How is yoga different from fitness?

In this article, we will analyze the distinctive features of classical fitness from yoga and identify the benefits of training.

Yoga and fitness are two of the most popular modern areas of physical activity. Both types of classes have gained their popularity due to the general strengthening effect on the body, the ability to create a beautiful figure and strengthen muscles. What is the difference between these directions? And which one is better to choose?

Fitness: concept and features

Fitness involves some physical exercises combined into workouts and aimed at strengthening muscles and overall development of the body, maintaining a healthy tone throughout the body. Fitness is divided into many areas. The most popular of them:

  1. Aerobics – Training aimed at developing flexibility, respiratory system and strengthening the muscular corset. As its subspecies, aqua aerobics (classes in water) are distinguished.
  2. Pilates Training, the main task of which is to increase endurance and flexibility, the development of individual muscle groups.
  3. Stretching – A complex for stretching ligaments and muscles, relieving tension and developing flexibility. There is a more active type – power stretching.
  4. Bodyflex – Exercises in which breathing exercises are an important element.

In addition, fitness includes crossfit, callanetics, fitbox, fitball exercises and even jumping. Each of the areas of fitness has certain differences. Some athletes prefer to combine several types of activities, such as strength training and stretching.

Yoga: the essence and features of training

Yoga originated in India over 4000 years ago. This is a unique direction in which bodily and spiritual development are integral parts of each other.

Yoga It’s not just physical activity, it’s a way of life. Yoga is based on meditation and breathing exercises. Yoga also has a large number of areas that are responsible for the development of various muscle groups. These include:

  • kundalini;
  • power yoga;
  • with copper;
  • Ashtanga and others.

At the heart of any occupation is a complex of asanas – positions for the body. Each of them must be recorded. The body can remain in a static position for up to a minute. At the same time, the emphasis in yoga is always placed on correct posture, relieving tension and obtaining a relaxing effect.

What is better to choose – fitness or yoga?

Both directions have a positive effect on the body, help to develop physically and increase endurance. Like fitness, yoga strengthens the immune system, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. In addition, yoga is useful due to the following features:

  • straighten your posture and fight diseases of the spine;
  • develop coordination and flexibility;
  • stabilize weight;
  • normalize the emotional background and get rid of stress;
  • improve mood;
  • improve sleep quality and overcome insomnia;
  • increase concentration and activity.

Yoga classes are held at a calm pace, with relaxing music. Morning yoga will give you a boost of energy, and evening classes will help you relax from a hard day’s work. Yoga classes have practically no contraindications and are suitable even for pregnant women.

Fitness also has its beneficial effects. The main ones are:

  • normalization of metabolism and acceleration of metabolism;
  • burning fat and the ability to lose weight;
  • strengthening various muscle groups;
  • the ability to sculpt a figure and create a relief body;
  • development of coordination, posture and flexibility.

Most fitness classes are active and high intensity. Some types are characterized by low intensity, for example, stretching. When doing fitness, active fat burning occurs and muscles are strengthened.

Thus, the choice of fitness or yoga largely depends on the purpose of training. If your goal is to relax and get rid of stress, yoga is perfect for you. Yoga will help not only to physically strengthen the body, but also to change the way of life and thinking. And for those who want to lose weight or go in for active sports, recharge their batteries and strengthen the body, it is better to choose fitness classes.

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