Yoga vs physical exercises, Which is better for your health

I have to agree with you vijayanths. Excercises such as weight lifting are designed for specific muscles. We have many internal muscles as well, which we may not be exercising. But yoga and meditation attempt to exercise them as well. And there is something quiet about yoga and meditation - silence and concentration, which help in focusing on the muscles and systems that are not visible. I am unfortunately agreeable with you on this. Brisk walk yes. A cardiologist did mention that 30 minutes brisk walk in the morning and 30 minutes brisk walk in the evening will ensure no cardio problems. :) I am struggling with that one. Another one of my new year resolutions, lol. :) Not managed though. :) May be today is as good as any to start afresh. :)

I strongly feel that all the above points are necessary to keep ourself fit and energetic. Of course aged people can not do the weight lifting and jogging, but can definitely walk if not brisk but to their maximum capacity. Yoga and meditation can cure certain diseases if practiced regularly and according to the right method. Yoga strengthens the muscles where as pranayama cures the diseases. This is what I think, May be i am not 100% correct as I am not at all a trained yogini

I strongly believe that yoga is better. Exercise is good. Once you leave it, you will become doubly fat. But yoga will not have such effects. What you have done and you got is with you only.

Yoga is very widely accepted all over India as the most effective way to keep yourself fit and also away from all type of illness...it is even more effective than heavy exercises or aerobics...i am regularly doing it and have realized the difference ..how wonderful you feel after doing it, it gives you positive energy and a strength to face the world physically as well as mentally ...wish you a very good health ..now and forever...!!!

Dear friend, I hope yoga could give much impact both to mind and body, where as tough exercises could give much impact to body. These types of exercises also may vary according to the body type of each individual.

ya no one neglect it that yoga is not good. yoga is too much beneficial n because it correct inner activity and improve immunity power of body as a natural way without any side effect u have only benefit nothing more than it.many of example show's that they save bundle of money n save from operation but when u want make there body then exercise is must.

Haven't experience attending Yoga class. I know yoga is good for the health, as well as exercise. The only exercise I can do in a day is to walk for 20 minutes, my journey from home to vehicle that will transport me to work. Yes I do walk for 20 minutes, to save money and to have exercise everyday, because it is hard without exercise, it can lead to heart attack and some body pains.

I've been a Yogi for almost 30 years, and it has changed my life. At 76 I am a full time beekeeper with no plans for retirement. Although I do yoga for 45 minutes 5 or 6 days a week I believe in physical exercises, such as walking, swimming, biking, and, for a senior, a light job (in lieu of retirement) is most beneficial. Yoga is a healthy life style in itself, but a physical pursuit is complimentary. For details check my profile, and read my Blog!

Hi vijayanths, Although I've never really tried yoga, I do meditate and I'm inclined to agree with you. I have watched yoga and read about it and feel that everything you say here is true. The physical exercise, while it has good points is not as healthy. Blessings.

I would think that a combination of both would be best. I do take a daily walk, but I'd like to get back into yoga.

One of the very good discussions being started by you. Yes, both are equally good and beneficial. Physical Exercise has its own advantage and disadvantage but yoga never has any disadvantages. Physical exercise is very good for developing a muscular body and develop a great stamina. But it's mostly confined to young people. Weight lifting could give you a strong muscular structure but at the same time it induces many ligament tears and an overdose may lead to Impotency. Physical exercises like crunches, weightlifing has to be done continuously and if we fail to do that, it may lead to many negative impacts. Coming to Yoga, it can be practised by all people of all ages and it's a boon to the world being given by the Great Indian Yogis and Saints to the Universe. Yoga has no side affects and you can maintain a rigorous mental health condition throughout your life and it has been practised by many great men. Hence my overall vote goes to Yoga and it also has to be taken into consideration that Physical Exercise too is very good.

I weight train and practice yoga. Both are equally beneficial to one's health if done correctly. I think what a lot of neophytes fail to understand is that there are many types of yoga, some just as strenuous and physically demanding, if not more, than lifting weights. Look at Madonna! I do have to disagree with the assessment that 'old' people cannot participate in physical exercise such as lifting weights or yoga. (I am not sure what age defines 'old'.) Au contraire, research as shown that physical exercise can reduce bone loss, muscle loss, lower blood pressure, improve mobility, and alleviate other age-related debilitating conditions in senior citizens. It is never too late to learn and start any kind of fitness regimen. After all, exercise keeps us young and 'old' is a state of mind. Omm...

I agree with you. I know someone in our place who is into yoga and she is very fit. It is a very good way of keeping fit. However, we really need to find time to do this because it requires some time and focus to be effective. It is my wish though that one day I will be able to finally do this.

you are right vijayants.