Yoga vs stretching
Although these two physical activities aim to soften and tone the body, they have certain distinct characteristics. It is these characteristics that will help you decide which one you want to try. Whatever your decision, know that these two practices will certainly give you a feeling of well-being.
Let's take a look at yoga and stretching to answer your questions on this subject.
YOGA AND STRETCHING: DEFINITION OF THE TWO PRACTICES
Yoga and stretching are two complementary activities. Each practice has its own specificity. We will look at each activity in more detail.
The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit root "yug" which means "union, connection". It can be defined as a method that reunites body, mind and spirituality.
This discipline, originated in the Indian civilization, about 5000 years ago. It is governed by a system of 8 pillars that allow to live more serenely. Namely, meditation, the practice of postures, conduct in society and self-realization. Yoga is characterized by a very precise philosophy of life. It is an art of spiritual nature that promotes harmony between body and mind, and is inspired by the principles of kindness, truth, non-violence, moderation, honesty, etc. It is simply a way of life. It is simply a way of life!
Many practices depend on how yoga is taught. This physical activity is conducive to relaxation and adapts to the physical condition of each person.
In yoga sessions, physical performance is not encouraged. It is the journey through the practice that is most important.
THE DIFFERENT FORMS OF YOGA
There are different practices depending on the way yoga is taught, transmitted.
- Bhakti yoga is the yoga of opening the heart and loving one's neighbor and devotion.
- Karma yoga is the yoga of selfless action.
- Hatha yoga is the yoga of discipline. It is based on the work of the breath, the work of the body and the awareness of the link between the two.
- Gyana yoga, that of knowledge and meditation.
- The raja yoga (royal yoga) unites hatha and gyana yoga
BENEFITS OF STRETCHING
Stretching exercises increase the general flexibility of the body. This is done by making tendons and muscles more flexible and elastic. Stretching also allows you to have a slimmer and more harmonious figure since it slightly lengthens the muscles.
Other benefits of stretching: it maintains and preserves the youthfulness of joints by promoting joint lubrication. Thus, stretching helps to slow down the evolution of certain degenerative diseases of the articular cartilage, such as arthrosis.
This gentle practice also helps to prevent chronic muscular pain and to develop respiratory capacities. Breathing is of primary importance during the exercises.
Finally, stretching exercises can improve the quality of blood circulation and reduce high blood pressure.
STRETCHING OR THE ART OF FLEXIBILITY
The word "stretching" comes from the English "to stretch". In the past, stretching was used by athletes to prepare for exercise and to recover after a sports session. This practice, which is inspired by yoga, is now taught as a physical activity in its own right.
Stretching is a gentle discipline, which consists of stretching our limbs, then contracting and releasing our muscles in a slow and controlled manner, on the same principle as stretching.
Stretching is essential for relaxing muscles, improving posture and relieving stress and has many benefits. It can be practiced every day, even if you don't practice any sport.
Moreover, stretching allows you to acquire flexibility, perfect posture and posture, which are very useful for the body in everyday life. When we talk about a relaxation technique, stretching usually goes hand in hand with breathing and self-control.
Despite their apparent simplicity, stretching movements are relatively complex. They must be performed in a rigorous manner to avoid pain and accidents.
In stretching, the goal is to surpass oneself, to go further and further. This is why starting this discipline requires strength and power.
THE MAIN COMMON POINTS BETWEEN STRETCHING AND YOGA
Yoga and stretching are two complementary disciplines that have many points in common.
REDUCE STRESS AND RELAX
Yoga and stretching encourage you to let go and breathe. They are disciplines that are done gently, without forcing.
During a session, you concentrate on your breath and balance your nervous system quickly. One feels a real sense of letting go. With a more seasoned practice, we even learn to better manage stress. And the relaxing effects of yoga and stretching give you a good night's sleep.
BREATHE BETTER
Conscious breathing is one of the fundamental principles of yoga and stretching. If we are used to breathing automatically, these practices teach us to breathe better with our whole body. Also, the breath accompanies all movements to avoid injury.
GAIN FLEXIBILITY
Stretching can be complementary to yoga exercises. In fact, stretching is mainly used to relax the muscles before or after a yoga session. This is to maintain the elasticity of the muscles. In fact, they essentially allow you to enjoy a good muscular flexibility.
Yoga, like stretching, proposes a stretching of the whole body. This will allow you to feel better session after session. The benefits are immediate. This is why, after a stretching session, we feel physically better.
Indeed, when we practice with regularity, we quickly gain in articular comfort. The tensions are released little by little in the ankles, hips, knees, wrists, pelvis. And you gain in flexibility.
TONE YOUR BODY
Looking to slim and sculpt your figure? Yoga and stretching will allow you to tone your body.
Stretching exercises and yoga postures will strengthen your deep muscles. You may even break a sweat during some sessions. Each of the two disciplines will help you tone up, gently, but effectively. The body will store less bad fats and your figure will be more sculpted.
IMPROVE CONCENTRATION
Stretching is based on many principles such as concentration, breathing and control. Concentration allows you to perform the right movements, breathing is essential to achieve certain gestures. Control is also essential to learn how to control the intensity and energy used in the movements. The positive effects of stretching are felt over the long term.
Like yoga, it is essential to persevere and apply yourself to perform the movements as well as possible. Stretching has the advantage of developing body awareness, strengthening the stomach, improving posture...
BOOST YOUR MORALE
Yoga exercises are recommended if you want to improve your mental and physical health. Regular yoga practice has been shown to improve your emotional well-being, mental clarity and overall health. Yoga also encourages you to activate and strengthen the inner environment of your mind and soul. This encourages a deeper spiritual connection. A typical yoga class can last anywhere from 60 minutes to 90 minutes and is considered a complete workout.
Furthermore, stretching not only has a positive impact on your body. Stretching is also a great way to gently release stress and anxiety. It is good for your morale, because this method is primarily based on relaxation. It fluidifies your mobility and oxygenates your brain. This allows you to let go and let yourself go. Forget everything and breathe deeply!
THE MAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN YOGA AND STRETCHING
Although complementary, yoga and stretching also have many differences.
Looking at the physical aspect, both yoga and stretching promote better posture and body awareness, with exercises that aim to release muscle tension, develop deep muscles and improve flexibility. While stretching works primarily on the body, yoga focuses on the body and mind.
The exercises are done in series that are repeated several times. Between these series, there are breaks to adjust the posture. This step is essential to verify that the right muscles are working. These breaks do not exist in yoga. The movements follow one another without interruption, as in the Head Down Dog or the Sun Salutation.
Also, stretching exercises should always be done before and after a sport activity. This is true regardless of the sport. Only the nature of the stretching exercises may vary from one sport to another, depending on the muscles involved.
Before the sport, the various stretches practiced prepare the muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints to support the physical effort that will follow. Stretching thus helps to limit the risk of injuries such as muscle strains or tendonitis.
After sport, stretching is also very important because it relaxes the muscles. This allows the body to recover more quickly and reduce the feeling of aches and pains.
BREATH CONTROL
Breathing is at the heart of both practices, but it is not done in the same way. In yoga, the breath is considered a source of energy and life that flows through the body. The purpose of the breath is to channel this energy.
Pranayama, the rhythmic breathing of yoga, is a practice that seeks to control the rhythm of the breath through specific techniques.
For example, the "Ujjayi" breath, the victorious breath, is used by practitioners during Vinyasa or Ashtanga sessions, dynamic yoga practices.
In stretching, the practitioner must inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth to the rhythm of the movements performed. It is important that the breath is synchronized with the movements performed in the inhalation and exhalation. In yoga, breathing is done only through the nose. To promote relaxation, emphasis is placed on deep breathing, or belly breathing.
SPECIFIC ACCESSORIES
Both stretching and yoga can be done on the floor, on a mat. On the other hand, there are yoga exercises that can be done in the office without a mat or yoga clothes. This is especially true of eye yoga or back stretches to relieve tension from prolonged sitting.
Also, to practice certain stretching exercises, you will need specific accessories such as a gym ball, an elastiband...
THE WINNING DUO: YOGA AND STRETCHING
The best way to choose between yoga and stretching depends on your desires and your goals. Both activities are based on being in harmony with your body and mind. However, there are differences between the two.
If you are looking for a spiritual discipline, we suggest you try yoga! Yoga is more than just a sport. Indeed, it contributes to your physical and mental well-being. It also offers a first approach to meditation, learning to let go and live in the present moment. It is also perfect for all those who suffer from stress and anxiety.
If you prefer a physical activity that allows you to strengthen your muscles and joints in a gentle way, choose stretching! In both cases, your body will benefit from the multiple advantages of these disciplines.
