differences between yoga and other form of physical exercises

7/28/2019 Differences Between Yoga and Other Form of Physical Exercises

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Differences between yoga and other form of physical exercises

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 simultaneouslychange the diapers of my twin baby boys. Most folks know that yoga will certainly stretchmuscles, increase flexibility, and help you to relax. But is yoga good for weight loss? Y oull findthe 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 basicoverview 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 andbreathing 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 fairlyconstant.And I do realize that by summarizing yoga in two sentences I have probably riskedoffending 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 calorieburn is highly variable. For example, heavy people burn more calories because they have to carrymore body weight. People with a genetically high metabolism also burn more calories, as do peoplewith a higher percentage of lean muscle fibers. But to put yoga in a proper weight loss context, letsexamine 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 to68 calories in 45 minutes.

o 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.

o 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.

o Running: Running at 6.7 miles per hour, youll burn 9 to 19 calories per minute , or 405 to 855calories per hour.

o Does Yoga Burn Calories? o o 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 thesame cardiovascular f atigue as youd feel if you had been charging down a treadmill the entiretime--and considering that much of your time in that class is spent sitting and breathing, holdingstill without moving a muscle, or lying on your back and breathing, there is literally zero chancethat youre burning the unbelievable 1000 calories per hour that some yoga enthusiasts claimyoga actually burns.
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But rather than hy pothesize on how many calories yoga burns, lets look at the research. In 2005and 2007, two separate studies measured the metabolic rate of people taking a beginner yoga classand found a calorie burn of 2.3-3.2 calories per minute, about the same calorie burn as strollingthrough 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 po ssible that people taking a beginner yoga class may burn fewer calories becausethey 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 comparedthat type of more vigorous yoga to the same types of beginner yoga routines from the other studies Imentioned.

In the study, the heart rate during Ashtanga Yoga increased by over 30 beats from the resting heartrate, 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 beatsover resting heart rate is not very significant. To put this in context, your heart rate can go 30 beatsover your resting heart rate when youre gardening, walking the dog, or vacuuming the house --andcould increase by 15 beats per minute through the mere act of standing.

So although its true that an increase o f 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 wi ll.

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.


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But perhaps youve had friends tell you about their invigorating hot yoga experience, or heard aboutincredibly difficult hot yoga in the news. Surely, that must burn more calories! In hot yoga, or BikramYoga, the temperature in the yoga room is turned up higher than 105 degrees, with arecommendation of at least 40 percent humidity. As a result, people taking a hot yoga classexperience 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 areburning more calories. As a matter of fact, by simply walking into a hot room and standing for 45minutes, your heart rate will significantly increase. That is because your bodys pri mary mode of cooling is to sweat and to shunt blood to your extremities. As you sweat, you lose blood volume, andas you shunt blood, your heart has to work harder to deliver that blood. And as a result your heartrate increases.

But the increased heart ra te 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 you r metabolism ? In fact, a 2006 study measured themetabolic 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 2000calories at rest, you might lower that calorie burn to 1700 calories at rest if you take up yoga.

That is because yoga is a rela xing activity, and actually slows down your bodys fight -and- flightreactions, 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 no t going to shed

any pounds.Once again, I have to emphasize that I have nothing against yoga and I do some form of it nearlyevery day to improve my flexibility, balance, and relaxation. However, when it comes to calorieburning for weight loss, yoga is really one of the least effective modes of exercise. But before I amstruck with lightning by the yoga gods and goddesses, let me express one final thought: if thepractice of yoga gives you a greater mental discipline and body awareness, and you use thosebenefits to motivate yourself to exercise, then yoga may indirectly be beneficial for weight loss.

How is yoga different than other forms ofexercise?The fundamental difference between yoga and other forms of exercise (running, working out at

a gym, etc.) is that while regular exercise is intended to tone and strengthen the body, yogas

intention goes well beyond body toning.
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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

congestio n 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 the difference between yoga and other physical exercises?

The first thing we have to understand about yoga is that it is not just an exercise of the body it ismostly an exercise of the mind. Even though we use our body a lot in different exercises andtechniques in general yoga classes, we are not concentrating only on our body. We focus a lot of awareness on our breathing and on what is happening inside of us. When something changes insideour body (for instance our muscle tone), something always changes in our mind. Yoga focuses a loton the general flexibility of the body, but in our approach in teaching we do not forget about strength,stability and endurance of the torso and other parts of the body.

A special feature of yoga are also the so-called inverted poses or inversions, which efficientlybalance the left and the right side of the body. But primarily it is important that you understand thatwhat we have are not just excercises but a class - integral teaching of yoga tradition, adapted tothe needs of the modern human with the emphasis on the integration of body-breath-mind-spirit.

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 arecalmer, meditative in nature, others are more dynamic, physically demanding and rapidly stimulatethe cardio-vascular system (vinyasa flow yoga and others). If they are done properly, all theseapproaches have the same goal to come in contact with ones true inner nature by creating abalance on a physical and energy level. Humans are meant for movement and a healthy body can
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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, wherethe mind directs the body and our energy system.

What Sets Yoga Apart From Other Exercises?The objective of this article is not to prove that other exercises are inferior or less effective than Yoga. We are merely

explaining the differences between Yoga and other exercises.

A few distinctions and major differences along with benefits of Yoga are listed below in order to help you understand how

and why Yoga is different from other forms of exercise.

Large Muscles DO NOT Equate To Fitness and Health Like other forms of exercises, Yoga has its own limitations. If you are working towards increasing muscle mass and

creating a buff body, you will probably not be able to derive the results you want with Yoga.

However, if you are seeking a discipline that will help you achieve and maintain the perfect physical and mental health and

balance, boost your energy and immune system, then regular practice of Yoga can prove to be highly beneficial in

achieving those goals. In fact, if you will read more on the Physiological Benefits of Yoga as well asPsychological

Benefits of Yoga , you will be able to understand that Yoga is not just an exercise, but a way of life for achieving a total

mind and body alignment.

The Problem With Excessive Physical Strain A lot of people measure health and fitness by muscle mass. However, this is definitely not the case. A person can sport a

perfectly lean, muscled physique with a washboard-like abdomen, but may not have the perfect health to complement his

form. According to researchers, there are a number of bodybuilders that have been shown to age faster compared to

individuals who focus more on achieving overall fitness of mind and body.

Why? Well, in order to grow their muscles, it is important for bodybuilders to perform demanding physical exercises on a

regular basis. Most of these exercises include seriously strenuous physical activities, which produce EXTRA amounts of

carbon dioxide in the body along with higher levels of blood acidity (or pH levels).

In order for the body to clear out the toxins that are generated from the body, it requires the lungs and heart to work harder

than they normally do. Hence, after years of over-straining and pushing the heart and lungs, the bodysorgans gradually

weaken and become unable to support the demands of the body.
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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.

The Difference of Yoga Lets focus on some specific differences between Yoga and other exercises.

Yoga as a Phil osophy and Way of L if e

Yoga is a school of philosophy . The goals of Yoga are not only to get physical benefits. Yoga was created by the

spiritual leaders of ancient India and includes a lot of philosophical elements within the process.

But physical exercises pertain to the development of muscles of the human body through physical activities and hardly

have any philosophy behind the process. Yoga is designed to facilitate contemplation, and develop laser -like focus which

comes naturally by meditating. As a physio-spiritual method, Yoga tries to provide an integrated approach towards

alignment of mind, body and spirit . Stronger and more flexible muscles, stress relief and impr oved circulation are

essentially natural by-products of practicing Yoga.

Yoga Promotes L ower Oxygen Consumpti on

We all know that lower oxygen consumption is beneficial for health. In physical exercises, the individuals oxygen usage is

increased, but as Yoga includes not only physical exercises but also breathing techniques it considerably lowers the

bodys oxygen consumption. Breathing becomes arrhythmic while practicing other exercises. On the other hand breathing

becomes rhythmic while practicing Yoga. And harmonized and regular breathing is essential to maintain a perfect health.

Methods used in Yoga are designed in such a way that the breathing rate slows down. With slow and steady physical

movements performed in Yoga make the respiration rhythmic andhealthy. But during other forms of exercises, the bodys

respiratory system respiratory system is required to work hard, following a frenzied pace.

Yoga Promotes F lexibi li ty

Other exercises make the body stiff and inflexible. But one of the major goals of Yoga is to make the body flexible and

balanced. And, a balanced and flexible body is less likely to get injured. Tennis player Andy Roddick, Venus and Serena

Williams, Soccer player John Scales, and famous Gymnast Stephen McCain all practice Yoga to keep their body balanced

and flexible.

All the Yogic methods except Power Yoga are designed to decrease the body temperature, whereas other forms of

physical exercise hikes up body temperature.


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Yoga Does Not Requi re Any Special F ood Supplements

Other exercises require special diets. Yoga practitioners, on the other hand are encouraged to consume just enough food

and hardly need any special food supplements. Regular food types are sufficient for a Yoga practitioner. Although being a

vegetarian is encouraged in the Yogic tradition, it is not necessary.

Other forms of exercise, especially when done consistently and with the intention of achieving higher performance levels

requires a person to get supplement his or her diet with specific food types and supplements.

Yoga Boosts Endocrin e Function

Yogic exercises are designed to help properly regulate the bodys endocrine secretions, thereby significantly helping in the

development of a positive attitude, outlook and mental state in life. Other exercises do not focus on these aspects.

Yoga Acti vates the Parasympathetic Nervous System

Yoga poses focus on activating the parasympathetic nervous system. But other exercises tend to focus on the sympathetic

nervous system. Some Yogic exercises are developed in such a way that they not only take care of the parasympathetic

nervous system but also create a more balanced sympathetic nervous system.

Yoga Energizes And Not Exh austs Practiti oners

Other exercises tend to energize you for a while perhaps for a couple of hours after the exercise but then later results

in you feeling tired. Yoga makes the body revitalized, refreshed and rejuvenated. Yoga is the only method that can relaxthe body as it goes through all the physical poses and activities during Yoga classes. This is a thousand year old paradox.

Yoga makes you feel active and not exhausted. Yoga makes you feel relaxed and at the same time alert, calm but

determined, proactive and focused. Yoga is not a destination but instead is a journey. Its a path which leads to inner

peace, happiness and health.

Over the years, Yoga has been used as a way to deal with modern day stresses. Find out how you can fit in Yoga In

Daily Life And Modern Living .

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 impactworkouts that can be practiced either in a class setting or in the comfort of your ownhome.
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What is Pilates?

Derived from ancient yoga asanas , the Pilates exercise system was developed by JosephPilates 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 onthe core muscles (abs, lower back, and stabilizing muscles). Pilates exercise machines(suc h 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. Allyou 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 (andon your own time), Wai Lana offers a complete line of Pilates Yoga resistance

products (with instructional DVDs).

Why practice Pilates?Pilates is very beneficial for strengthening muscles without shortening them or bulkingup. In fact, dedicated Pilates practitioners are known for their long, lean look.Furthermore, the core strength you develop can be applied to many other activities toachieve effort with ease (a Pilates slogan). Pilates improves balance and overallstrength, stabilizes and lengthens the spine, improves posture, and can help preventinjuries and aid in injury rehabilitation.

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, andahealthy diet to premeditation, breathing , and relaxation techniques. The most advancedforms of meditation and self-realization are also a part of yoga.

Why practice yoga exercises?

When it comes to achieving both physical and mental well-being, yoga exercises are by

far the most effective and time-tested practices known to mankind. Yoga asanaseffectively strengthen and tone the body, increase flexibility, improve balance, andrelieve stress. However, the most significant benefits of yoga asanas come from their

profound effects on the internal systems of the body.

By bending, stretching, twisting, and flexing in the various postures, you bathe your internal organs with oxygenated blood and prana, also known as life force energy or chi. Yoga asanas soothe and tone the nerves and regulate the endocrine system, whic h
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is responsible for the production of hormones one of the keys to both physical andmental health. They also improve digestion and elimination, strengthen the respiratorysystem, and tone the reproductive organs.

Why practice yoga with Wai Lana?

Its not easy to find a teacher who can give you comprehensive instruction and a deepunderstanding of yoga and Wai Lana is just such a teacher. One of the most well-knownyoga teachers in the world today, Wai Lanas televised yoga show has the largestaudience in the world and is regularly watched by millions of people on five continents,including the United States, where her shows appear on PBS stations throughout thecountry.

While her workouts focus primarily on yogas physical techniques, they also incorporate meditation to help relieve deep-seated stress and anxiety, enabling us to experience

yoga's greatest gifts: stress release and inner peace.

Wai Lana has instructional yoga DVDs available for all fitness levels, including her latestseries Yoga for Everyone .

Guidelines for yoga and Pilates practice:

o Yoga postures, especially inversions and those that compress the abdomen, should not be done on a full stomach. Listen to your body if you practice too soon after eating or drinking, certain poses will feel uncomfortable.

o 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.

o Wear comfortable clothing, something that allows you to move freely.o Ideally, the room should be well ventilated. Have enough space to extend your arms

and legs in all directions without hitting anything.o While practicing, concentrate on the feeling that the asana is producing in your body.o 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.o 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.o 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 organsand boosting your resistance to disease.
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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN

YOGA & EXERCISEYoga is well known for its ability to increase flexibility and reduce stress. Recent studies indicateyoga can provide all the required elements of a complete exercise program by building your strength and improving your cardiovascular function. Check with your doctor before beginningany exercise program, especially if you have such cardiovascular risk functions as smoking,diabetes or a family history of heart disease.ELEMENTS OF EXERCISE

The American Council on Exercise, or ACE, recommends that every exercise program containthree components: aerobic activity, muscular and endurance conditioning, and stretchingexercises for flexibility. Aerobic exercise improves cardiovascular function and helps you

manage your weight. Muscular and endurance conditioning builds strength, improves postureand reduces risk of lower back injury. A strength conditioning workout should include exercisesfor every major muscle group, including muscles in the arms, chest, back, stomach, hips andlegs. Flexibility exercise maintains the range of motion in your joints and reduces the risk of muscle injury or soreness. A proper stretching routine involves holding a mild stretch for 15 to30 seconds. It also should target all major muscle groups.HISTORY AND DEFINITION OF YOGA

Yoga is a spiritual practice that began in India nearly 6,000 years ago. Yoga's philosophycombines such elements as meditation, breath control and the practice of physical postures to

promote union of the individual self with the universal consciousness. The practice of physical postures is a discipline known as hatha yoga, and it originally was used to develop the self-control and concentration necessary for long periods of meditation. Yoga first came to the UnitedStates during the late 1800s, where it became appreciated for its physical benefits. Yoga can helpreduce stress and back pain, improve sleep and digestion, and increase strength and flexibility.TYPES OF YOGA

Within hatha yoga, there are different types or styles of yoga that vary greatly in their approachto physical postures. While fitness centers often offer yoga classes, they usually explore physical

postures with little or no reference to yoga's spiritual roots. Classes held at yoga studios are morelikely to include spiritual elements of yoga, such as meditation or chanting. Certain styles of yoga, such as Bikram yoga or Ashtanga yoga, are vigorous and physically demanding. Others,such as Kripalu or Jivamukti yoga, place more emphasis on meditation, breath work and spiritual

transformation.YOGA AS EXERCISE

All types of hatha yoga improve flexibility. Styles that are more physical also provide aerobicexercise and strength training. Vigorous classes, such as Vinyasa Flow, Ashtanga or power yoga,can boost your heart rate into the aerobic range, according to YogaJournal.com. Even styles of yoga that don't increase your heart rate can improve cardiovascular function by lowering your resting heart rate and increasing endurance. Yoga postures often help you build strength by


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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 fitnessgoals. For instance, if you want to build muscle, weight training would be more effective thanyoga, according to GaiamLife.com. For overall fitness, however, yoga provides sufficientcardiovascular, flexibility and strength training. "If you want to become and stay physically andmentally 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.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES

BETWEEN YOGA & AEROBIC

EXERCISES?Both yoga and aerobic exercise provide physiological benefits, but in different ways. Yoga helpsto build strength, increases flexibility and improves balance. However, it does not provide acardiovascular workout. Aerobic exercise such as swimming, biking and running has little effecton strength and flexibility. However, it burns significant calories and conditions your heartmuscle, so that your heart works more efficiently to pump blood throughout your body.CARDIOVASCULAR EXERCISE

The main difference between yoga and aerobic exercise occurs in the effect each exercise has on

the heart muscle. Cardiovascular exercises such as running and swimming elicit intense demandson the large muscles of the body, which require more oxygen to perform exercises. Theincreased need for oxygen causes the heart muscle to work harder, and as your heart adapts to thestress, it becomes more efficient. The slower pace of yoga does not require as much oxygen.Therefore, it does have the same conditioning effect on the heart that aerobic exercises do.CALORIES

Another key difference between yoga and aerobic exercise liess in caloric expenditure. Theaverage 50 minute Hatha yoga class burns approximately 144 calories, according to theAmerican Council on Exercise. A 50 minute ashtanga class, the more vigorous style of yoga,

burns slightly more at 237. Compare this to 50 minutes of running or swimming at 355 and 507calories, respectively. Aerobic exercise burns considerably more calories than yoga.STRENGTH

Yoga does tend to boost muscular strength and muscular endurance, according to the AmericanCouncil on Exercise, particularly in the chest, triceps and abdominal regions. Yoga also helps todevelop strength and endurance in many of the core muscles, especially the obliques and theerector spinae. Cardiovascular exercise will help develop muscular endurance, however as a rule,aerobic exercise does not encourage the development of muscular strength to the same extentthat yoga does.


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FLEXIBILITY

Aerobic exercise has little impact on the development of flexibility, whereas yoga significantlyimproves 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 yogaclasses 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 alsoreported less musculoskeletal pain overall.

DIFFERENCES OF EXERCISE &

YOGAWhile some of yoga's benefits overlap with the benefits of exercise, there are also manydifferences. Some types of yoga are not exercise at all, and most types offer benefits that exercisedoesn't. Then again, while athletes might find yoga exercises helpful, yoga might not be enoughto satisfy their need for movement, competition and variety.TYPES OF YOGA

In Sanskrit, the word "yoga" means "union." It is about the human uniting with the divine. Onlya small part of yoga falls into the category of exercise. Hatha yoga is the type of yoga whichconcentrates on physical postures. Non-exercise oriented forms include Bhakti, the yoga of devotion, which involves prayer and chanting; Karma yoga, the practice of selfless service; andJnana, which necessitates the reading of sacred texts and understanding complicated philosophy.FOCUS

Mental focus is one big difference between yoga and exercise. While performing yoga postures,yogis attempt to keep their minds in the present moment by focusing on their breath and bodilysensations. Serious athletes might also do this, but many exercisers allow their minds to flitaround. Group exercise teachers sometimes talk about movies or other distracting topics whileleading class. Many people in gyms read magazines, listen to music or watch TV while runningon treadmills or peddling stationary bicycles.BENEFITS OF YOGA

Some of the benefits of yoga and exercise overlap, especially if you're doing a vigorous physicalyoga practice. In general, yoga involves slower movements and more static holds. You try to use

just enough energy to accomplish the postures and to balance the use of all muscle groups. Yogais process-oriented and noncompetitive. While people can and do injure themselves from yoga,it's lower risk than most sports. Stretching your muscles makes them larger and improves their ability to extract and use oxygen. This leads to greater muscle endurance and strength.BENEFITS OF EXERCISE

Exercise is usually more fatiguing than yoga. The goal of a workout is to increase the heart rateand to tire the muscles. This burns more calories, which is good if you have a weight-loss goal.Exercise is more likely to be goal-oriented and competitive. The focus is usually more external,


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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 beenwell-established, it's best to find an exercise that suits your body and personality and stick withit.

YOGA IS MORE THAN

EXERCISEYoga is much more than physical exercise; it also engages the mind, the emotions and the spirit.The literal meaning of the word yoga is "union." Yoga refers not only to the union of the mind,

body and spirit but also the union between the self and the energy of the cosmos.YOGA BREATHING

As well as physical postures, yoga incorporates rhythmic breathing. This helps you establish adirect link with the flow of energy around you, eliminating feelings of isolation, doubt,loneliness and anxiety. Breathing exercises also help improve body functions and mental agility

by increasing the blood flow to the brain and other organs.YOGA HEALING

Yoga also has a wide range of alternative healing benefits. Yoga has been shown to improvemetabolic rate, lower blood pressure, increase respiratory functions, improve skin, increaseconcentration, increase body temperature and lower stress and anxiety. Yoga can help preventand relieve a number of diseases including arthritis, hypertension, migraine, insomnia, back pain,asthma, premenstrual tension, diabetes, cancer, hemorrhoids and digestive disorders.YOGA MEDITATION

Another beneficial aspect of yoga that goes beyond exercise is meditation. Meditation is one of the main principles of yoga and is considered a valuable tool to help you achieve mental clarityand focus. It is the art of self-examination that enables you to develop a deeper understanding of who you are and how you live your life. It is not initially an easy practice, and it requiresdiscipline. With practice, meditation brings the rewards of self awareness, focused concentration,improved creativity and deep calmness.YOGA DIET

The other main principle of yoga practice is a proper diet. The yoga belief is that what you eataffects not only your body but also your mind. For the practitioner of yoga, a proper diet is onethat simultaneously nourishes the mind and the body. The diet should be healthy, well-balancedand full of natural foods. Eating should be done in moderation, only when the appetite requiresit.


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HEALTH BENEFITS OF YOGA

VS. QIGONGYoga and qigong are both ancient practices, though one comes from the Indian tradition and the other is Chinese inits heritage. Both are also movement practices, though their movements are generally different in function. Yoga,which tends to be moderate to fast-paced, includes strong movements that are held for a period of time and require acertain amount of athleticism. Qigong, on the other hand, is slowly methodical, flows from one movement toanother, and can be easily practiced by anyone.MEDITATIVE STATE BEFORE OR AFTER MOVEMENTS

One of the main health benefits of both yoga and qigong is that they will both support a meditative state. Yoga usesmovements to get there, while qigong creates the meditative state before movements. According to the book, "TheComplete Idiot's Guide to T'ai Chi and Qigong" by author Bill Douglas, qigong's goal is to bring enlightened

awareness into your physical life, while yoga takes you to a place of peace. Each has the same outcome but by adifferent avenue.STATIC VS. FLOWING POSTURES

Another difference between yoga and qigong is that yoga primarily consists of static poses while qigong has flowing postures. Douglas notes that the flowing postures of qigong may be more beneficial as a model for life, since itteaches practitioners how to stay focused even as outer aspects change. At the same time, yoga postures are better for athletic development and deepening strength, as many of the poses require muscle activity.DIFFERENT CLOTHING

Yoga and qigong also require different clothing, which may matter depending on your body size and howcomfortable 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 belooser 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.QIGONG IMPROVES BALANCE

Another health benefit of qigong is that almost all of its movements help improve balance, while yoga only has afew movements focused on balance. The standing motion of qigong constantly challenges your balance, andtherefore is the best balance conditioner in the world. If you suffer from disorientation, vertigo or eye conditionsrelated to imbalance, qigong may be a more beneficial practice for you than yoga.

YOGA OR TAI-CHI MOVEMENTS

THAT HAVE A BENEFICIALIMPACT 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


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strengthening your knees. According to MayoClinic.com, weak muscles are aleading cause of knee injuries. MayoClinic.com experts recommend building your quadriceps and hamstrings to support your knees and developing balance, stabilityand flexibility so muscles work together efficiently.

BACKGROUNDYour 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 thecollateral ligaments reinforce the sides. Your kneecap protects your knee joint andthe 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 remaindirectly 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 reachestoward 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 stretchinghamstrings and calf muscles; and Bound Angle Pose, to open hips and relieve kneestress.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 SportsMedicine." Because this series of flowing, meditative movements involves a gooddeal weight-shifting, though, the knees may be prone to injury. This is why astrong foundation and well-aligned knees are extremely important during tai-chi.


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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 peopleand doesn't include energy transmission practices, or energy moving, practiced inQigong, according to the Qigong Institute. But yoga is more evolved and it iseasier 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, attachand yoke, to direct and concentrate one's attention on, to use and apply, accordingto B.K.S. Iyengar in the book, "Light on Yoga." Yoga is one of the six orthodoxsystems of Indian philosophy. Learning yoga consists of practicing asanas, or

postures, breathing techniques, and meditation. Numerous yoga styles areavailable, 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 qigonginvolves movements, breathing exercises, and meditation. When practicing qigong,gentle, flowing movements are performed with relaxing music. The belief is thatthese 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, bodyand breath, according to Yoga Journal. Yoga will also develop strength, improveflexibility, 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 isyour first class.LEARNING QIGONG

Qigong is a gentle form of exercise and is easy to perform. The breathing andmeditation exercises are calming and relaxing. Anyone can benefit from qigongregardless of ability, age, or belief system, according to the National QigongAssociation. Finding a qigong class in your area may be a challenge. Martial arts


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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 healthand unify a practitioner's mind, body and spirit. While yoga has its roots in ancientIndian 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 siton the floor comfortably. Chi gong is great if you are more comfortable standingand 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 lungcapacity, reduce blood pressure and lower heart rate, according to the NationalCenter for Complementary and Alternative Medicine website. Some forms of chigong include substantial strength training for the legs. A July 2010 review articlein "American Journal of Health Promotion" found that chi gong improves bonehealth, 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 mindaway from everyday concerns. The National Center for Complementary andAlternative Medicine notes that yoga might relieve anxiety, depression andinsomnia. Chi gong improved quality of life, relieved psychological symptoms andimproved self-efficacy --- an individual's sense that she can perform tasks andaccomplish 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 thenature and location of your injuries. Chi gong exercises move the spine smoothlyand 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 sportswriter, 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 relievingmeasure, especially for joint injuries, Army Surgeon General, Lt. Gen. Eric B.


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Schoomaker, recommended alongside other alternative therapies for woundedsoldiers returning from combat, according to a September 2010 article publishedon the United States Army official homepage.HEALTHY AGING

Yoga and chi gong both hold benefits for seniors who want to be more active. A2006 article published in the journal "Alternative Therapies in Health andMedicine" by Barry S. Oken and colleagues at Oregon Health and ScienceUniversity noted that seniors aged 65 to 85 who did hatha yoga for six monthsexperienced physical improvement and increased well-being, although they did notimprove in terms cognition or alertness. A 2005 study published in the "Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance" found that chi gong can contribute tothe quality of life of older adults. Study participants reported that they felt therelaxation benefits of chi gong most strongly.

COMPARISON OF THE

BENEFITS OF TAI CHI & YOGAUnlike a traditional workout, yoga and tai chi focus on precise movements that allow the bodyto slowly transition from one position to the next. Both practices attempt to coordinate themuscles, bones, heart and mind with the positive energy that surrounds the body. Althoughboth have similar goals, a comparison of the benefits of tai chi and yoga reveals interestingdifferences.IDENTIFICATION

The body positions and movements used in yoga and tai chi often appear to be similar, but thetwo practices vary drastically. A tai chi session focuses on relaxed movements. The postures areconstantly evolving and there are no pauses as the body moves from one posture to the next.On the other hand, yoga focuses on stillness. Each posture is held for several seconds orminutes, allowing the body to fill with positive energy between each movement. Both tai chiand yoga use controlled breathing and meditation to enhance the practice.MEDICAL BENEFITS

Tai chi and yoga have both been credited as effective treatments for relieving pain associatedwith certain medical conditions. For example, the Harvard Health Publications website claimsthat tai chi can improve symptoms of arthritis, high blood pressure and Parkinson's disease.Similarly, MayoClinic.com claims that a regular yoga practice can reduce heart rate, lower bloodpressure, relieve physical pain across the body and alleviate the symptoms of depression. When


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Yoga

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, yoga is anexercise and philosophic system that has it's origins in ancient India. Yoga combines physicalposes -- asanas -- with breathing exercises and meditation to create a holistic health system. Astudy performed at the Oregon Health and Science University concluded that yoga increasedmental 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. Typesof yoga vary in their intensity, structure, theme and focus. Yoga styles such as Bikram, Ashtangaand 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. Alwayscheck with a knowledgeable teacher before starting a yoga class to check whether the classlevel 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 aclass that merges tai chi flowing moves with the more structured yoga asanas. Meditation ispresent in both yoga and tai chi, so you may expect either seated or movement meditation in atai chi yoga class. Both forms are praised for their health-sustaining properties and naturallycompliment each other. In the future we may see a new form of popular exercise emerge fromthe fusion of tai chi and yoga.

What Is The Difference Between Yoga and Aerobics?

Aerobics is a form of exercise where you use oxygen to mobilize the body's energy sources

(carbohydrate and fat) to fuel your movements, such as by running and jogging. All such exercises

are done at a steady, rhythmic, repetitive rate. To find out if your exercise state is 'aerobic', this test

works. If you can talk while jogging, then your exercise is aerobic. As soon as it becomes difficult for

you to talk while you jog without pausing for breath, you reach your aerobic threshold. This is when

you begin to enter the anaerobic phase.

Walking, running, jumping, jogging, swimming, step aerobics, dance aerobics, sports aerobics, are

all forms of aerobics. Aerobic exercises make your heart beat faster and your body sweats as you

burn calories. Aerobic equipment includes the use of bicycles, treadmills, stepper, jump ropes etc.

You can choose whichever form of aerobic exercise you like, but it is good to make it a part of your

regular work out. This is because it tones your muscles, burns fat and helps prevent osteoporosis

and heart disease.

Dance aerobics are fun to do and a good way to lose weight and remain healthy. Ballet, disco, jazz

and salsa all form a part of dance aerobics. If you suffer from osteoporosis or have an existing heart

problem, you should not do any of the intensive aerobic exercises. Simple walking will help you get


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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 toexecute 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.

What Are the Differences Between Yoga & Aerobic Exercises?

Posted on 9 January, 2013 by Akter

Yoga and Aerobic both methods are getting popularity day by day in many countries allaround the world. Yoga is the most traditional method but Aerobic is not. Both containmany 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 concernedin a breathing method and this method strengthens the respiratory system. So Yoga isnot only about fat burning rather it consists of many mental workout, breathingexercises, and relaxation techniques.

2. Aerobic exercise is all about cardio, fat burning. This is a faster process for losingweight. 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 Yogatechniques which work fast.

3. There is no age limitation for practicing Yoga but Aerobic should be taken depending onthe age group such as teenagers can practice dance aerobics but kids can not. Anothertype Water aerobics is supposed to be the highest form of cardio and by practicing thistype of Aerobic exercise one can lose weight within a day.

4. Physical postures included in Yoga helps to increase flexibility, to build strength and toimprove balance but it does not provide a cardiovascular workout. On the other handAerobic exercise include biking, swimming, running, dancing which gives a little effect onstrength and flexibility. It makes the heart works more efficiently to pump blood throughthe different parts of the whole body.
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5. In aerobic the participant feels a sudden pain which indicates he/she gain. In Yoga theparticipants have to practice different kinds of physical postures which create paininitially but slowly give flexibility.

6. By practicing about 50 minute Yoga class, the participants can burn approximately 144calories. On the other hand 50 minutes of Aerobic exercise one can burn 355 and 507calories.

7. Yoga physical postures efficiently help the body to remove toxins and other harmfulelements from the body and make the body able to resist disease and increase immunesystem.

Though Yoga and Aerobic are different but both of the forms are beneficial. If one cancombine both of these techniques in the same day and can practice properly, it will givebetter result. One can start with Pranayama or breathing exercises then followsome yoga postures and then some aerobic exercises. At the end if the participantmeditates, it will help him/her reorganize and rejuvenate himself/herself.

Differences between Yoga and ExercisesThere is a misconception about Yoga is that it is a method of gaining physicalfitness, good outlook, flexibility and strength. But the fact is Yoga is not only aboutphysiology but also about Psychology. It consists of many mental workouts,emotional workouts, breathing exercises, relaxation process. On the other handGym exercise is about physiology. Yoga and Gym exercises are quite different. Yoga is the philosophy of life. Exercise is all about the development of bodymuscles of our body. Here we are going to focus on some differencesbetween Yoga and Exercise:1. In Yoga we will find many physical postures which aim at improving

concentration and mental purity.2. Gym exercises help us to tone the body muscles, make the body strong.3. Yoga consists of many physical postures, mental workout, emotional workout,

breathing exercises and meditation . 4. Exercises include lifting weights, aerobic exercises, running, swimming, jumping

and jogging.5. In Yoga we do not find any use of instruments but in Gym exercises we have to

practice with instruments which are not good enough for our health.6. Yoga is a slower process and people who want to lose weight in a short period of

time, they usually like to go to Gym because with the gym exercises one can geta slim figure and muscles within some days of practice. (There is someHot Yoga such as Bikram Yoga which also helps us to lose weight within a shortperiod of time.)

7. As Yoga is a slower and gradual process, if one suddenly stops practicing Yoga,the effect doesnt occur suddenly means one does not get fat suddenly. On theother hand if one have to omit Gym, he/she might face many physical problems
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like extra weight, body muscles might be loosen, one can suddenly becomes sicketc.

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 useof Pranayama.

9. Regular practice of Yoga, one can improve some vital functions in the body forexample blood circulation. It also helps us to regulate heart beat. Gym exercisesmainly 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 kindsof diseases. Gym exercises might be able to help removing toxins from ourbody 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 otherhand 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 inbeautiful pattern and to stay healthy. Exercises raise the ability of a person to confront diseaseswith 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 differencebetween 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 isthe 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 groupor 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 injuryduring various types of sports especially athletics.

Warming Up Warm up is the fundamental requirement of playing sports in safe manner and do avoid injuryduring severe exercise. In fact, warning up is a physical activity that consists of moving thebody 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 aperson to bear the intense physical activity either in the form of exercise or sports. On the otherhand, stretching is itself an exercise as well as a part of many exercises like Yoga and its aim isto raise flexibility and strength of muscles that is also a requirement of all physical activities.
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However, yoga is a complete exercise that is beneficial for human beings both in physical andspiritual meanings and this is the exercise that strictly prohibits the sudden stress on musclesand mind.

Difference Between Yoga and Tai Chi

Key Difference: Yoga, a form of exercise and meditation, is most commonly practiced in India and isknown for disciplining physical, mental, and spiritual forms. The most common yoga practiced in theWestern countries is the Hatha yoga and its asanas. Yoga is most commonly associated withmeditation and the prana or life. It seeks to balance and relax the body, including joining thebreath with the spirit. Tai Chi Chaun, or just Tai Chi, meaning supreme ultimate, is a soft martial artthat revolves around a persons Qi or Chi a life force that drives all living beings and forms. Tai Chiis Chinese meditation practice that is used to strengthen a persons body and Chi.

Yoga and Tai Chi are common exercising practices that are used by people. While both are beneficialforms of meditation and relaxation, they are completely different. While Yoga originates from India, TaiChi Chuan originates from China.

Yoga, a form of exercise and meditation, is most commonly practiced in India and is known fordisciplining physical, mental, and spiritual forms. It is based on the Yoga S tras of Patajali. Varioustraditions of yoga are found in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. Early forms of meditative yoga

have been dated back to the Indus River Valley in the 3rd millennium BC, when seals depicting figures in acommon yoga and meditation pose were unearthed. Modern yoga became popular during the mid-19 th century and was introduced by Swami Vivekananda, who toured Europe and the United States in the

1890s. The most common yoga practiced in the Western countries is the Hatha yoga and its asanas.

Yoga is most commonly associated with meditation and the prana or life . It seeks to balance and relaxthe body, including joining the breath with the spirit. It is also used i n order to improve a person s

flexibility and build up strength. The teachings of Yoga are grouped into three parts: the physical aspect,mental aspect and spiritual aspect. While the physical aspect focuses on strengthening the body, themental aspect deals with relieving stress and anxiety, along with fostering positive thinking and self-acceptance. The spiritual aspect deals with becoming one with the nature and the joining of the body andspirit as one. Different asanas of yoga are used depending on a p erson s need. Yoga can be used formeditation, increasing flexibility, or burning calories. Yoga can also help fight cancer, schizophrenia,asthma and heart diseases; it also increases awareness, improves musculo-skeletal and mental health. Itcan also relieve stress, anxiety, depression and promote more happy thoughts. One should also be carefulwhen performing the asanas, so that they do not over-exert themselves and cause injuries.

Tai Chi Chaun, or just Tai Chi, meaning supreme ultimate, is a soft ma rtial art that revolves around aperson s Qi or Chi a life force that drives all living beings and forms. Tai Chi is Chinese meditationpractice that is used to strengthen a person s body and Chi. According to Old Chinese medicine, theconstant flow of Chi in a person is what keeps a person s body healthy and fit. If the flow of Chi is


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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 yearsago and uses continual movement of the hands and feet as well as proper shifting of weight in order tofacilitate 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 isused to overcome hard. Similar to Yoga, Tai Chi focuses o n a person s breathing in order to release all thebad energy.

Though, Tai Chi comprise of slow movements, it does not mean it cann be just as lethal as aggressivemartial 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 formsof Tai Chi practiced today. Tai Chi styles such as, Yang, Wu, and Chen, also have secondary forms of afaster pace for movements. Tai Chi movements are proved to improve coordination, balance, strength andburn 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, heartfailure, 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 improperpostures, so if a person feels tension and pain the knees while practicing, they should consult the masteror try other poses that alleviates the tension.

Yoga Tai Chi

Definition An ancient practice from thenorthern India known as path to

both, physical as well as mental

well being which includeseverything from physical

posture and healthy diet to breathing, relaxation andmeditation skills

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 andreliving stress, anxiety anddepression.

Country of origin India China

Dated 5000 years ago 1300s

Focuses on Prana Chi

Benefits Helps fight cancer,

schizophrenia, asthma and heart patients, increases awareness,improves musculo-skeletal andmental health and reduces stress

Balance, control, flexibility,

cardiovascular fitness, relievesstress, anxiety, and depression,reduces chances of heart failure,high blood pressure, heartattacks, Parkinson's,Alzheimer's and burns calories

Emphasis on Flexibility and building strength Flexibility, strength, opening the


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internal circulation

Injuries Stress on the neck, shoulders,spine, legs and knees

Knees

Practice Yoga is generally practiced in a

group sitting on a yoga mat withthe aid of a yoga instructor

Tai Chi is commonly practiced

in an open space, such as a park or open field

Is Yoga Same As Stretching Exercise?

The word Yoga is translated as to join, to unite, or union. Techniques and traditions of Yoga dateback to as early as 500 BC! Many of us ask, Is Yoga really different from stretching? Lets take a look atsome 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 lookat a medical chart to see which muscles you are actually hitting. Yoga, on the other hand, provides alarge range of movement for your joints. The asanas or, in plain English, the different types of yogicexercises target specific muscles and joints. It increases flexibility of your joints.

Stretching Heals while Yoga Prevents

Stret ching 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 tostrengthen 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 preventinjuries 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 seetoday 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 shownthat regular practice of Yoga lead to improved energy levels? We agree to this as, we have been able tocope with stress in a much better way since the time we have been practicing Yoga.

Yoga is flexibility while Stretching is well, stretching


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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 reckonthat 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 isexercising + breathing. Yoga involves strict breathing techniques. It aims to maintain and improve thebreathing cycle of your body. What does this do? This is said to improve lung capacity, and circulationlevels in the body. We dont need to tell you that better circulation leads to better oxygen flow withinthe body, right?

Yoga has long term benefits

Okay, we are going to go a bit technical here. Asanas refe r 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 powerfulform of meditation. Why do we say this? Well, stretching gives you physical fitness. We ask, Whatsnext? Yoga, on the other hand gives you physical fitness and long term health benefits. Deliberatemuscle tensioning improves cardiovascular fitness. Certain movements of abdominal muscles improveblood 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 itsasanas 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 thatYoga 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 ValleyCivilization (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 enoughto give Yoga a shot, we suggest that you go to a qualified and recognized Yoga teacher. There are many

fakes out there. Beware!

differences between yoga and other form of physical exercises

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