Does Yoga Count as Exercise?
Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss whether yoga can be considered “exercise” – and why this is a much more complex and nuanced question than it might appear to be on the surface!
Points of discussion include:
- Is a yoga practice challenging enough to be considered “exercise” by exercise science definitions?
- What is the technical definition of “exercise”, and how is it different from “physical activity”?
- Can a yoga practice by itself give our body everything it needs to be healthy from a movement/exercise perspective?
- How a person can be considered both an “exerciser” and “sedentary” at the same time.
- What is body composition? Can a yoga practice affect body composition?
- Can a yoga practice improve muscular strength, and can it improve muscular endurance? (These are two different variables!)
- What is cardiorespiratory fitness, and how is it measured?
- Can a yoga practice improve cardiorespiratory fitness?
- Can a yoga practice improve other components of fitness such as balance, agility, speed, power, and coordination?
- What are the official guidelines for quantity and quality of exercise for healthy adults?
- Can a yoga practice on its own satisfy these guidelines?
- …And much more!
Enjoy this engaging and eye-opening discussion for yoga, movement, and fitness geeks!
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Strength for Yoga Remote Group Training – ongoing, interactive monthly strength program for yogis designed by Jenni & Travis
Online yoga class library & yoga anatomy workshops with Jenni
Strength for Yoga email newsletter
Podcast episode: Is Ashtanga a Cult? And the Value of Strength
Podcast episode: Stability: Clearing Up a Confusing Term!
To find out more about Travis Pollen: website / Instagram
Music used with generous permission from Dischord A Cappella.
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