, it does not ensure a healthy mind, which is not in control of the body and is more prone to get indulged in unhealthy lifestyle practices.

(12) IN ASANAS : In Yoga Asanas, inverted postures use gravity to force the blood back to the heart and thereby increase the volume of blood circulation. Moreover, stretching exercises forces blood through the valves of the veins.

IN PHYSICAL PRACTICES : Physical exercises rely heavily on aerobic exercises resulting in increased heart pumping and circulation, resulting in tremendous strain on the heart. Many highly trained athletes have died due to heart failure.

(13) IN ASANAS : Proper breathing and relaxation counteracts muscle fatigue.

IN PHYSICAL PRACTICES : Violent body movements exceed muscle and circulation limitations, thereby causing fatigue.