Yoga and Exercise

Purpose: This clinical study was carried out with the aim of investigating whether Hatha Yoga (HY) training affects aerobic and anaerobic power in healthy young adults. Material and method: 33 sedentary, healthy, young adult subjects, aged 18 to 26 were divided into two groups according to age, sex and activity levels. 10 female and 7 male (mean 20.06 +/2.41 years, range 18-26 years) young adults were trained with Hatha Yoga (HYG). The aerobic exercise group (AEG) consisted of 9 female and 7 male (mean 19.75 +/1.81 years, range 18-26 years) young adults who performed aerobic type strength and stretch exercises of at least 60% maximal heart rate or higher. Both training programs were given by a supervisor, one hour per day, four days per week, for six weeks. Subjects in both groups were assessed by Cooper’s 12 minutes running test for cardiovascular endurance and vertical jump test for anaerobic power before and after training. Results: Aerobic and anaerobic power increased by 9.8%, 5.5% following HY and by 6.6%, 2.3% following aerobic training respectively. A significant increase was found in aerobic power and anaerobic power (p < 0.001) in HYG. There was a significant increase in aerobic power (p < 0.01) in AEG, while anaerobic power of subjects in AEG were consistently higher compared to that of before training, statistically the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). Although there was no substantial differences between the groups concerning cardiovascular endurance (p > 0.05), anaerobic power was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the HYG. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that HY training has positive effects on cardiovascular aerobic and anaerobic power. Therefore HY could be an exercise option for enhancing aerobic and anaerobic power in young adults. Balayogi Bhavanani, Ananda. Yoga compared to sports [exercise]. Yoga Life, Dec 2001, 32(12):10. Bera, T. K. Physical exercise, yoga practices and aging brain. Research Journal of Sports Medicine and Biomechanics, 1988, 1(1):11-14. ___________. Muscular activity in yoga and physical exercise. Research Bi-Annual for Movement, 1993, 10(1):53-56. Bhole, M. V. Yoga and promotion of primary health care. Yoga-Mimamsa, 1983, 22(1&2):80-83. “Various exercises, games, sports and even physio-therapy, occupational therapy and various techniques based on biofeedback system mainly work through the motor cortex making person to ‘DO’ an action as per his decision. On the other hand, most of the yoga techniques seem to work through the sensory cortex and the neuro-vegetative system and the person is advised to ‘FEEL’ and ‘OBSERVE’ various happenings and how these