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Choosing a form of exercise is just half the battle. The greater challenge lies in sticking to it and fully understanding what it does to your body. Are you the pump-me-up type who pushes herself to the limit, to the tune of Hip-Hop, and hikes and runs in the great outdoors for an intense and adventurous body burn workout? Or are you the calm, silent type who prefers to sweat it out in the privacy and minimal space of a living room or classroom? Perhaps, you might even want to be a risk-taker and try them all. Want to sign up then for an aerobics or yoga class? Read on to find out what benefits you can reap from such activities.
The 101
 Aerobic exercise, which means "with oxygen," is any activity that makes you breathe hard while utilizing your body’s muscle groups at a regular, consistent pace. Your body's aerobic system is composed of your heart, lungs, blood vessels and muscles and the benefit of an aerobic exercise such as jogging or cycling, is based on how well your body can deliver oxygen to your muscles and use it to release energy.
On the other hand, yoga comes from the Sanskrit word "Yuj" meaning to yoke, join or unite. It signifies the joining or the integration of all aspects of the individual – the body with mind and mind with soul which leads to a happy, balanced and harmonious life. Generally, it is composed of a set of physical practices that include poses, known as asanas, that are each held for a period of time and synchronized with breathing. Basic asanas include: sitting, lying, standing, twisting, back bending, and inverted postures, as well as forward bends. A yoga session also involves pranayama (breathing practices), and progressive deep relaxation and meditation.
The Benefits
Aerobic exercise, also commonly called cardio exercise, builds endurance, strengthens the heart, and increases your lung capacity. It also releases endorphins - neurotransmitters found in the brain that reduce the sensation of pain and generally elevates your mood. Aerobics also reduces body fat, speeds up your metabolism, lowers blood sugar levels, and increases your HDL (good) cholesterol.
You’ve also got a smorgasbord of choices for your aerobic activities. It is recommended to do at least a 45-minute aerobic exercise 3-4 times a week. You don’t need to be fancy. You can get on a stationary bike, brisk walk or jog around your village, go swimming, take a dance class… the possibilities are endless. Who says getting into shape can’t be fun?
 For yoga, its mindful poses harmonize the body, mind, and spirit in the form of a low impact workout. Yoga practice allows you to turn inward – to pay attention to your breathing and other bodily sensations, and to calm your mind…it’s a proven stress buster even. It heightens the body’s relaxation response, lowers blood pressure, and enhances the immune system. More importantly, yoga is aerobic too since it improves oxygenation in the body through increased heart rate and deep breathing.
Aerobics vs. Yoga
Don’t leave it to a coin toss to decide which to choose. Whatever it is, it may be best to first consult a physician to know the best program for you. Remember, don’t leave everything to exercise, a healthy diet is just as essential.
With that aside, also be open enough to try both. You’ll never know how it could affect your body unless you give it a try. Many health buffs and fitness instructors have suggested incorporating yoga into one’s fitness schedule. Yoga and cardio actually go hand in hand. Executing yoga postures before an aerobic activity stretches and warms up tendons, muscles, and ligaments while providing a cool down after intense workouts. They also enhance your performance and help prevent injuries. It is also recommended to practice yoga and aerobics alternately to fully reap their benefits.
The solution is to find the form of cardio exercise and yoga routine that suit your needs –the ones that fit into your lifestyle and ultimately give you enjoyment. Combining the two may help you achieve a leaner, stronger body, with a holistic sense of well-being.
Shape up and achieve a healthy body. Click here to view list of yoga centers, aerobics instructors and other forms of exercises. |
