Yoga vs Exercise: Which is Better?

(Updated Version)

The challenges of the 21st century often boil down to one essential realization - the need to slow down. Life's constant rush can lead to numerous health problems, and this reality is visible everywhere, even among younger age groups. Among these health concerns, mental health issues have become especially prevalent and widely discussed (SIMPLE MENTAL HEALTH TIPS).

 

The Role of Yoga and Exercise in Health
This brings us to a critical question: Can exercise help us slow down, or does it sometimes accelerate the pace of life, neglecting both mental and physical well-being? Let’s look at the similarities and differences between yoga and exercise.

 

What Yoga and Exercise Have in Common

Physical Activity
Both yoga and exercise involve working with the body to improve flexibility, tone, energy, and strength.

 

Intensity Options
Both offer low-impact or high-impact approaches.

 

For exercise, low-impact activities include walking or gentle Zumba, while high-impact activities include running, swimming, or Tabata.

 

For yoga, Zen yoga focuses on gentle, slow-paced poses, while Flow, Aerial, Ashtanga, or Vinyasa yoga provide more vigorous, calorie-burning options.

Health Benefits

Both promote a healthy lifestyle, supporting stress relief, detoxification through sweating, and optimal cardiovascular function.

 

The Unique Edge of Yoga

While exercise focuses primarily on physical fitness, yoga offers a broader, more integrated approach that encompasses the mind, breath, and soul. Yoga harmonizes these four dimensions - body, breath, mind, and soul - creating a comprehensive system that nurtures sustainable zenness.

Mindfulness and Mental Health

The sharp sword of the 21st century, as I’ve mentioned, is none other than mental health. It is one of the main concerns, as humans are unable to slow down, pause, and bring the mind to the present moment. The mental aspect can feel like a heavy burden, constantly racing. Without mindfulness, this can lead to confusion, agitation, and unhealthy behaviors. These are the reasons why individuals struggle to cultivate kindness - especially toward themselves (BREATHWORK: A BEGINNER'S GUIDE).

 

The In today’s fast-paced world, the pursuit of wealth often comes at the expense of health, impacting even the youngest, as they are caught in a cycle of relentless success and achievement.

 

The Path to Sustainable Zenness

Yoga is more than a practice of slowing down - it is about finding clarity, cultivating mental health, and fostering a deeper connection with oneself. Once health deteriorates, it becomes not just a matter of repair but of rebalancing, aligning the body, mind, and soul to promote sustainable zenness.

(Ms. Nava is a Zen entrepreneur who founded Nava's Zen at 58 and is now in her 60s. She is a certified yoga instructor, coach, and counselor. With over 22 years of lecturing experience, including 13 years in the Curtin University Australia Degree Twinning Program, she shares her passion for Zenfulness through the small steps we take towards aging gracefully and fostering personal growth).