Years ago, when I started taking my fitness level seriously I was faced with a common question - Should I start with yoga or join a gym? It was a difficult choice to make.
One set of people recommended hitting the gym and another set of people recommended yoga studios. In my fitness regime I have spent time at both Yoga studios and the Gym. Since I have seen the effect of Yoga and a Gym workout on my Body and Mind, I am in a good position to talk about how adding Yoga helps in a Training Routine/Gym workout. It’s a common belief that Yoga and the Gym don’t go together, however in my experience, they complement each other perfectly and are mtually beneficial. When someone does any repetitive movement or work, it eventually leads to imbalance in the muscles -one set of muscles becomes an unequal strength/size compared to an opposing set of muscles. These differences in muscle function can lead to serious injuries. That’s where Yoga benefits you.
Post-Workout:
Yoga has immense benefit if done after your workout to stretch the muscles and cool down the body. Yoga postures help to stretch all the used muscles which reduces soreness. During a yoga session one has to breathe with awareness for efficient oxygen intake and more complete exhalation. Also, the combination of stretching and relaxing muscles encourages the blood flow to the broken down muscle tissues. This brings more oxygen into the muscles, which speeds up the healing and promotesgrowth during the rest time.
The Pranayama and meditation at the end of a yoga session stimulate parasympathetically which helps to relax the nervous system and the return to a resting heart rate. That's why one feels fresh after including yoga in your gym routine, instead of feeling fatigued all day long.
Pre-Workout:
Usually yoga is done after a workout, however one can incorporate it before the workout to warm up the body. Low intensity dynamic stretches, like SuryaNamaskar, help to warm up the body and reduce the risk of injury during workout.
Flexibility:
During a workout one uses the same muscles for repetitive movements. This leads to tightness in the muscles. A tight muscle loses its elasticity and reduces the range of motion. Yoga is known for increasing Flexibility. If one includes a Yoga session, and periodically yogic massages, in one's fitness regime then it will improve the flexibility of the overall body and improve output due to greater muscle recruitment. Along with muscles, yoga also exercises ligaments and tendons, lubricates joints effectively and make them supple. Healthy joints and elastic muscles help to retain the greater range of motion.
Body-Breath-Mind Coordination:
Yoga is all about coordination between body, breath and mind.
Once a good coordination has been established between body movements and breath during a yoga session then this positive respiratory habit will carry forward to the workout training as well. Better breathing always ensures a great workout result.
With a regular yoga session, one develops body awareness which helps one become aware of correct workout technique, proper breathing and in turn avoiding injuries and better output.
Proper breathing makes the mind calm and focused. A clear mind gives better clarity towards the workout goal and increases the willpower to achieve more.
To sum up, Yoga (Asana, Pranayama and Meditation) improves balance, strength, overall flexibility and mental clarity to get more out of the same workout regimen.
Govt bans JKNF for 5 years under UAPA
The Centre has banned the Jammu Kashmir National Front (JKNF) led by Nayeem Ahmad Khan under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for a duration of five years.
Congress and its allies misled people on Article 370: PM Modi
In his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that Congress and it allies misled the people in the name of Article 370.
Security beefed up ahead of PM Modi's visit to Kashmir on March 7
Extraordinary security arrangements were put in place throughout Kashmir on Sunday as the Valley gears up to receive Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 7.
Successful Hernioplasty surgery performed at Unakoti District Hospital
In a groundbreaking medical achievement, Unakoti District Hospital witnessed the successful completion of a complex hernioplasty surgery on February 22.
New surrogacy law changes will uphold right to parenthood for all individuals: Experts
The latest amendment to the surrogacy law will uphold the right to parenthood for all individuals, said experts on Friday.
Cardiology Triumph: GB Hospital makes history with successful heart holes closure
In a groundbreaking achievement, the cardiology department of GB Hospital in Agartala has marked a historic milestone by successfully closing a heart hole through device closure, a procedure conducted for the first time in the hospital's history.
Days of exploitation & dynastic rule over in J&K: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that J&K has got freedom from a long dynastic rule that focused on their own progress and development and not that of the people.
Kajal Memorial Football Tournament: Tripura Sports School to face Mungiakami School in final
Tripura Sports school once again played with lots of dominance and continued their good record in this tournament as previously they won the title for three times.