In the debate about which fitness method is better for overall well-being, the following comparisons are made: The ancient techniques of yoga and meditation and running and weightlifting are objects of curiosity and interest.
An episode of the Realign podcast featuring Prana Healthcare Center founder Dimple Jangda continued with a discussion about whether yoga and meditation are better than running and weightlifting.Chanda said, “Your longevity It’s more effective when you’re doing yoga or meditation because your heart rate slows down. ”
To shed light on this issue, Ujjwal Kalra, a corporate yoga trainer and ‘Art of Living’ teacher, shares his insights on the benefits of these contrasting fitness practices.
How does a yoga or meditation practice compare to a regular running or weightlifting routine?
“While running and weightlifting provide physical benefits such as increased strength, cardiovascular health, and endurance, yoga and meditation offer a more holistic approach to health,” Kalra says. Masu.
Yoga, which means “union” in Sanskrit, emphasizes the connection between body, breath, and mind. It incorporates physical postures (asanas). improve flexibility and strengthHe also mentions mindfulness techniques to improve concentration and reduce stress.
Meditation, he says, is often done in tandem with yoga and cultivates inner peace and emotional regulation. “Yoga and meditation offer a holistic approach to physical and mental health, and can even complement or enhance your running or weightlifting routine,” he declares.
Running and weightlifting are essential for cardiovascular health and building a strong foundation in yoga poses (asanas) and meditation, says Ujjwal Kalra, corporate yoga trainer and The Art of Living teacher. says (Source: Freepik)
Physical and mental benefits of incorporating yoga and meditation into your fitness plan
Running and weightlifting are essential for cardiovascular health and building a strong foundation. However, they do not necessarily address the mind-body connection in the same way as yoga poses (asanas) or meditation. According to Kalra, yoga has a unique set of benefits that complement these traditional exercises.
Yoga is excellent for cultivating a balanced mental state (Samatvam). Through posture and breathing techniques (pranayama), meditation, and yoga can help you achieve equanimity. state of calm in any situation. “This mental calmness also translates into physical benefits. Yoga improves flexibility and strength, but because it focuses on mindfulness and breathing techniques, it helps improve form and reduce injury. “Additionally, yoga incorporates deep breathing techniques that promote relaxation and stress reduction, which may not be the immediate goal of running or weightlifting,” he says.
At its core, yoga offers a holistic approach to fitness, working both the body and mind. When combined with traditional exercises like running and weightlifting, you get a well-rounded fitness routine that works on your physical fitness, cardiovascular health, and mental health.
Yoga and meditation for cardiovascular fitness and strength compared to running and weightlifting
Carla shares that yoga is more than just stretching and relaxation. Aerobic exercise may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but some yoga exercises can be quite strenuous.
“take surya namaskarFor example, the popular 12-step sequence synchronizes breathing and movement to train the whole body and improve cardiovascular health. ” he explains.
The ideal combination of yoga/meditation and running/weightlifting in your weekly training schedule
Trainers recommend incorporating the following: Incorporate structure into your workouts, balance your physical strength with aerobic exercise and yoga poses, and improve your mental health with meditation and breathing exercises. “You can adjust the amount of time you spend on each section based on your preferences and goals,” he says.
Let’s start by relaxing: Start with 5 to 10 minutes of pranayama-like breathing exercises to calm your mind and prepare your body.
Warm up with cardio: followed by 5-7 minutes light aerobic exercise To get your heart rate up. This can be brisk walking, jumping jacks, or sun salutations.ulyanamaskar) from yoga.
Strength and flexibility: Continue with 10 to 15 minutes of yoga asanas (poses) to improve strength, flexibility, and balance.
Cool down and focus. Finish with 10-20 minutes of meditation or yoga nidra (yogic sleep) to relax your body and mind. This will help you consolidate the benefits of your workout and leave you feeling refreshed.
