Yoga vs Gym: Finding Your Perfect Fitness Path
3 min read
・Sep 19, 2024
Priya has finally decided to prioritise her health. She wants to get fitter, but everyone around her has different advice. Her brother raves about his gym results, while her parents swear by their regular yogic practices. So, what’s the better bet? Joining a gym and lifting weights, or would yoga better suit her fitness journey?
This article will explore yoga versus gym, helping Priya (and you!) decide on the best path to a healthier lifestyle.
Understanding the Basics of Yoga and the Gym
These are two ways to a ‘healthier you,’ but with different approaches.
Yoga is an ancient practice. It includes Yoga Asanas (physical postures), Pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation. The results include improved strength and better physical and mental balance. It is also a spiritual journey to inner peace. A yoga session generally involves flowing through postures while focusing on breathing techniques. The best part? You can do yoga almost anywhere, and that too with minimal equipment. You need just a mat.
On the other hand, gym training involves exercises to increase body strength. This workout comprises lifting weights and using machines and other cardio equipment. Hitting the gym aims to build muscle, improve cardiovascular health, and burn calories.
Discussing the Health Benefits: Yoga vs Gym
Before you decide, please take a look at the advantages of yoga and gym training. Here’s a breakdown:
Advantages of Yoga
- Improves flexibility and mobility range
- Strengthens muscles (core and overall)
- Improves breathing patterns and blood circulation
- Lowers higher blood pressure levels (Hypertension)
- Promotes better posture and balance
- Enhances mindfulness and mental well-being
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Improves sleep quality
Recognising these extensive health benefits (scientifically proven and research-backed) of Yoga Asanas, some health insurance providers now provide health insurance with yoga coverage.
Benefits of gym training
- Builds muscle mass and strength
- Improves cardiovascular health and stamina
- Aids in weight loss and weight management
- Strengthens bones and joints
- Offers various equipment for targeted workouts
Yoga vs Gym: Key Differences
Two workout plans, same fitness goal. Let’s look at their differences:
| Feature | Yoga | Gym |
| Focus | Flexibility, strength (moderate), balance, stress reduction, mindfulness | Strength training, muscle building, cardiovascular health |
| Process | Detoxifies the body and improves flexibility | Intense exercises to gain muscles and lose fat for a toned body |
| Benefits | Yoga Asanas help to improve mental health, breathing, blood circulation, and inner peace, suitable for all ages and fitness levels | Increased bone density, endurance, weight loss (can be part of a weight loss plan) |
| Equipment | Minimal or none (a mat is ideal) | Varies depending on the workout (weights, machines, treadmills, etc.). |
| Location | Can be done at home, in a studio, or outdoors. | Requires a gym membership. |
| Guidance | Can be done independently with video instruction or classes. | May require guidance from a trainer, especially for beginners. |
| Muscle Building | Moderate muscle toning | Significant muscle-building potential |
| Calorie burning | Focuses on strengthening the internal organs, and burning calories takes time. | Gym training focuses on calorie burning. |
| Weight Loss | Requires time (gradual weight loss) | Quick and efficient, especially when combined with changes in diet. |
What Should You Choose: Yoga vs Gym?
Deciding between yoga and the gym depends on individual goals. Yoga boosts flexibility, mindfulness, and inner peace, while the gym targets strength, muscle gain, and burning calories.
There’s a third option: yoga AND gym! Combining yoga’s balance of body and mind with gym workouts will improve mobility and reduce post-gym soreness. For example, a light yoga flow can act as a stretching exercise before a hectic gym session. After an intense workout, it will help you unwind and cool down. It can also help gently improve your flexibility over time.
Health Insurance With Yoga Cover
Regular yoga and gym sessions keep you healthy, but accidents and illnesses can still happen. Health insurance provides financial protection against these medical expenses, including hospitalisation, doctor visits, medications, and other treatments. Thus, you can focus on recovery and not worry about finances. It complements your fitness journey by providing access to quality care to get back on track faster.
Many insurance providers now offer coverage for AYUSH treatments—Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy. These traditional medicine systems can help manage chronic conditions, promote holistic wellness, and financially support your preferred approach to healthcare. To be eligible for insurance coverage on AYUSH health insurance, you must be hospitalised for a minimum of 24 hours at a facility accredited for AYUSH practices, and the treatment provider must be a registered AYUSH practitioner.
Key Takeaways
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to yoga versus gym. Gym training is the solution to build muscle, lose weight, and improve your cardiovascular health. Want to add mental well-being to your fitness journey for a perfect balance? Yoga is your answer. It will enhance your body’s flexibility and reduce stress. Therefore, it is crucial to consider your objective and lifestyle to make a decision. Additionally, you can consider platforms like PhonePe for a seamless and hassle-free insurance purchase experience.
