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Ill be the first to admit that Im no yogi master. But Ive done my fair share of power yoga, Hatha Yoga, Bikram Yoga, and even accidental, freestyle yoga when attempting to simultaneously change the diapers of my twin baby boys. Most folks know that yoga will certainly stretch muscles, increase flexibility, and help you to relax. But is yoga good for weight loss? Youll find the answer in this article. What Is Yoga? I could easily write an entire article or book on the nitty-gritty details of yoga, but the basic overview is as follows: more than simple stretches, yoga is focused on creating balance, strength, flexibility and relaxation in the body through a series of poses, postures, movements and breathing patterns. Different types of yoga require differing amounts of balance, strength, power or focus--but the concept of focused breathing while moving from one posture to the next is fairly constant.And I do realize that by summarizing yoga in two sentences I have probably risked offending passionate yoga practitioners, but hey, space is limited.
Calorie Burn of Popular Exercises As you know, the number of calories that you burn is a major determinant of weight loss, and calorie burn is highly variable. For example, heavy people burn more calories because they have to carry more body weight. People with a genetically high metabolism also burn more calories, as do people with a higher percentage of lean muscle fibers. But to put yoga in a proper weight loss context, lets examine the average calorie burn of basic familiar activity modes. o Resting: At rest, youll burn 1 to 1.5 calories per minute (depending on your body weight) or 45 to 68 calories in 45 minutes.
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Wakling slowly: Walking at a leisurely 2 miles per hour pace, youll burn 2 to 5 calories per minute, or 90 to 225 calories in 45 minutes. Walk briskly: Walking at a more brisk 4 miles per hour pace, youll burn 4.6 to 10 calories per minute, or 207 to 450 calories in 45 minutes. Running: Running at 6.7 miles per hour, youll burn 9 to 19 calories per minute, or 405 to 855 calories per hour. Does Yoga Burn Calories? If you go to a gym, the average yoga class will last around 45 minutes. To burn at least 800 calories during that class, it would need to be as strenuous as running at 6.7 miles per hour during the entire class. If youve been in a yoga class before, I doubt that youve left feeling the same cardiovascular fatigue as youd feel if you had been charging down a treadmill the entire time--and considering that much of your time in that class is spent sitting and breathing, holding still without moving a muscle, or lying on your back and breathing, there is literally zero chance that youre burning the unbelievable 1000 calories per hour that some yoga enthusiasts claim yoga actually burns.
But rather than hypothesize on how many calories yoga burns, lets look at the research. In 2005 and 2007, two separate studies measured the metabolic rate of people taking a beginner yoga class and found a calorie burn of 2.3-3.2 calories per minute, about the same calorie burn as strolling through the mall--or about 104-144 calories in a 45 minute workout. At this rate, to burn one pound (or 3500 calories) of fat, youd have to perform over 28 hours of yoga! Does More Advanced Yoga Burn More Calories? But wait! Isnt it possible that people taking a beginner yoga class may burn fewer calories because they arent performing advanced movements or doing hot yoga at a high room temperature? In other words, could more difficult yoga routines burn more calories than a beginner yoga class or easier form of yoga (such as Hatha Yoga)? It turns out that another 2007 study investigated that very question and measured the heart rate of participants performing a more vigorous form of yoga called Ashtanga Yoga. Researchers compared that type of more vigorous yoga to the same types of beginner yoga routines from the other studies I mentioned. In the study, the heart rate during Ashtanga Yoga increased by over 30 beats from the resting heart rate, whereas the heart rate during the easier yoga sessions increased by only half that much, or about 15 beats. Will Yoga Help You Lose Weight? That may seem like a big difference, but when it comes to weight loss, a heart rate of just 30 beats over resting heart rate is not very significant. To put this in context, your heart rate can go 30 beats over your resting heart rate when youre gardening, walking the dog, or vacuuming the house--and could increase by 15 beats per minute through the mere act of standing. So although its true that an increase of 30 beats over resting heart rate will certainly improve cardio respiratory fitness, an increase of this small magnitude is simply not going to give you much bang for your buck when it comes to weight loss and wont get your house as clean as vacuuming will. Will Hot Yoga Help You Lose Weight?
When it comes to calorie burning for weight loss, yoga is really one of the least effective modes of exercise.
But perhaps youve had friends tell you about their invigorating hot yoga experience, or heard about incredibly difficult hot yoga in the news. Surely, that must burn more calories! In hot yoga, or Bikram Yoga, the temperature in the yoga room is turned up higher than 105 degrees, with a recommendation of at least 40 percent humidity. As a result, people taking a hot yoga class experience more fatigue, a higher heart rate, and a significantly greater amount of exhaustion (not to mention body odor). But this relatively higher amount of perceived exertion is not really due to the fact that people are burning more calories. As a matter of fact, by simply walking into a hot room and standing for 45 minutes, your heart rate will significantly increase. That is because your bodys primary mode of cooling is to sweat and to shunt blood to your extremities. As you sweat, you lose blood volume, and as you shunt blood, your heart has to work harder to deliver that blood. And as a result your heart rate increases. But the increased heart rate is not due to you moving more muscles or burning more calories. Its simply your bodys environmental, temperature-regulating response to hot conditions, and the only significant weight youre going to lose in a hot yoga class is water weight Yoga and Your Metabolism Could it be that yoga may actually slow yourmetabolism? In fact, a 2006 study measured the metabolic rate of yoga people vs. non-yoga people, corrected for body weight, and found a 15% lower metabolism in the yoga group. To put this in context, that means that if you normally burn 2000 calories at rest, you might lower that calorie burn to 1700 calories at rest if you take up yoga. That is because yoga is a relaxing activity, and actually slows down your bodys fight-and-flight reactions, also known as your sympathetic nervous system. Although this is highly beneficial for extending your life span, controlling stress, and making you feel good, its certainly not going to shed any pounds. Once again, I have to emphasize that I have nothing against yoga and I do some form of it nearly every day to improve my flexibility, balance, and relaxation. However, when it comes to calorie burning for weight loss, yoga is really one of the least effective modes of exercise. But before I am struck with lightning by the yoga gods and goddesses, let me express one final thought: if the practice of yoga gives you a greater mental discipline and body awareness, and you use those benefits to motivate yourself to exercise, then yoga may indirectly be beneficial for weight loss.
A typical yoga practice encompasses yoga exercises, meditation, and pranayama. Of these three techniques, yoga exercises work most directly on the density (blocks) and physical/energetic imbalances of the body. Each posture in a yogic practice breaks up physical congestion and adhesions in the muscle and soft tissue that literally block the flow of the bodys prana, or life force, through the body. Without the unobstructed flow of prana, the body becomes dense, toxic and emotionally protective. In addition, a yoga practice offers benefits in physical health, well being, stress reduction, fitness, and mental and emotional health. Pranayama, or breathing techniques, are intended to drive the prana or life force into both the body and the mind. Once the yoga exercises have plowed through subtle physical blockages, old protective mental and emotional patterns that create the density of the body are cleared by the movement of the life force through specific pranayama breathing exercises. Meditation is the final step on this road to deep transformational change and the shedding of emotional scars. With the prana now moving through the subtle energy channels (called nadis ) into both the body and mind, the ability to control your thoughts and to drop into a state beyond thought becomes possible.
What is hatha yoga? Why are there so many styles and approaches in yoga?
People differ from one another that is why different approaches to yoga developed. Some are calmer, meditative in nature, others are more dynamic, physically demanding and rapidly stimulate the cardio-vascular system (vinyasa flow yoga and others). If they are done properly, all these approaches have the same goal to come in contact with ones true inner nature by creating a balance on a physical and energy level. Humans are meant for movement and a healthy body can
be an altar for our soul. That is the core of hatha yoga, all the modern schools of yoga with their unusual names are just derivatives of hatha yoga. Hatha yoga is a yoga of discipline and will, where the mind directs the body and our energy system.
Yoga does not place emphasis on attaining large muscles. Instead, it promotes the REGULATION OF WEIGHT, WHILE TONING AND STRENGTHENING THE MUSCLES in order to achieve and maintain a healthy and a perfectly shaped body.
Depending on your fitness goals, you may choose to practice yoga or Pilates exclusively, or include them both in your workout regimen. While there are certainly differences between yoga and Pilates, they complement each other well and are both low impact workouts that can be practiced either in a class setting or in the comfort of your own home.
What is Pilates?
Derived from ancient yoga asanas, the Pilates exercise system was developed by Joseph Pilates over 80 years ago. Practiced for decades by dancers, Pilates has become very popular in recent years. Although Pilates works the entire body, the primary focus is on the core muscles (abs, lower back, and stabilizing muscles). Pilates exercise machines (such as the Reformer) can add a weight training element to the workout, with very precise and fluid movements, making it safer than most weight training. But expensive Pilates machines are by no means required to get an effective workout. All you need is a yoga and Pilates mat (which is thicker than a standard yoga mat) and some basic resistance tools. To allow you to reap the benefits of Pilates in your own home (and on your own time), Wai Lana offers a complete line of Pilates Yoga resistance products (with instructional DVDs).
What is yoga?
While some people think of yoga simply as physical exercise, it is actually a complete, holistic system for overall health and well-being. Having been practiced for thousands of years, yoga includes everything from physical postures (asanas), personal hygiene, and ahealthy diet to premeditation, breathing, and relaxation techniques. The most advanced forms of meditation and self-realization are also a part of yoga.
is responsible for the production of hormonesone of the keys to both physical and mental health. They also improve digestion and elimination, strengthen the respiratory system, and tone the reproductive organs.
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Yoga postures, especially inversions and those that compress the abdomen, should not be done on a full stomach. Listen to your bodyif you practice too soon after eating or drinking, certain poses will feel uncomfortable. Its best to practice yoga asanas barefoot, using a yoga mat or nonslip surface for standing poses. A mat, rug, or folded yoga blanket will provide firm padding for other asanas. Wear comfortable clothing, something that allows you to move freely. Ideally, the room should be well ventilated. Have enough space to extend your arms and legs in all directions without hitting anything. While practicing, concentrate on the feeling that the asana is producing in your body. If you feel too weak or shaky in a pose, come out of it. Gradually, you will build up your strength and be able to hold the pose longer. Don't go beyond your personal limitations, but extend your boundaries gently. Doing the asanas correctly means doing them to the best of your ability without straining. Throughout the workout, focus on your breath, inhaling and exhaling fully and completely through your nose. Breathing with awareness not only feels good, but also balances and regulates energy flow within the body, strengthening your internal organs and boosting your resistance to disease.
lifting your own weight, making it just as effective as weight training for building strength, according to GaiamLife.com. YOGA ALONE Whether yoga can function as your primary form of exercise depends largely on your fitness goals. For instance, if you want to build muscle, weight training would be more effective than yoga, according to GaiamLife.com. For overall fitness, however, yoga provides sufficient cardiovascular, flexibility and strength training. "If you want to become and stay physically and mentally fit, make sure your yoga practice includes a balance of poses that build strength, stamina and flexibility, along with breathwork and meditation to help develop body awareness," according to YogaJournal.com.
FLEXIBILITY Aerobic exercise has little impact on the development of flexibility, whereas yoga significantly improves it, according to a 2010 USA Department of Health study published in the "Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies." In the study, 108 physically fit firefighters took yoga classes over six weeks. None of the participants had practiced yoga prior to the study. Researchers marked significant improvements in trunk flexibility, and the study participants also reported less musculoskeletal pain overall.
such as reaching a finish line or improving your time. Depending on your personality and goals, you might prefer yoga or other forms of exercise. Since the dangers of a sedentary life have been well-established, it's best to find an exercise that suits your body and personality and stick with it.
DIFFERENT CLOTHING
Yoga and qigong also require different clothing, which may matter depending on your body size and how comfortable you are with your body. As Suzanne B. Friedman notes in the book, "Heal Yourself with Qigong," qigong does not require that you wear special clothing when you practice. Clothing for this practice tends to be looser in general. Yoga clothing, however, is normally more fitted to the body, which may feel constrictive or uncomfortable, thus possibly taking away from the health benefits of the practice.
YOGA OR TAI-CHI MOVEMENTS THAT HAVE A BENEFICIAL IMPACT ON THE KNEE JOINTS
Yoga and tai-chi are ancient practices meant to balance body, mind and spirit. When done in alignment, both offer many health benefits that include
strengthening your knees. According to MayoClinic.com, weak muscles are a leading cause of knee injuries. MayoClinic.com experts recommend building your quadriceps and hamstrings to support your knees and developing balance, stability and flexibility so muscles work together efficiently. BACKGROUND Your knee joint is where your thighbone connects with your shinbone and kneecap. The menisci are two C-shaped pads of fibrocartilage discs that serve as shock absorbers between your shinbone and your thighbone. Two sets of ligaments, called the cruciates and the collaterals, work together to stabilize your knee joint. The cruciate ligaments crisscross between the shinbone and thighbone, and the collateral ligaments reinforce the sides. Your kneecap protects your knee joint and the quadriceps tendon. ALIGNMENT In both yoga and tai-chi, proper alignment is key for maintaining healthy knee joints. Any movement begins with a firm foundation, namely in the feet. The four corners of your foot---the fleshy areas beneath your big and little toes and your inner and outer heels---root firmly to the floor. In poses or movements when your knees are bent, make sure the knees remain directly in line over your ankles, not turned out to either side. For a lunge position, make sure your shinbone is perpendicular to the floor and your knee reaches toward your second toe, not too far to the left or right. When straightening your legs, avoid hyper-extending your knees. YOGA Yoga offers specific poses that are beneficial for knees, according to B.K.S. Iyengar, founder of the Iyengar method of yoga. Some poses to try: Tree, for balancing; Chair, to build quadriceps; Downward-facing Dog, for stretching hamstrings and calf muscles; and Bound Angle Pose, to open hips and relieve knee stress. TAI-CHI Elderly people who practice tai-chi regularly maintain healthy knee joints, according to a Hong Kong study published in 2004 in "British Journal of Sports Medicine." Because this series of flowing, meditative movements involves a good deal weight-shifting, though, the knees may be prone to injury. This is why a strong foundation and well-aligned knees are extremely important during tai-chi.
CONSIDERATIONS Consult your health practitioner before embarking on any exercise program for knee pain. Some injuries might be exacerbated by exercise and other activities. PEOPLE LEARNING YOGA VS. QIGONG Yoga and Qigong are both considered healing arts. Yoga is harder for older people and doesn't include energy transmission practices, or energy moving, practiced in Qigong, according to the Qigong Institute. But yoga is more evolved and it is easier to find a place to practice. Both have the ability to assist in spiritual growth. WHAT IS YOGA? The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning to bind, join, attach and yoke, to direct and concentrate one's attention on, to use and apply, according to B.K.S. Iyengar in the book, "Light on Yoga." Yoga is one of the six orthodox systems of Indian philosophy. Learning yoga consists of practicing asanas, or postures, breathing techniques, and meditation. Numerous yoga styles are available, and they range from yoga performed in a hot room to laughter yoga. WHAT IS QIGONG? Qigong is a powerful system of healing and energy medicine from China, according to the Qigong Research and Practice Center. The practice of qigong involves movements, breathing exercises, and meditation. When practicing qigong, gentle, flowing movements are performed with relaxing music. The belief is that these movements will balance energy within the body and remove any energy blockages. The qigong breathing and meditation practices are said to do the same. LEARNING YOGA Developing a yoga practice will cultivate awareness by connecting the mind, body and breath, according to Yoga Journal. Yoga will also develop strength, improve flexibility, and reduce stress. Because of the wide variety of yoga styles available, it is best to find the style that fits you. When starting out, it is a good idea to take a beginner's yoga class and be sure the teacher is experienced and aware that it is your first class. LEARNING QIGONG Qigong is a gentle form of exercise and is easy to perform. The breathing and meditation exercises are calming and relaxing. Anyone can benefit from qigong regardless of ability, age, or belief system, according to the National Qigong Association. Finding a qigong class in your area may be a challenge. Martial arts
studios may offer qigong classes. Qigong videos are available online for home practice. HEALTH BENEFITS OF YOGA VS. CHI GONG Yoga and chi gong both originated from ancient attempts to create optimal health and unify a practitioner's mind, body and spirit. While yoga has its roots in ancient Indian Vedic scriptures, chi gong grew out of the Chinese Taoist pursuit of longevity. Both practices include spinal stretching, mental focus and breath work. Choose yoga if you're interested in working on your joints, and you can kneel or sit on the floor comfortably. Chi gong is great if you are more comfortable standing and want to improve your balance. BODY Both chi gong and yoga release stress and improve overall strength and flexibility. The deep breathing and intensive stretching of yoga might work to increase lung capacity, reduce blood pressure and lower heart rate, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine website. Some forms of chi gong include substantial strength training for the legs. A July 2010 review article in "American Journal of Health Promotion" found that chi gong improves bone health, cardio-respiratory fitness, immune function and can help prevent falls. MIND In both yoga and chi gong, a practitioner uses a strong meditative focus as he performs movements, allowing him to stay in the moment and direct his mind away from everyday concerns. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes that yoga might relieve anxiety, depression and insomnia. Chi gong improved quality of life, relieved psychological symptoms and improved self-efficacy --- an individual's sense that she can perform tasks and accomplish goals --- according to the "American Journal of Health Promotion" review article. RECOVERY FROM INJURY Yoga and chi gong may both be effective in helping you recover if you hurt yourself, although you'll probably want to choose one or the other based on the nature and location of your injuries. Chi gong exercises move the spine smoothly and easily, focusing on gentle expansion and contraction that can help you recover if you have a stable spine injury, especially in the neck area, according to sports writer, ChanChun Hsu, in a 2010 article for "The Sport Digest," a publication of the United States Sports Academy. Because of yoga's potential as a pain relieving measure, especially for joint injuries, Army Surgeon General, Lt. Gen. Eric B.
Schoomaker, recommended alongside other alternative therapies for wounded soldiers returning from combat, according to a September 2010 article published on the United States Army official homepage. HEALTHY AGING Yoga and chi gong both hold benefits for seniors who want to be more active. A 2006 article published in the journal "Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine" by Barry S. Oken and colleagues at Oregon Health and Science University noted that seniors aged 65 to 85 who did hatha yoga for six months experienced physical improvement and increased well-being, although they did not improve in terms cognition or alertness. A 2005 study published in the "Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance" found that chi gong can contribute to the quality of life of older adults. Study participants reported that they felt the relaxation benefits of chi gong most strongly.
done regularly, both practices can improve the quality of life among patients with cancer and heart disease. REDUCED STRESS It is difficult to compare the stress-relieving benefits of tai chi and yoga. Both methods use a mind-body approach to help calm the entire being, rather than just the physical body. Before determining which method is more beneficial at providing relief from anxiety and stress, you must first try both methods. In many cases, it simply depends on which method suits you better. If you enjoy the constant movement of tai chi and become nervous while holding yoga postures, tai chi will help you relieve stress more effectively. Similarly, if the stillness of yoga speaks to your soul, you might find that a yoga practice suits you best. IMPROVED BALANCE A 1996 study published in the "Journal of the American Geriatrics Society" showed tai chi to be more beneficial than yoga for improving balance while moving. The study found that just 15 weeks of tai chi practice reduced the risk of falling by nearly one-half among participants age 70 and older. The article credits the slow and coordinated body movements of tai chi for this benefit over yoga. However, yoga's emphasis on static poses makes it a better choice for improving balance while standing still. A regular yoga practice can teach you how to distribute weight evenly across your feet, which drastically improves stability.
Yoga and tai chi are both mind and body connection modalities that stress the importance of exercising the body and calming the mind. While they share similarities, there are marked differences between the two exercise forms. Both yoga and tai chi are exercise systems with a philosophical and spiritual basis and both have been linked to increased physical health and mental wellness. Tai Chi According to MayoClinic.com, tai chi --or tai chi chuan-- is an ancient Chinese exercise form initially used for self-defense. It has evolved into a moving meditation with flowing movements linked together with the breath. A meta-analysis performed by Arizona State University College of Nursing and Healthcare Innovation has linked Tai Chi to stress reduction and increased heath. Tai chi does not require any extra equipment and because of the gentle moves it is appropriate for most individuals. There are more than 100 different tai chi poses to choose from and an experienced teacher can help you to find an appropriate style. Tai Chi Types There are many styles of tai chi, each with it's own distinct flavor and set of poses. The UK Taiji Qigong Foundation lists six different tai chi styles; Chen, Yang, Sun, Lee, Guang and the Eight Diamond Form. Yang style may be the most popular style in the world because of it's simple movements and sponsorship from the Chinese government. The Chinese government publicized the simplified "24 Step Form" as a health initiative in 1956 and it is still widely used today.
Yoga According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, yoga is an exercise and philosophic system that has it's origins in ancient India. Yoga combines physical poses -- asanas -- with breathing exercises and meditation to create a holistic health system. A study performed at the Oregon Health and Science University concluded that yoga increased mental well-being, balance and flexibility in the participants of a study regarding the health of elderly individuals. Yoga Types The types of yoga available are varied and many, with new styles cropping up frequently. Types of yoga vary in their intensity, structure, theme and focus. Yoga styles such as Bikram, Ashtanga and Hot Yoga focus on athletic poses in a heated room and require a high level of fitness. Gentle styles such as restorative, hatha, and yin yoga are suited for most individuals. Always check with a knowledgeable teacher before starting a yoga class to check whether the class level is appropriate for you. Tai Chi Yoga Fusion The fusion of tai chi and yoga is new and relatively open-ended. Some yoga studios may offer a class that merges tai chi flowing moves with the more structured yoga asanas. Meditation is present in both yoga and tai chi, so you may expect either seated or movement meditation in a tai chi yoga class. Both forms are praised for their health-sustaining properties and naturally compliment each other. In the future we may see a new form of popular exercise emerge from the fusion of tai chi and yoga.
the benefits of exercise without hurting yourself. The biggest benefit for aerobics is that regular aerobic exercise can reduce ageing by upto 12 years. It helps preserve a toned body and youthful appearance. Yoga is another form of exercise that helps you preserve a youthful look and a well toned body. The principle behind yoga, however, is different. Here the exercises consist of slow movements to execute poses that are held for a time before release. There is a great degree of emphasis on breathing, for each exercise requires the co-ordination between the inhalation and exhalation of breath with the movement. Yoga is a done in one place, as a stationary exercise, and the movements are not jerky or hurried. It is done with bare feet and there is no need for equipment of any kind. A floor mat and perhaps a folded towel to support the back for the exercises that are done while lying down are required. Yoga does not burn body fat as fast as aerobic exercises do. It also lays greater emphasis on the release of contained energy and the mind-body-spirit connection.
Yoga and Aerobic both methods are getting popularity day by day in many countries all around the world. Yoga is the most traditional method but Aerobic is not. Both contain many physical workouts which help us to be benefited physically but in a same way. Here we are going to focus on the differences between Yoga and Aerobic:
1. Many people think that Yoga is all about stretching. But it is not true; Yoga is concerned in a breathing method and this method strengthens the respiratory system. So Yoga is not only about fat burning rather it consists of many mental workout, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques. 2. Aerobic exercise is all about cardio, fat burning. This is a faster process for losing weight. One can feel the fat leaving the body as the body muscles are aching for relief. On the other hand Yoga is slow process for losing weight but there are some Hot Yoga techniques which work fast. 3. There is no age limitation for practicing Yoga but Aerobic should be taken depending on the age group such as teenagers can practice dance aerobics but kids can not. Another type Water aerobics is supposed to be the highest form of cardio and by practicing this type of Aerobic exercise one can lose weight within a day. 4. Physical postures included in Yoga helps to increase flexibility, to build strength and to improve balance but it does not provide a cardiovascular workout. On the other hand Aerobic exercise include biking, swimming, running, dancing which gives a little effect on strength and flexibility. It makes the heart works more efficiently to pump blood through the different parts of the whole body.
5. In aerobic the participant feels a sudden pain which indicates he/she gain. In Yoga the participants have to practice different kinds of physical postures which create pain initially but slowly give flexibility. 6. By practicing about 50 minute Yoga class, the participants can burn approximately 144 calories. On the other hand 50 minutes of Aerobic exercise one can burn 355 and 507 calories. 7. Yoga physical postures efficiently help the body to remove toxins and other harmful elements from the body and make the body able to resist disease and increase immune system.
Though Yoga and Aerobic are different but both of the forms are beneficial. If one can combine both of these techniques in the same day and can practice properly, it will give better result. One can start with Pranayama or breathing exercises then follow some yoga postures and then some aerobic exercises. At the end if the participant meditates, it will help him/her reorganize and rejuvenate himself/herself.
like extra weight, body muscles might be loosen, one can suddenly becomes sick etc. 8. In Yoga the participants have to practice physical postures with the regulation of breathing which called Pranayama. But in Gym exercises we do not find the use of Pranayama. 9. Regular practice of Yoga, one can improve some vital functions in the body for example blood circulation. It also helps us to regulate heart beat. Gym exercises mainly focus on building up stamina whereas Yoga aims at the longevity of life. 10.Yoga can help us not only to remove the toxins but also to get rid of many kinds of diseases. Gym exercises might be able to help removing toxins from our body by causing sweat but can not cure diseases. 11.One needs to practice Yoga regularly to attain perfection. 12.Before start practicing Yoga, the participant need to gain proper knowledge and should start practicing under the guidance of an expert instructor. On the other hand one does not need to learn exercise from a trainer. One can join a gym and practice exercises own self with the help of instruments. Exercises are necessary and most recommended work outs to maintain our body shape in beautiful pattern and to stay healthy. Exercises raise the ability of a person to confront diseases with better blood circulation and improved stamina. There are various types of exercises. Yoga, Stretching and Warming Up are some most famous forms of exercise. Here is the difference between these very common types of exercise. Yoga Yoga is one of the oldest forms of exercise that was originated in prehistoric India. No doubt, many spiritual work outs like meditation are related to yoga. But as a part of exercise, yoga is the set of such physical and mental activities in which body organs are moved with care, respect and harmony to improve blood circulation and ultimately better health. Stretching Stretching is a technique in physical exercise that incorporates the stretching of a muscle group or some specific skeletal muscle in order to improve muscle flexibility, elasticity and control. Stretching is a basic principle of getting physical fitness and muscle strength to avoid injury during various types of sports especially athletics. Warming Up Warm up is the fundamental requirement of playing sports in safe manner and do avoid injury during severe exercise. In fact, warning up is a physical activity that consists of moving the body organs in a gentle manner like slow jogging and the aim of warming up is just to raise the energy level for next workout by improving blood circulation and heart beat. Yoga vs Stretching vs Warming Up These three exercises like Yoga, Stretching and Warming Up are inter-related physical activities. Before doing any exercise, warming up is the key requirement as it boots the energy level of a person to bear the intense physical activity either in the form of exercise or sports. On the other hand, stretching is itself an exercise as well as a part of many exercises like Yoga and its aim is to raise flexibility and strength of muscles that is also a requirement of all physical activities.
However, yoga is a complete exercise that is beneficial for human beings both in physical and spiritual meanings and this is the exercise that strictly prohibits the sudden stress on muscles and mind.
interrupted then the body becomes sick. The practice of Tai Chi ensures that the Chi inside a person continues to flow without any disruptions. Tai Chi is believed to be originated some two thousand years ago and uses continual movement of the hands and feet as well as proper shifting of weight in order to facilitate movement of Chi through the body. The body has a center called the tan t'ien near your belly button where you relax your hands at the beginning and end of each practice to gather the Chi. In using Tai chi as a combat exercise; it follows the principle of yin and yang, a balance of opposites where soft is used to overcome hard. Similar to Yoga, Tai Chi focuses on a persons breathing in order to release all the bad energy. Though, Tai Chi comprise of slow movements, it does not mean it cann be just as lethal as aggressive martial arts. Tai Chi training involves five elements, taolu (solo hand and weapons routines/forms), neigong & qigong (breathing, movement and awareness exercises and meditation), tuishou (response drills) and sanshou (self defense techniques). Neigong & qigong and Sanshou are the most popular forms of Tai Chi practiced today. Tai Chi styles such as, Yang, Wu, and Chen, also have secondary forms of a faster pace for movements. Tai Chi movements are proved to improve coordination, balance, strength and burn calories. It can also be used for relaxation, to relieve muscular tension and pain. According to research, continuous tai chi practice has shown improvements in people recovering chronic stroke, heart failure, high blood pressure, heart attacks, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and fibromyalgia. The only injury that can be sustained from Tai Chi is the tension building up in the knees from improper postures, so if a person feels tension and pain the knees while practicing, they should consult the master or try other poses that alleviates the tension.
Yoga Definition An ancient practice from the northern India known as path to both, physical as well as mental well being which includes everything from physical posture and healthy diet to breathing, relaxation and meditation skills India 5000 years ago Prana Helps fight cancer, schizophrenia, asthma and heart patients, increases awareness, improves musculo-skeletal and mental health and reduces stress
Tai Chi Tai chi is a type of internal (soft) Chinese martial art practiced for both its defense training and its health benefits, such as control, balance and reliving stress, anxiety and depression. China 1300s Chi Balance, control, flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, relieves stress, anxiety, and depression, reduces chances of heart failure, high blood pressure, heart attacks, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and burns calories Flexibility, strength, opening the
Emphasis on
internal circulation Injuries Practice Stress on the neck, shoulders, spine, legs and knees Yoga is generally practiced in a group sitting on a yoga mat with the aid of a yoga instructor Knees Tai Chi is commonly practiced in an open space, such as a park or open field
The word Yoga is translated as to join, to unite, or union. Techniques and traditions of Yoga date back to as early as 500 BC! Many of us ask, Is Yoga really different from stretching? Lets take a look at some of the known benefits of Yoga which make it different from other stretching exercises. Yoga vs. Stretching Joint movements Do you stretch often? Whats the range of your usual stretching exercise? Youd probably need to look at a medical chart to see which muscles you are actually hitting. Yoga, on the other hand, provides a large range of movement for your joints. The asanas or, in plain English, the different types of yogic exercises target specific muscles and joints. It increases flexibility of your joints. Stretching Heals while Yoga Prevents Stretching helps to heal muscle and bone injuries quicker. We dont need to tell you that, we all know it. But did you know that Yoga is known to prevent injuries in the first place? Most yogic exercises revolve around maintaining the correct posture all the time. Even the movements are carefully coordinated to strengthen the core of your muscles and bones. It is well known that improved posture and improved muscle movements help to prevent injuries in the day to day routine. Wouldnt you like to prevent injuries in the first place? Yoga is physical and spiritual We love the fact that Yoga is based on the idea of moving energy through the body. The Yoga we see today is a variant of the traditional version. Popularly, Health Yoga is used by many users to get fit, whilst maintaining the traditional influence of ancient Yoga. This form of Yoga is said to be focused on the purification of the prana or the vital energy of the body. Did you know that studies have shown that regular practice of Yoga lead to improved energy levels? We agree to this as, we have been able to cope with stress in a much better way since the time we have been practicing Yoga. Yoga is flexibility while Stretching is well, stretching
When you stretch your body, the muscles tend to contract and expand. Yoga does that, plus it adds basic flexibility. Yoga targets core muscle groups like the abdominals and back. Wouldnt you reckon that increased flexibility within these core muscles is a massive benefit? Yoga improves circulation We think this is one of the key differences between Yoga and Stretching. Stretching is exercising. Yoga is exercising + breathing. Yoga involves strict breathing techniques. It aims to maintain and improve the breathing cycle of your body. What does this do? This is said to improve lung capacity, and circulation levels in the body. We dont need to tell you that better circulation leads to better oxygen flow within the body, right? Yoga has long term benefits Okay, we are going to go a bit technical here. Asanas refer to the different postures of Yoga. Usually, a routine Yoga session begins with an asana and then works to incorporate strenuous, vigorous and physically challenging postures. Concentration and control of breath is key which is also a powerful form of meditation. Why do we say this? Well, stretching gives you physical fitness. We ask, Whats next? Yoga, on the other hand gives you physical fitness and long term health benefits. Deliberate muscle tensioning improves cardiovascular fitness. Certain movements of abdominal muscles improve blood flow in the surrounding area which helps digestion and other bowel problems. Stress, anxiety, obesity, posture, circulation Yoga provides long term benefits for all these and much more. Some trivia - Did you know that Yoga is also described as Science of living? The very foundation of Yoga and its asanas revolve around awareness, breathing, physical and mental stability. -It is general perception that Yoga is practiced only by Buddhists and Hindus. Nope. Did you know that Yoga or forms of it are also practiced in Christianity, Islam, Jainism, and a few more religions? -According to Gregory Possehl, a professor of Anthrology, ancient seals found at the Indus Valley Civilization (3300-1700 BC) sites in Pakistan depict positions resembling forms of Yoga. What do we think? Its quite clear. There is an obvious difference between Yoga and Stretching! If you are curious enough to give Yoga a shot, we suggest that you go to a qualified and recognized Yoga teacher. There are many fakes out there. Beware!