As can be seen above, all of the benefits are exact opposites of each other. Doing yoga will neutralise the physical and psychological stress applied to the body during exercising. We have more than 600 muscles in our bodies and each sport uses different muscle groups. However during any cardio, conditioning or resistance exercises the way muscles work generally are the same; contracting when shortened and stretching when lengthened. They also work in pairs; when one contracts the other stretches. Agonist muscle, which is the prime mover, is responsible for movement whereas antagonist muscle, the opposing muscle, returns a limb to its initial position. Shortening of the muscles, which works against gravity is called concentric
contraction. Muscle shortens as it overcomes resistance. Eccentric contraction occurs when a muscle lengthens as it overcomes resistance. It works with gravity acting as a brake. Bicep curl exercise is the best example to understand how the muscles work in these categories. During weight lifting, the focus is on a specific area of the body. By doing a certain amount of sets with a certain amount of repetitions the muscle mass moves away from the bone creating bigger muscles. On the other hand, in most of the poses during yoga, isometric contraction occurs. Because the load (i.e. body weight) on the muscle exceeds the tension generated by the contracting muscle, muscle length remains constant, it neither shortens nor lengthens. Also, unlike in weight lifting the poses usually target
more muscle groups than just one. Moreover, muscles are drawn onto the bones creating support for the skeleton. A great way to build strength, increase stamina and a healthier way to grow older. Yoga poses that can be applied to daily stretching don’t have to be advanced. Some simple poses can stretch and strengthen more than one muscle simultaneously, giving the body what it needs. As it has cognitive, emotional, physical and spiritual effects, one will be much more relaxed and happy. It won’t cost any money, it can count as cardio (faster flow versions), it can be practiced anywhere even without a mat and adding to all of the benefits, it can improve sex life…Needless to say it is worth a try….
Downward Facing Dog (Adho mukha svanasana)
Stretches the shoulders, hamstrings and calves. Variations / props: Bending the knees will allow lengthening of the spine and stretching the legs less.
Triangle
(Trikonasana) Stretches and strengthens the thighs, hips, groins, hamstrings, calves, shoulders, chest, spine, knees and ankles. Variations / props: If the legs or spine is tight using a brick underneath the arm will allow the body to stretch in a better alignment.
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