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Yoga vs Gym for Heart Health: In today’s modern and hectic times, there is often a debate about ‘Yoga vs Gym’ regarding fitness. Some people consider it better to go to the gym and sweat, while others like to keep themselves fit through yoga and pranayam. But according to medical science and cardiologists, both have their own distinct benefits and the right balance of both is considered best to keep heart health healthy. In a report by ‘Pathkind Labs’, experts have also clarified that both yoga and gym play an important role in strengthening the cardiovascular system.

Gym and Yoga: Both have different functions and benefits

Gym (Benefits of Cardio and Strength Training):

Aerobic exercises (such as treadmill running, cycling) and strength training (weight lifting) done in the gym directly strengthen our heart muscles.

• It rapidly improves blood circulation in the body.

• Helps in reducing bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol.

• This is the best medium for increasing the heart rate to a correct level and building stamina of the body.

Yoga (Benefits of Flexibility and Mental Peace):

While gym strengthens the body from outside, yoga heals the body from inside.

• Yoga rapidly reduces the level of stress-causing hormone i.e. ‘Cortisol’ in our body.

• It is unmatched in controlling high blood pressure naturally and providing mental peace.

• Cardiologists believe that the micro exercises, asanas and pranayam of yoga are safer and more effective for those people or heart patients who cannot lift heavy weights.

3 surefire and guiding tips from heart experts

Even if you don’t have long time to work out daily, you can still keep your heart safe by adopting these 3 easy rules suggested by doctors:

1. Always be active (Stay Active)

If for some reason you are not able to find time to go to the gym, then make small changes in your daily routine. For example, use stairs instead of lift in office or mall. According to health research, climbing stairs for just 5-10 minutes a day can reduce the risk of heart disease (Heart Attack/Stroke) by 20%.

2. Pay special attention to stress management (Stress Management)

Today’s busy and stressful lifestyle has become the biggest enemy of the heart. Excessive mental stress increases the risk of blockage in the arteries. To avoid this, practice Pranayama, Anulom-Vilom or deep breathing for at least 10-15 minutes every morning or evening. It keeps the arteries healthy and flexible.

3. Adequate sleep and proper hydration are important

The heart has to work round the clock, so 7-8 hours of deep and peaceful sleep at night is essential for its repair. Along with this, keep yourself hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day. Reduce the amount of sodium (salt) and refined sugar in your food as much as possible.

Final Verdict

Both yoga and gym have their own importance to stay alert in the busy life. Experts recommend that you do moderate exercise or cardio for 30 minutes at least 3 to 4 days a week and devote the remaining days to yoga for mental peace and stretching. Apart from this, never lift extremely heavy weights after seeing others in the gym, rather lift only as much weight as your body can bear easily and without any pain. Caution and consistency are the real keys to a healthy heart.