by Julie Young

Created on: February 13, 2009

While yoga is a great way to become in touch with one's mind, body, and spirit, yoga is not enough to keep a person physically fit. The reason yoga must be combined with a regular fitness program that includes cardiovascular activity, is because yoga does not increase the heart rate or reach "fat burning mode" (something our bodies do with long enough duration of cardiovascular activity.) Some may suggest yoga could be enough to keep physically fit, though they will obviously have their facts wrong, and not know the difference between being "physically fit" and achieving "inner balance." The two are very different, and while both contribute to an overall feeling of energy and good health, there is a noticeable difference in the types of energy and health benefits achieved through yoga and that of regular physical activity.

Yoga brings peace of mind, balance within oneself, and even increases flexibility. As one finds inner balance through the practice of yoga, they may make smarter food selections, however, even if that person's diet becomes healthier after their mind has experienced a new sort of balance, their internal fitness levels would not be working hard enough to keep or become more physically fit. If yoga were enough to keep a person physically fit, it would have to help one reach their heart's optimum levels, their blood vessel's optimum levels, their lung's optimum levels, and their muscle's optimum levels to then help their body function at it's optimum levels. Unfortunately, the beautiful art of yoga and all of the carefully constructed movements are not enough to keep one in shape.

Although yoga is not capable of keeping a person physically fit, it is capable of improving one's immune system and internal health. The breathing techniques used in yoga can help to lower blood pressure and improve the respiratory system by enabling longer breath hold. Many additional benefits can be reaped through the consistent practice of yoga, including being better prepared for a challenging cardiovascular workout. This is because you've restored your body's natural balance. But remember, just because yoga can help you feel rejuvenated and in better touch with yourself, it does not mean that you are magically becoming any "fitter." If you, however, are looking to improve your overall health and well-being without keeping physically fit, yoga is the answer. Yoga has amazing healing power and is great for reducing stress. If you would like to be more in touch with your mind, body, and spirit, I would highly recommend incorporating yoga into your weekly, if not daily schedule.

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