Does Yoga Have an Edge Over Workout at the Gym? We Bust Some Myths

The young crowd dressed in the best of sports apparel, hitting the gym is a huge lifestyle choice, the likes of Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston are seen flaunting their yoga mats while getting in or out of their studies. While a fit body is increasingly in demand, what workout to opt for is a matter of debate. We get you expert opinion.

Cannot Lose Weight with Yoga

It is just not possible not to lose weight if you are over-weight. Traditional yoga might not be the best bet to lose weight, but power yoga works wonders

1. Yoga corrects any hormonal imbalance that might be cause of weight gain.
2. Stretching and holding in asanas uses energy so you do end up losing weight.
3. Unlike cardio when the weight loss is limited to the time you are running on treadmill, yoga enhances basal metabolic rate, which makes sure you are losing weight long after your workout too.

Yoga is Boring

It sure is easier to pick up gym buddies and pump up the machines along with thumping music, but if your own well being cannot motivate you enough like being able to touch your toes, free and light body, what else can?

Chances of Injuries in Gym

In yoga there is no heavy equipment that can fall on you or machines that you can trip over, but if not done under expert guidance injury is as much a possibility in yoga as in gym.

Weight Loss Through Yoga is Healthier

There sure are chances of muscle weight loss more through gymming. But if cardio and strength training is followed properly, pockets of fat disappear.

Shows on the Face

One common mistake that those in a hurry to lose weight often make is not eating well enough. Starving body put to tough gym regimen might help you drop kilos, but would also be detrimental to health. Yoga on the other hand, heals andy physical, hormonal disorders and thus bring body to an ideal weight.

Watch Out

Before taking up any workout regimen, check your own fitness levels and get it cross-checked by an expert. Discuss your fitness goals before going in for a class of workout regimen. One's fitness is measured on five parameters and here is a common man's quick guide.

1. Cardion Vascular Endurance (if you can climb stairs)
2. Muscle Strength (if you can lift heavy bags)
3. Muscle Endurance (how long can you hold a bag)
4. Flexibility (Can you sit down and remove your shoes)
5. Body Composition (Proportion of fat and muscle in your body)

Age Wise

Though fitness levels differ from individual to individual, whether to opt for gym or yoga is a personal choice. While there will be exceptions, in general on can stick to:

1. Those less than 30 years can go for a proper cardio and strength training.
2. From 35-40, divide your time equally between yoga and gymming.
3. Above 40, more of yoga and less of gym. As one grows old, opt for gentle exercises.

Expert Advice

 Yoga is holistic workout that not only brings about bodily change bu also mental and spiritual. Difficult to sustain initially, once one gets into the groove; one gains a healthy lifestyle for keeps.