Exercise in Daily Life

Synonyms of Exercise:
Exercise, Vyaayam (Ayurvedic terminology)

Definition of Exercise (According to Ayurveda):
शरीरचेष्टा या चेष्टा स्थैर्यार्था बलवर्धिनी |
देहव्यापार संख्याता मात्रया तां समाचरेत || (Ref: Ch. Sam. Su. 7/31)
The physical action, which enhances the strength of the body, when performed in the required amount is called as ‘Vyaayam’ or Exercise.

Features of Proper Exercise:
स्वेदागम: श्वासवृध्धिर्गात्राणाम् लागवं तथा |
हदयात् उपरोधश्च इति व्यायाम लक्षणम् ||
Sweating, increased respiration rate, lightness in the body and increased heart beat are the features of proper exercise.

Benefits of Exercise:
Regular exercise increases the body’s stamina and resistance to diseases by facilitating the immune system, clearing all channels, gives good complexion, promoting blood circulation up to the body cells and remove body waste from the cells, destroying excess fat from the body tissues. One should go for exercise depending of his/her age and body type. The obese person can go for heavy exercise but for lean & thin person, morning walk and aerobics would be the better options.
Morning walk, swimming and yoga exercises are good for maintaining body in shape. Morning walk and swimming are the varieties of exercise which doesn’t cause any kind of trouble to the body. It increases life span, strength, promoting blood circulation, improves the digestion and metabolism and perceptive power of sense organs. Now we will manipulate on the ‘Yoga Exercises’ in detail.

• The building of ‘Yoga Exercises’ stands on two pillars, in which the first and foremost is ‘Asana’.
• ‘Asana’ is the Sanskrit language word for Physical Posture. Expressed in general terms ‘Asana’ denotes a specific position which can be held in a relaxed and comfortable manner for a long period of time. Nowadays, in common usage the dynamic Yoga exercises also became known as ‘Asana’.
• These ‘Asana’ (Yoga Exercises) are beneficial for the muscles, joints, cardiovascular system, nervous system and lymphatic system, as well as the mind, psyche and Chakras (energy centres). They are psychosomatic exercises, which strengthen and balance the entire nervous system and harmonise   and stabilise the practitioner’s state of mind.

Yoga Exercises for beginners: ‘Yoga Exercises’ are always performed in coordination with the breath. Movements that expand the chest and abdominal cavity are always connected with the inhalation. Movements that narrow the chest and abdominal cavity are always connected with the exhalation.

In the initial stages of practise, the ‘Asana’ (Yoga Exercises) are performed once or twice without holding, so that the movement of the body and the breath are synchronised. In this way it is clearly established with which movement to inhale or exhale. This type of practice calms the nervous system, stimulates the glands, increases the capacity of the breath and frees one from physical and mental stress. The mind becomes relaxed, calm and clear.

After practicing a posture, a counter pose or equalizing posture is carried out.

Yoga Exercises for beginners:

Yoga exercises for beginners

Health Benefits from the Regular Practice of ‘Asana’ (Yoga Exercises):

1.      Flexibility of the spine is increased.
2.      The joints become more mobile.
3.      The muscles are relaxed, toned and receive a plentiful supply of blood.
4.      Organ and glandular activity is stimulated and regulated.
5.      The lymphatic system and metabolism are stimulated.
6.      The immune system is strengthened.
7.      Circulation and Blood Pressure are normalized and stabilized.
8.      The nervous system is calmed and strengthened.
9.      The skin becomes clear, fresh, shiny and glowing.

Exercises during pregnancy:

Exercises during pregnancy

Exercises to increase height: (Stretching exercises): 

Exercises to increase height

Exercises for weight loss and remove the fat from belly/tummy:

Exercises for weight loss and remove the fat from tummy

Exercises for back pain:

Exercises for back pain

Exercises for eyes:

Exercises for eyes -1

Exercises for eyes -2

Exercises for improving concentration:

Exercises for improving concentration

The Second pillar of ‘Yoga Exercises’ is ‘Pranayama’ (Breath Exercises).
(‘Prana’ means breath or cosmic energy; ‘Ayama’ means to control, to regulate).

So, ‘Pranayama’ is the conscious and deliberate control and regulation of the breath and cosmic energy. The conscious guidance of ‘Prana’ in the body gives rise to an increase in vitality, physical detoxification and improved immunity, as well as the attainment of inner peace, relaxation and mental clarity.

Health Benefits of ‘Pranayama’(Breath Exercises):

Physical effects:

1.      Preservation of body’s health.
2.      Purification of blood.
3.      Strengthening the lungs and heart.
4.      Regulation of Blood Pressure.
5.      Regulation of Nervous System.
6.      Supporting the healing process and healing therapies.
7.      Increasing resistance to infection.

Mental effects:

1.      Elimination of stress, nervousness and depression.
2.      Inner balance.
3.      Release of energy blockages.

Spiritual effects:

1.      Deepening of meditation.
2.      Awakening and purification of the Chakras (energy centres).
3.      Expansion of consciousness.