According to our ancient Acharyas, Mahapurushas, and Gurus, yoga and exercise are an integral part of human beings’ desire to have a healthy and happy life. In this human society, human beings living at every level feel the need for a healthy and happy life. A healthy life develops not only the body but also the mind and soul. Those who want to reap the benefits of a healthy and happy life by keeping only the body healthy are not always successful. Indian lifestyle has given importance to physical, mental, spiritual, moral, etc., since ancient times.
In the present times, great physicians are also engaged in finding the cause and prevention of diseases in the body and mind. Maharishi Patanjali is widely regarded as the “Father of Yoga”. He is credited with compiling and organizing various aspects of yoga in his influential treatise, Yoga Sutras.
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In today’s busy life, mental and physical stress have become common, which affects all of us. In such times, yoga and exercise not only help in keeping the body healthy, but also keep the mind calm and balanced. Therefore, yoga and exercise have become an extremely necessary and integral part of a healthy life for all of us. Through yoga and exercise, we can make our lives healthy, successful, and joyful. In this blog, we will discuss what yoga and exercise are, what their benefits are, and how to adopt
Yoga-
For complete health, the yoga-based lifestyle has been supported and developed by Indian sages and acharyas since the Vedic period or ancient times. It is not just a group of physical activities, but a process of mental, spiritual and emotional balance. The word ‘yoga’ is derived from the root ‘yuj’, which means ‘to join’. It means the union of the soul and the Supreme Soul. In this system, our desires, wishes, thoughts, physical activities, food and living habits, rest and labor etc. are all included. In the trend going on in the name of yoga these days, people consider only physical exercise as yoga. Therefore, in the effort to make the entire life successful and happy, they do not get as much success as they should.
Parts of Yoga-
In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, eight parts of yoga have been described, which are called Ashtanga Yoga. It includes yama (moral restraint), niyama (self-discipline), asanas (physical postures), pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (control of senses), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), samadhi (the ultimate goal, self-realization).
Exercise-
Exercise is a group of activities to run the body functions smoothly, which is done to keep the body active, strengthen the muscles, control weight and improve overall health. It is a physical activity that helps in controlling heart rate, blood circulation, digestion of food.
Types of Exercise-
Many types of exercises are popular. Brisk walking, strolling, running, swimming, etc. are considered good exercises. Anyone can do them easily. Exercises done at akhadas or gym center are useful, guidance of guides is also available there, but this facility is not available to everyone. Whereas regular exercise is very important for every person who wants a healthy life. In a busy life, a normal man is not able to take out that much time. Therefore, it has become necessary to adopt some easy sequence of exercises in the normal order, using the science of asanas. In such exercises, postures of asanas are combined with the activities that provide balanced functioning to the joints and muscles of the body. Morning Surya Namaskar is one such exercise.
Difference between yoga and exercise-
The main difference between yoga and exercise is as follows – the purpose of yoga is for mental and spiritual development (balance of body, mind and soul), while the purpose of exercise is for physical strength and health (physical fitness and strength). The pace of yoga is slow and controlled, while the pace of exercise is fast and energetic. In yoga, the direction of focus and energy is inward (mind and soul) while in exercise, it is outward (body and energy). The role of breathing in yoga is very important (pranayama) while in exercise it has a secondary role. In yoga, mental benefits (meditation, concentration, peace) are more, while in exercise, physical benefits are more.
Benefits from yoga and exercise-
Benefits of Yoga-
1-Yoga reduces stress and anxiety through meditation and pranayama.
2-Yoga increases stretch and flexibility in the body.
3-Regular yogasanas improve digestion.
4-Yoga strengthens the body’s immunity.
5- In yoga, the process of meditation and breathing pranayama improves the quality of sleep.
6-Yoga increases mental concentration.
Benefits of exercise-
1- Exercise strengthens the heart, lungs and muscles.
2- Exercise helps in weight loss.
3-Exercise keeps the body energetic.
4-Exercise reduces the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
5-Exercise strengthens bones and joints:
6-Exercise energizes the body.
How to do yoga and exercise together?
By doing yoga and exercise together, you can get many benefits. Yoga and exercise are very beneficial for mental and physical health. Yoga balances the soul and mind, while exercise makes the body strong and active. In the morning, practice yogasanas, pranayama and meditation, followed by exercise. Including both yoga and exercise in your lifestyle is very important and beneficial for best health. Therefore, by balancing both yoga and exercise in your daily routine, make it an integral part of your life. Some major yoga and exercise are as follows.
Main yogasanas and their benefits-
Tadasana-
This asana helps in increasing the height of the body.
Pad-Hastasana-
This removes all the air-doshas of the stomach and abdomen. Removes constipation and reduces fat. It also stretches the spine and increases blood circulation.
Vajrasana-
This asana improves digestion.
Bhujangasana-
This asana strengthens the spine.
Ushtrasana-
This asana brings balance and flexibility in the body and relieves back pain.
Shavasana-
This asana provides complete relaxation and mental peace.
Precautions related to yogasana –
1 – Keep the body and clothes clean. Do yogasana in clean air. If you do it at home, the place should be airy.
2 – While doing asanas, the presence of someone else is not necessary or appropriate. The environment should be calm.
3 – Food should be taken at the fixed time, but in a happy mood. Food should be simple and nutritious, not with excess oil, chillies and spices. Boiled greens and vegetables are beneficial.
4 – After yogasana, one should rest for half an hour and then take milk or fruits. Tea, coffee and intoxicants are harmful.
5 – Yoga should be practised in the morning after defecation and after brushing teeth.
Main exercises and their benefits-
Squats-
This exercise strengthens the legs and thighs.
Push-ups-
This exercise increases the strength of hands, chest and shoulders.
Crunches-
This exercise helps in reducing belly fat.
Lungs-
This exercise balances the body and strengthens the muscles.
Burpees-
This exercise activates the entire body.
Precautions-
1 – All children, women, men and old people can do exercise, but do not do it if you are very weak or sick.
2 – Do not exercise that part of the body which has been injured, broken or has undergone a major operation.
3 – If any part of the body has been fitted with a fake (artificial) then do not exercise that part.
4 – In abdominal exercise, if someone has undergone an operation on the stomach, then they should not do this exercise. Those who often have any kind of pain in the stomach, they should also not do this exercise. Pregnant women should not do it at all.
Latest Website: Yoga and Exercise E-Book
Nowadays there are many online platforms that give instructions related to yoga and exercise. Like – vijaybooks.store. With the help of these, you can practice Yoga and Exercise sitting at home.
yoga.ayush.gov.in is a government website of India.
If you want another blog like this one, we also have another blog written in English.
Conclusion-
Yoga and exercise are essential and integral parts of a healthy and balanced life. Yoga gives us spiritual peace and mental balance, while exercise keeps our body strong and active. In today’s stressful lifestyle, making (adopting) yoga and exercise an integral part of your life is no less than a boon given by God.
If you want to infuse discipline and positive energy in your life, then include yoga and exercise in your daily routine. It may seem a little difficult in the beginning, but with constant practice, you will not only remain healthy, but will also feel strong and happy from within and your life will be full of joy.
We wish you a successful, healthy and happy life.
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