Let’s discuss how strength training is related to the practice of Yoga and the advantages of Yoga compared to weight-lifting exercises.
This debate of juxtaposing Yoga exercises with strength building has been going on for quite some time. There have been numerous discussions on whether Yoga can replace strength training or not. Let’s be clear that Yoga and strength training exercises are quite different in practice as well as theory. Now a question might arise in your mind- then why do people try to compare the two practices? It is because both are goal-oriented towards a similar mission of strengthening, toning, and aligning the body and mind. Muscular strength can be attained by both the practices, but in different ways.
Strength Training and Yoga
Before understanding any similarity and dissimilarity between strength training and Yoga, it is very important that we get acquainted with the two.
Strength training is defined as a kind of physical exercise that uses the body’s resistance to instigate the contraction of the muscles. The training is aimed at building the overall strength of the body, higher metabolism, boosting cardiac functions, and increasing anaerobic endurance. While strength training mainly uses various weight training equipment such as a barbell, dip bar, power rack, etc., Yoga’s physical aspect defines itself as a practice leading towards the complete wellbeing of the body using body weight as powerlifting equipment.
The strength and robustness of the muscles and bones attained are proportional to the mass of the body itself. According to the prominent American Yoga Instructor, Rodney Yee, when asked about whether he weight lifts, he replied, "Yes- I lift my own weight." He further advocates that Yoga poses are nothing but types of postures in which one leans to learn how to support the body weight in addition to enhancing the focus of the mind on the practice.
According to a majority of the health experts in the world, strength training and Yoga are very much distinct from each other and cannot be replaced. In many ways, Yoga may offer more advantages than weight training, but not vice-versa. The best result can be obtained by combining both practices.
There is no denying the fact that equipment-based exercise helps. However, Yoga is a practice that is natural and intrinsic to the body and decreases injury risk. The biggest advantage of Yoga over strength training is that unlike the latter, Yoga doesn’t add extra strain that keeps the body on the edge of an injury. Ancient wellness science makes sure the practitioner doesn’t fall prey to any physical and mental damage. Practicing asanas and adhering to the adjustment and alignment designs inherent to them, prevents adverse effects.
Author Bio: Bipin Baloni is a passionate Yogi, Yoga Teacher and a Traveller in India. He provides Yoga Teacher Training Certification In India. He loves writing and reading books related to yoga, health, nature and the Himalayas.
Website: https://www.rishikulyogshala.org/
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