Proper Exercise – Āsana

The very first principle in the five basic principles of yoga according to Swami Vishnudevananda is Proper Exercise. There's no arguing that regular exercise is beneficial to your health. Swami is referring to yoga asanas as a form of proper exercise. He believes that consistent, well-balanced asana practice can provide what your body needs. The joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons in our bodies, like an automobile, require lubricant. Regular āsana (yoga stance) practice improves flexibility and improves circulation, which benefits all bodily systems.

A yoga position should be done slowly and deliberately and held for a period of time. The yoga āsanas have both physical and mental advantages. These postures ensure the general health of the body by focusing on the health of the spine. Yoga postures help to enhance mental control and concentration since they are done with mindful breathing, relaxation, and awareness.

Yoga, unlike other forms of exercise such as jogging or weight lifting, is a total-body workout. It enhances circulation, flexibility, and the endocrine system by strengthening the body and stimulating the endocrine system. Exercise strengthens the immune system, reduces stress, and enhances sleep. Work on the cardiovascular system improves the heart muscle's effectiveness and efficiency, lowers blood pressure, and improves circulation throughout the body.

Every day, practice your yoga postures!