Yoga, Fitness and Self Improvement – the Unending dilemma

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Hi friends,

 

Throughout our busy life, wen we feel tired we come to a confusion

demanding question.

 

 

 

What fitness program do I choose? Should I go in for the muscular look

or the lean look? Is it necessary to diet while pursuing a fitness

program? What fitness program will leave me feeling refreshed and

revitalized? CONFUSED? Well I should think so. With the world becoming

more and more fitness conscious, everyone wants to jump into the fitness

bandwagon. But this may not always be the right approach because

everyone's fitness requirements and capabilities are different.

Why does one need a fitness program? People generally choose fitness

programs to improve physical and mental health. Those of us who are

overworked look towards fitness as a means to relax and release anxiety.

There are others who take to fitness regimes because they want to

control their mood swings. One way or the other we all seek something

extra. The question is how do we find that " Something Extra " ?

The most popular wellness programs presently are yoga, regular

aerobic/weight programs and motivational workshops. People have a

general tendency to stack these practices together under the category of

wellness or fitness programs. With due respect to the latter

disciplines, this categorization is not fair. All three practices are

unique and distinct from the other.

Yoga is a unique science and is the most complete approach to a healthy

lifestyle. It urges us to explore and challenge our mind, our body and

the very nature of our being. Yoga is, perhaps, the only discipline

through which an individual can truly experience inner harmony. Let us

try and understand the distinction between yoga and regular fitness

programs with the help of the following table:

 

 

 

Regular Fitness Programs Yoga 1. Regular fitness programs are goal

oriented. 1. Yoga is a complete process in itself. 2. Exercise only the

physical elements of the body. 2. Yoga is a discipline that improves the

physical, mental and emotional health of a person. 3. Focus on

completing daily benchmarks. 3. Focuses on what you are doing and how

you feel as you perform the postures. 4. Fitness programs are

predominantly competitive in nature. 4. Yoga sessions are

non-competitive and only tap the individual capacity to revitalize the

body, mind and soul. 5. Concentrate on physical exertion. 5. Gentle -

Concentrates on physical relaxation 6. You fail if you do not meet your

daily goals. 6. In Yoga, you succeed by doing. 7. Weight training

makes you stronger by breaking down and rebuilding muscle tissue, thus

it gives a bulky look. 7. Yoga increases HEALTH – muscle strength is

enhanced by toning them. 8. Fitness programs leave you feeling tired

and burnt out. 8. Yoga sessions leave you feeling rejuvenated and

refreshed.

 

Did you know - Most of our anxiety and stress is caused by ego and

ignorance?

 

Motivation workshops try to help the listener to fight both ego and

ignorance, but with the power of the spoken word. Sadly, their

effectiveness is limited and their influence fades away after a while.

Yoga tackles these two elements by giving the learner the strength to

erase his prejudices and embark on a life of a harmony and tranquility.

Let us explore more deeply the differences between Yoga and Motivation

workshops.

 

Motivation and Stress-eradication Yoga 1. Involves direct but

impersonal interaction between the speaker and audience. 1. Yoga is a

direct and personal interaction between the teacher and the student. 2.

Interface between the parties is at an intellectual level. 2. Interface

between the parties is at a spiritual level. 3. Fails to stimulate the

subconscious of the listener. 3. Stimulates the subconscious of the

student. 4. The spoken word has a limited impact and is forgotten or

erased after a brief period. 4. Yoga evokes the positive energy trapped

inside all of us and leaves an everlasting impression on the mind. 5.

Only targets the intellect of the person and does little to bring about

an overall development in the listener. 5. Yoga goes to a much deeper

level. It targets the overall personality of the student and helps to

attain equilibrium between the mind, body, breath and spirit.

 

Yoga is perhaps the only discipline that brings about an overall

personality development and leaves one feeling confident, energetic and

motivated. It creates the perfect balance in all the systems of the

body. It tones the nervous system, releases anxiety and promotes inner

harmony.

 

Yoga strengthens the immune system and helps to develop concentration,

focus and mental flexibility. In our daily lives, it helps to develop

awareness about the effects of stress and provides the tools to manage

it. Its benefits extend from the home and the work place to every aspect

of daily life. Regular practice of yoga is proven to bring improved

health in mind and body, higher energy levels and increased

productivity.

 

Yoga helps us come out of the vicious circles abundant in our secluded

lifestyles. It teaches us to be humble, kind and giving. Most

importantly, it not only makes us healthier and fitter, it also makes us

happier and better human beings, Undoubtedly, that is the most vital

requirement of our times.

 

 

To know more on yoga please visit the link below:

 

http://www.yoga-and-health.tk <http://www.yoga-and-health.tk>

 

Rahul Ramachandran