Smoking is dangerous to our health.
But how dangerous? To an extent, it can cause a slow death.
Did you also know that keeping your body idle for long hours is as deadly as smoking!?
Lack of exercise can put your body at greater risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, and muscle pain. Remember the neck pain you experience after sitting straight for 6 hours? The pain can worsen if you do not fix it now!
I am sure most of us are already aware of these conditions but do not know how to approach them correctly.
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What can we do?
As a remedy or as a lifestyle, at some point, you would have considered one of the two well-known exercises: yoga or gym.
Going to the gym or practicing yoga has become a favorite hobby and one of the best remedies for idleness! but, if you had to choose, which one would you choose? What are the pros and cons of each? Perhaps most importantly, what is the correct form of exercise for you?
Let us figure out and dive directly into the topic!
Gym and yoga are different fruits of the same basket.
Although they work with different techniques, they benefit our bodies essentially in the same way- by improving health and fitness.
The most significant yet fundamental difference between the two is that,
Yoga allows you to“know” your body in the best possible way while the gym enables you to “grow” in the best possible way.
Gym – to grow your body in the best way possible.
When we say, “grow your body in the best way possible,” we’re talking about boosting your physical body via workouts.
If you want to lose those calories, sculpt your body or bulk up! Then, the gym is your answer.
Gymming puts your body through a series of exercises and movements that allows you to build and strengthen your muscles. The workout machines available at gyms make it easier and quicker to achieve your goals.
Studies show that an individual can burn up to eighty-five calories in only 30 minutes during a yoga session. Within the same thirty minutes, an individual can burn up to hundred calories with high-intensity gym workouts.
What is stopping us?
Most of us hold back from joining a gym because of the subscription fee. It is important to understand that the subscription fee is only one side of the equation. There are many health benefits that you can acquire from joining a gym:
- If you’re toiling to stay awake and focused at work, then working out at the gym may be a good solution. A good workout means a good night’s sleep, and a good night’s sleep indicates more energy in the morning. More energy equals more productivity!
- Regularly hitting the gym benefits your physical health and can boost your heart. Working out helps your heart pump more efficiently, making it a great way to keep your heart healthy.
- Further, the endorphins released during exercise can help to boost your mood and well-being.
However, weightlifting and hardcore exercises can leave your body sore. But, like people say, “No pain, no gain.”
If you are certain that gym is your calling but still don’t know how to start, here are a few tips!
Be realistic about your goals.
If you are new to working out, do not expect to lose twenty pounds in a month. Likewise, if you’re trying to gain muscle, do not be discouraged if you do not see results immediately. It takes time and consistency to see results. Be consistent and patient.
Choose quality over quantity.
It’s better to do a few sets of exercises with proper form than to do a lot of sets with poor form. It will help you avoid injuries and acquire maximum benefits from the workout.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
If you’re unsure how to use a piece of equipment or need help with your form, don’t hesitate to ask a staff member for assistance. They’re there to help you reach your goals, so take advantage of their knowledge and expertise.
There is nothing like starting your day with a good workout at the gym. A good workout gives you the energy and motivation you need to get through your day. It also allows you to focus and be more productive.
Now, if you suppose this is not your thing and there are more mental and mindful elements that you wish to add to your fitness drill, then try yoga.
Yoga- to know your body in the best way possible.
More than a fitness regime, yoga is perceived as a lifestyle.
Yoga is all about balance in our lives and our bodies. It does not just help with physical fitness but also builds mental harmony.
If your goal is to focus on your physical and mental health equally, then yoga is your answer!
Yoga does more than just burn your body calories.
The main benefits of yoga are that it facilitates de-stressing, improves focus, and builds awareness of both your internal and external world.
To improve body and mind awareness, yoga uses exercises and breathwork that allow us to “know” our body in the best possible way.
But what is holding us back?
Yoga is misconceived as a lifestyle only for flexibility and is too expensive. Yoga is for everyone. Your level of flexibility does not matter as it helps to improve whatever level you are on.
When you pay for yoga classes, you are not just paying for the class itself, but also the many benefits that come with it, such as-
- Reducing stress levels.
Extensive stress can damage your physical body, causing inflammation in your blood vessels. It clogs your blood vessels with cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
Yoga is devised to help soothe your nervous system and make you feel rejuvenated and relaxed.
- Increases flexibility
Practicing yoga improves flexibility and prevents injury. This type of workout is a boon- especially for adults who are prone to muscles getting stiffer. Yoga incorporates a range of motion for your joints and muscles, which turn stiff from sitting all day. Improving flexibility through yoga helps prevent common injuries, often from repetitive strain or overuse.
- Improves focus
The benefits of yoga are vast and well-known, but today, the biggest significance of yoga is it’s power to enhance focus.
In a fast-paced world, it can be difficult to keep up with the demands of daily life. This leads to stress, anxiety, and in the worst case, depression.
When our minds are in chaos, it becomes difficult to focus on our lives. Yoga can help deal with these challenges. By regulating our breath and aligning it with our body movements, the practice improves focus in our daily lives.
There are many benefits to doing yoga regularly. Some general purposes that many people hope to achieve through yoga include becoming more flexible, improving their posture, gaining strength and endurance, improving their breathing, and becoming more mindful and present.
Additionally, many people find that practicing yoga helps reduce stress and anxiety and improves overall physical and mental well-being.
Yoga is your calling if you’re looking for an activity to help improve your mental well-being and de-stress!
I choose you!!
Now, since we know about the two, How to we choose the proper practice?
There are a few things to consider when choosing between yoga and the gym
- What are your fitness goals?
The gym is probably a better option if you want to build muscle and tone your body.
Yoga is a great choice if you want more of a mind-body transformation and increased flexibility.
- What is your schedule like?
The gym might be a good option if you have a lot of free time and can commit to multiple classes per week.
Yoga is a great way to stay fit if you are short on time or can only fit in a class or two each week.
- What is your budget?
Yoga classes can be expensive, especially if you sign up for a studio membership. The gym might be a better option if you are on a budget.
- What is your fitness level?
If you are new to exercise, yoga might be a better option. The gym might be a better option if you are already reasonably fit.
Ultimately, choosing yoga or the gym is up to you and depends on what your body needs. Consider your goals, schedule, budget, and fitness level to make the best decision.
Idleness is a disease, and it’s important to make healthy choices for your body and mind to avoid it. Often it becomes hard to prioritize our workout routine or stick to our choice because of our busy schedules.
So, here is a simplified way to practice yoga effectively:
The yoga mat offers a self-learning programmable system that adapts to your body’s needs.