Yoga |
Physical Exercise |
The fundamental difference is that Yoga oppose violent muscle moment, as this causes fatigue, muscle stiffness and injury |
Emphasises violent movements of the muscles. This produces large quantities of lactic acid in the muscle fibres, causing fatigue |
Regards physical body as an instrument for the journey to perfection |
Designed to develop muscles for a stylish body |
Designed to develop mental faculties and concentration. |
Rajasic- violent movements, increased adrenaline to stimulate the mind. |
Muscular development does not necessarily mean a healthy body. Health is the state of body when all organs function perfectly under the intelligent control of the mind. |
A strong body is necessary to undergo stresses and strains of daily life. However, the mind is not in control, short-term health may give licence to indulge in an unhealthy lifestyle. (Abuse of steroids, stimulants, alcohol and drugs). |
The stretching of muscles forces the blood through the valves of the veins; inverted postures use gravity to force the blood back to the heart. All of this strengthens and stretches the heart and increases the volume of blood circulated. |
Relies solely on aerobic exercise to increase heart pumping and thereby circulation. This produces tremendous strain on the heart. Many highly trained athletes die of heart failure. |
Muscle fatigue is counteracted through proper breathing and relaxation. |
Violent movements exceed the muscle and circulation limits, causing fatigue. |
Relaxation is done systematically to pay off oxygen debt resulting from build up of lactic acid in the system. Knowing that there is a limit to the size of the oxygen debt that an individual can incur, yoga emphasises slow-motion exercises, with deep breathing and periods of relaxation. |
The greatest limiting factor for the maintenance of severe exertion is oxygen supply because the intake of oxygen often cannot meet the muscular demands for it, lactic acid is accumulated in muscles and in the blood, and fatigue sets in. |
Takes into account the major factors influencing the efficiency of a muscular act:
- Initial stretch of the muscles
- Temperature (warm-up)
- Viscosity (internal friction)
- Speed of performance (slow to moderate)
- Fatigue (oxygen debt)
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When attention is not paid to warming and stretching muscles, violent movements can damage muscles, causing long term stiffness. Though injuries may pass when young, they often return when older. |
Helps to keep arteries elastic and maintain an even supply of blood to every part of the body. |
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Pays great attention to maintaining flexibility of the spinal column and the other joints. |
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Helps to keep muscles elastic. |
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