The same body, the seemingly same exercises, yet the differences between the two systems of exercises are noticeable and profound. Both, without doubt, strengthen the body. But the important objectives of the asanas are the harmonization of the astral and physical bodies and establish the perfect balance.
Yogasanas attach lots of importance to the co-coordinating process and sublimation of the human personality to realize the inner-consciousness.
Practicing yoga is the perfect remedy to apply the healing balm to the tension-ridden, fast life of humankind struggling to achieve peace of mind in this modern materialistic world.
| Regular Excercises | Yoga |
| The target is the body. To strengthen, give shape to the muscles and beautify it. | The body becomes supple and elastic. Reduces and removes stiffness in the muscles. |
| The body builder exerts unnatural pressure not on body as a whole, but his approach is part-wise. On conclusion of the exercise schedule, one is exhausted. | At the end of the session, one feels rejuvenated and is charged with spiritual energy. |
| Breathing activity becomes fast and erratic. | Yogasanas contribute to even breathing activity. Controlled inhalation and exhalation contributes to removal of stress and tension. Lungs are charged with energy and become strong. |
| When brisk activity takes place at one part of the body, even blood supply to other parts is affected. | Blood supply is regulated and covers all parts of the body in the proportion needed. Ailments like digestive disorders are cured. |
| Since spiritual aspect is irreverent, seminal control is neglected. | Upward movement of the preserved semen results in positive developments of the inner personality. |
| No possibility or guarantee for complete cure of any ailment. | The regular practice of yogasanas is a strong deterrent to diseases. The resistance power in the cells stands augmented. |
| Intellectual development is nil; the individual only thinks about the developments of the body. | The main contribution of the yogasanas is at the mind level and beyond. Faculties of discrimination are polished and positive qualities of tolerance, moral courage and self- confidence are increased. |
| No development in concentration and faculties of discrimination. | Profound changes take place in the inner world. |
| On completion of the physical exercise schedule, one feels tired and exhausted. | An individual can be compared to a charged cell phone, after the completion of the yoga session. One becomes more enthusiastic and finds joy and charm in the discharge of the day to day activities. |
| Not meant for the weak and old people. | Every age-group has prescribed yogasanas that can be performed as per the capacity of the individual. |
| Expensive; needs to join gymnasium, training institutes and pay the fees. The gadgets and the dress codes involve investment. | No investment for performing yogasanas. One needs a simple mat. |
| During travel or vacation, interruption occurs in the exercises schedule. | Perform at any place, in almost all conditions. |
In yogasanas, lots of stretching, twisting and bending the body in a gracious style is involved. The main emphasis of a yoga instructor is not to do any asana under stress to the body. Asanas soothe both the body and the mind, takes good care of the nervous and respiratory systems simultaneously.
The ultimate objective of the yogasanas is the union of the body of the mind.
Physical exercises have nothing to do with the mind. Practitioners of physical exercise have special diet-charts, which are expensive.
