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YOGA vs GYMMING  THE ULTIMATE FACE-OFF

Tame the power plate or master the downward dog? It all depends on what you’re looking to get out of your workout. We consults experts to help you decide if you should sign up at the gym or roll out the yoga mat. 

Before we start, we should tell you that there cannot really be a clear winner in this contest. Yes, yoga is more effective for overall well-being, but if you like a goal-oriented, high -decibel sweat session, then nothing can beat an hour at the Gym. Its best to combine the best of both worlds, so you’re fit as you can be, in body and soul. If you’d prefer to focus on one, try each for at least a month to see what works best for you. Now, lets get the two contestants in the ring to see how they measure up on these parameters.

CONTEST:  Calorie burn

WINNER: Gymming

YOGA A study by Harvard Health shows that Hatha Yoga, which focuses on basic, gentle and slow postures, and is the most commonly taught form, burns about 298 calories in one hour. Ashtanga, the most fast paced, vigorous and physically challenging form of Yoga results obviously in a higher burn – about 362 calories in an hour. Experts point out that even though weight loss in Yoga happens gradually over a prolonged period of time, the result is much more long lasting than weight loss through gymming. “Don’t go in expecting quick results ,” says Tanvi Mehra, a Mumbai Yoga based expert. “Remember : easy come, easy go. There is no shortcut to fitness.”

GYM Cardiovascular exercises like spinning or running on a treadmill burn more calories – a  60 minute workout can burn almost 600 calories. “ One of the reasons a lot of young people prefer the gym to yoga is that the results can be achieved faster , in a shorter period of time, provided a disciplined routine is followed,” says Nitin Choudhary , a master trainer at Talwalkars Better value Fitness.

CONTEST : Variety 

WINNER : Yoga

YOGA It comprises a variety of asanas that focus on different types of backbends, standing poses, twists and breathing techniques. Based on your fitness level, medical conditions and goals, you can choose different type of yoga – Hatha, Ashtanga, Kundalini(which has a more spiritual and philosophical approach), Iyengar (which focuses on precise alignments and movements), Bikram (also called hot yoga because it is done in a hot room), Viniyoga (which focuses on breathing) – each offering different benefits. Tanvi says, “Yoga is not just about touching your toes. Its different forms can be used to build core strength , muscle strength and improve flexibility and cardiovascular health. But very often you need to combine two or more asanas to bring about the desired effect on a specific part of the body. It’s a very gradual process.”

GYM The variety here is limited to the number of machines available. Most gyms will have stairmasters, elliptical machines, rowing machines, treadmills, hip abductors, ab crunchers and stationary cycles. Each targets a specific area of the body and most will allow you to calculate how many calories you burning, based on your age, weight speed and resistance.

CONTEST : Simplicity

WINNER : Yoga

YOGA A mat and a quiet corner are all you need for performing asanas. “The goal of yoga is to make you one with your body . Yoga believes that you alone can bring about a difference in your life. It is all about your body and your breathing,” says Mumbai based Yoga teacher, Rupal Sidhpura Faria.

GYM from simple to complex exercises, each type entails dependence on equipment. People who have trained only in gyms find it difficult to perform exercises without a prop or machine of some sort.

CONTEST : Safety

WINNER : Yoga

YOGA It is generally very safe, so much so that it is recommended for pregnant women, those recovering from injuries, or those with high blood pressure and other medical conditons. Asanas can be modified according to your ability and needs.

GYM Many of the workouts are rigorous and in the absence of proper guidance, they can lead to injuries. Overtraining especially in the case of heart patients, can be extremely harmful.

CONTEST : Stamina

WINNER : It’s a tie

YOGA on the popular fitness website Runnersworld.com, Adam St Pierre, a US-based exercise physiologist says that the strength and flexibility yogis develop in the areas like the core, quads, harmstring and hip flexors can help them efficiently and stay injury free. Studies have also shown that yoga has the ability to stress and ease pain , and thus help runners battle challenges during sprint. But despite all this, Yoga may not be able to prepare you for marathons, sprints and other such sporting activities.

GYM Choudhary says, “ Gymming is more apt for marathon training. It is not restricted to running on treadmill. Regular strength training is equally important. It helps in both injury and health performance.”

CONTEST : Toning up

WINNER : Yoga for tone, gymming for muscles

YOGA Sidhpura Faria says,” Yoga uses your own body weight to help you tone up. As you get into and hold a position , your muscles are naturally strengthened. But yoga cannot bulk you up much.”

GYM There are variety of options underweight training to help tone you body in parts. “You can increase levels of weight, tension, endurance, repetition and speed to achieve any result you want,” says Choudhary.

CONTEST : Overall well-being

WINNER : YOGA

YOGA It is not just another form of exercise; it’s being called  a way of living because it enhances physical and mental health. It emphasizes the mind-body connection and energy flow between the two. As Mehra puts it, “Weight loss, flexibility and toning are just a small part of what yoga is able to help you achieve. It can be practiced to alleviate depression, stress and insomnia, to increase metabolic rate, energy and vitality, and to keep cardio and circulatory health strong.”

GYM Any form of physical activity stimulates chemicals in the brain that boost your mood, make you happier and more relaxed. But when it comes to overall well-being gym workout need to accompanied by deep breathing exercises.