Theory

Yoga vs Gym: Which Is Better?

Workout enthusiasts share their love for fitness as a common ground but there are still some opinions that keep them apart. While the avid yoga lovers do not find the gym as effective as the yoga, gym-goers do not count the yoga bankable—at all. Physical activities keep the health issues at bay and routinely exercising in any form is gold for your health.

Healthy living, in this day and age, is possible by eating right, steering clear of toxic habits, and most importantly, being active. Amidst the zest to remain fit and healthy, people often wonder whether to join a yoga session or hit the gym.

Yoga has garnered a lot of popularity lately and the benefits it bestows you with are unmatchable. Still, that does not overshadow the power of the gym.  People who are comfortable with their gym routines do not consider yoga as the better alternative.

This brings us down to weighing in the benefits of both gym and yoga so that the confusion can be subsided and cleared. Take a look at their benefits and differences:

Benefits of Yoga

Yoga is a multi-dimensional therapeutic modality and regimen that goes a lot deeper than any average endurance-building activity. It is as effective as a weight training but the benefits come in the form of a ripple effect. It not only affects the targeted area but improves the entire functionality.

  1. Yoga collectively benefits the body and mind.
  2. Yoga is beneficial to all aspects of ones life (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual); it is how it got introduced to the world. Therefore, yoga helps in toning the body as well. And while your body gets fitter, your mind and soul get filled with positivity. An important element of yoga is meditation and therefore, the benefits do not limit to fitness.

  3. Yoga helps the body from within.
  4. Yoga Asanas are framed and curated in a manner that helps in the proper functioning of the human body.  The lymph system, digestive system, and the circulatory system operate better. Your body detoxifies, works, and develops better.

  5. Yoga makes you lean.
  6. Yoga positions and the techniques strengthen and stretch your muscles. This does not only make you look lean but also helps you on the weighing scale. Some targeted areas like the abdomen, hips, and arms are best sculpted with yoga. Fat deposits are quite rigid in these areas. Yoga turns out to be more efficient in comparison to the other physical activities. Of course, yoga builds and boosts your endurance and stamina, which further eliminates fatigue. This enables you to have more energy to perform better which makes you fitter.

  7. Yoga is easy on the body.
  8. Others said that yoga can get pretty intense. However, the intensity with which the yoga is done builds and retains the muscle strength. Whichever yoga asana you do, there is no external weight or pressure that weighs you down. The mild stretches, lifts, and postures are kinder to the body.

  9. You breathe better.
  10. Yes, there is a difference. Stress, packed schedules, and lifestyle choices make us breathe differently. The breaths that we take every day are the shallow, short breaths—which are not adequate. Deep breaths are important to focus better. Many don’t understand that their daily fatigue is linked to improper breathing techniques. With yoga, the poses and postures require deep breaths and uniform breathing patterns. This reflects on your normal breaths which eventually have a wonderful effect on your health.

  11. Minimal withdrawal chances.
  12. There always comes a time when you want to take a break. Regardless of how much you love your yoga regimen, you would want to get some time off. Usually, when you skip the gym sessions, it immediately shows on your body and metabolism. After some time, you may gain some weight even. The effects and benefits are permanent, and evidently quite the opposite. And therefore, once the change is made in the body, it is there to stay. So, even if you choose to discontinue, there will hardly be any withdrawal symptoms like soreness or pain.

Benefits of Gym

Any intention related to the gym is hardly ever to work on mental health. It is mostly aimed at either losing or gaining weight, or reducing or increasing the body dimensions. Either way, it is limited to the exterior body and its frame. Ardent gym lovers believe it will change your life for the better. Take a look at its benefits:

  • Improved Health
  • If you signed up for a gym membership lately, you know the daunting drill. It gets very hard to make it a habit but once you make it, there is no looking back. Once you develop the routine, there is no looking back. The improvement in your vitals will be quite remarkable.

  • Speedy Weight Loss
  • If you play your cards right, you can see a visible difference real quick. Consistency and dedication in the weight training and cardio help you shed weight fast.  If you are looking to get a summer body within a limited time frame, the gym is your friend.

  • Spirited Community
  • When you hit the gym or any fitness center you meet the like-minded people. They have similar intentions that will push you to do and perform better. As challenging as it gets, the right company will push you to excel each time. You make friends who can inspire you to meet your fitness goals and beyond.

Which One Is Better For You?

The way we see it, the human body is a phenomenal mechanism and to keep it active and charged depends on the individual dynamics. The requirements vary from body to body whether it is nutrient or physical activity. So, when it comes down to choosing yoga or a gym, you must choose the one that benefits you personally.

Yes, it does seem like yoga is the clear winner here. However, if your endurance asks for a gym-like workout, you must go for it. Yoga is best for those who are looking for long-term benefits through a positive lifestyle change.

About the author

Arun Gupta