Yoga or Gym, are you confused about which one is better?
Well, both have their own benefits. Yoga is a body and mind workout. Whereas gym exercises are a bit overwhelming. Let’s look into why yoga is better.
10 Reasons Why Yoga Is Better Than Gym
1. It helps in relieving stress
Simple asanas like Padmasana help to calm the mind and relax the body. It is proven that yoga helps to enhance the overall mood and also fight symptoms related to depression and anxiety. It can be a stress-buster in your daily routine.
2. It helps in improving concentration
Certain yoga asanas like Padahastasana( standing forward bending) help increase the blood flow in the brain. The increase in blood flow in the brain further helps to improve the concentration level and enhance memory.
3. It helps to improve flexibility
Practising asanas every day will improve flexibility. Most of the poses stretch the body muscles which release muscle tension, increase the range of motion, and improve balance.
4. Helps reduce chances of chronic diseases
It is proven that yoga reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart-related diseases. It also cures neck pain, headache, stomach pain, menopause, insomnia, and arthritis.
5. Great for pregnancy
Simple asanas like Marjariasana (Cat Stretch), Virabhadrasana (Warrior Pose), Badhakonasana (Butterfly Pose), and Bhramari Pranayama (Bee Breath) can be done at home. Difficult asanas and poses should strictly be avoided during pregnancy.
6. Cheaper than Gym
You do not need any equipment except a good yoga mat to practice yoga. Whereas the gym is a little expensive considering all the types of equipment required. You might need the help of a trainer initially but after some months you can do it by yourself in the comfort of your home. Most beginners learn yoga through online videos available.
7. Helps to breath better
Deep breathing helps to stimulate lymphatic systems and reduces inflammation in the body. There are many breathing asanas like Bhramari Pranayama (Bee Breath), Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing), Kapalabhati (Breath of fire), Ujjayi Pranayama, and more. These breathing asanas help to rejuvenate the nervous system and remove the negative toxins out of the body.
8. Helps to learn acceptance
The greatest lesson an individual can learn from yoga is self-acceptance. It does not make you feel insecure about your body. It makes you believe that you are perfect with both your strengths and weakness. This form of exercise also makes you realize that it’s good to take a break from the hectic routine.
9. Helps in losing weight
Daily yoga practice can help you lose weight and tone your body. It improves metabolism and digestion resulting in faster weight loss. The most effective asanas to loose weight are Suryanamaskar (Sun Salutation), Chaturangadandasana (Plank Pose), Trikonasana (Triangle Pose), Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand), Dhanurasana (Bow Pose) and Sethu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose).
10. Improves sleep quality
Yoga helps to reduce stress and anxiety which helps improve sleep quality. People who suffer from insomnia are advised to do yoga. Asanas can be done at night also before sleep are Utthan Pristhasana (Lizard Pose), Salabhasana (Locust Pose), Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend), Sputa Virasana (Reclining Hero Pose), and Savasana (Corpse Pose).
Yoga is like a lifestyle medicine that can cure half of your problems. So, start with removing 10 mins from your daily routine to see effective results in the long run.