10 differences between yoga and exercise: This isn’t to establish what is better out: a yoga asana or exercise. Nor is it an attempt to glorify one over the other. They both are different and have their unique benefits. But, these two get confused as one! We want to highlight the difference between the two so that when you are practicing either yoga asana or exercise, you know exactly what purpose it is serving you.
The definition of ‘asana’ as mentioned in the Sutra 2.46 of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra is ‘Sthira-sukham asanam’; which means an asana should be steady and comfortable. Whereas, exercise is a form of activity aimed to build muscle strength, physical strength & endurance.
Table of Contents
What is Exercise?
Exercise refers to any physical activity or exertion, which causes muscles and certain vital organs in the body to become energized. Most exercises also improve blood circulation, which is beneficial to a person’s overall health. Furthermore, certain types of exercise are helpful in preventing illnesses or diseases by keeping unwanted weight off the body.
What is Yoga?
Yoga, on the other hand, does not only deal with the physical health of an individual. It is a discipline based on ancient Hindu tradition, which is concerned with integrating the physical, spiritual, as well as mental well-being of a person. In fact, yoga is a term that loosely translates to “unite.” Proponents believe that the preparatory prerequisite to accomplishing a higher state of consciousness is a healthy and balanced physical body.
While both have many similarities, here are ten key differences between yoga and exercise
Impact on nervous system
Yoga asana activates the parasympathetic nervous system; which is the rest, relax, reset & digest mode. Hence, it feels so rejuvenating. Exercise activates the sympathetic nervous system, which is the fight, flight and freeze mode and hence, it feels exhaustive.
Orientation
Yoga asana is a very process-oriented practice and non-competitive in nature. Exercise is a very goal-oriented practice and gets competitive in nature.
Movements
Yoga asana type is anabolic consisting of slow dynamic movements with a lot of focus on holding the poses and it is capable of conserving and building energy. Exercise type is catabolic consisting of rapid forceful movements and it is capable of breaking down energy.
State of health
Yoga asana practice has therapeutic healing benefits and can be practiced by sick or unhealthy people also with a proper approach. Normally, if someone is sick or unhealthy, they can’t exercise until they recover and get back to their normal health.
Food consumption
The practice of yoga asana reduces the metabolism and does not require any extra food supplement. In fact, one may reduce the intake of unnecessary food to maintain lightness of the body. In exercise a high amount of strength is required so the person’s appetite increases consequently requiring larger quantities of food and nutrition. Pre-workout meals are a thing!
Purpose
The purpose of yoga asana is to eventually go beyond the physical body by developing higher awareness and consciousness. The purpose of exercise is to maintain good health and longevity.
Breathing
During asana practice, the breathing becomes soft, long and deep and the consumption of oxygen is lowered down. During exercises, the breath becomes fast, short and shallow, which increases the consumption of oxygen.
Effect
Practicing yoga calms and relaxes the body leading to a cool down. Practicing exercises energizes the entire body, leading to increased body temperature and making it warm.
Pulse rate
Asana alters the body’s physiology and there is a reduced respiratory rate, heart rate and pulse rate with continued practice. Exercise increases the respiratory rate, heart rate and pulse rate when workout is done regularly.
Origins
Yoga asanas originated in the East and are inspired by nature, animals and birds, where we adapt a particular shape to gain maximum benefit out of the pose. Exercise focuses on isolated muscles.
