Best time to practice asana:
There are two options, morning and evening. Asanas performed
in the evening are less gruelling, as the body has undergone the rigors of the
day and is already pliable. However, in the evening, the mind is jaded, having
undergone the stresses of the day. The emotional and intellectual energies are
run down which results in the lower awareness during exercises. Also, very
often, not enough time has elapsed since the last meal. Yogasanas (exercises)
induce peristalsis, forcing undigested food though the intestines, reducing
absorption of nutrients. In certain cases, where the meal has been particularly
heavy, or the gap less than four hours, resistance from a full stomach could
induce stomach cramps.
Exercises performed in the morning actually increase the energy
levels of the person by optimising the body systems for harmonic performance.
However, this means that, in the morning, the mind and body, though rested, is
stiff as a result of non-use after sleep. Exercising can be painful initially.
However, with exercising, the organs fire up, loosen and begin flexing. The
stomach and intestines are empty and offer no resistance to the bending and
stretching actions. The vigorous peristalsis action actually assists in the
evacuation of waste matter from the outer colon and rectum.
This blog recommends exercises be done in the morning, though
sometimes it may be more expedient for individuals, depending on their daily
schedules to exercise in the evening. It is, however, most critical that the
same time be maintained every day. This ensures that the system gets acclimatized
to the routine and overcomes the lethargy of exiting the bed.
It is important to recognise the difference between asana and kriya. Asana is a static pose, while kriya is a dynamic pose,
like uddiyana, nauli and suryanamaskar. Both yield different benefits, and both need to be practiced.
The exercise environment
Exercise is an opportunity for the person to increase the oxygen
content in the body, remove toxins and stress and harmonise with the
environment, thereby increasing one's sentience of his environment (vijnana). This means that there is a requirement of peace and tranquillity
when exercising. Therefore, it is recommended that the exercise be performed in
any place that has plenty of fresh air and no unpleasant odour. It should be
free from dust and mites.
Clothes
Wear clothes that allow stretching and do not run or fall when
lifting or bending. Clothes should breathe and absorb sweat. Men are advised to
wear athletic supporters. Both men and women should wear well-fitting
innerwear to prevent injury during exercise. If one prefers going to classes
for the sake of regularity and discipline, it is advisable that one wears
appropriate clothing.
Diet
Diet is absolutely vital to realise the full potential of the
exercises. Eating the right food ensures absorption of essential ingredients
and optimisation of the tri-gunas.
It is important to start exercises after the lapse of at least 4
hours after consumption of solid food, 1 hour after consumption of liquid food
such as milk or juice and 20 minutes after drinking water.
The reason for this recommendation is that food takes roughly 4-6
hours to completely move out of the digestive system. The process of digestion
begins with chewing of food and finishes with the absorption of nutrients in
small intestine. Vigorous exercise induces peristalsis or pulsing of the
intestine, which results in the food hurrying through the intestine without
nutrients getting completely absorbed. Also, the presence of food in the
digestive system acts like a resistor to bending and stretching. This acts in
various planes, from stopping the full movement of the diaphragm thereby
impeding full ingestion of air to inducement of sprains and cramps when the
body is stretched/bent.
Homeostasis:
Homeostasis, may be defined as the tendency towards a relatively
stable equilibrium between interdependent elements, especially as maintained by
physiological processes but this can be extended to all psychosomatic functions.
This means that the body works with a certain set of parameters for proper
functioning, like body temperature etc., and when this parameter is disturbed,
the body takes compensatory action to bring it back to equilibrium.
When performing yogasana, it is important to try and stay
close to the condition of homeostasis. The reason is that the muscles and
internal organs should not experience stress during exercise so as to maximise
blood flow and movement of the tissue resulting in rejuvenation of the area.
Share your opinion and experiences;
Ø Do you exercise? What is your exercise routine?
Ø When do you prefer to exercise? morning or evening? why?
Ø Do you exercise alone or in a group? What are the advantages and
disadvantages?
Ø Do you wear any special clothing for exercise? why?
Ø What is your diet? How do you manage your diet?
