We’ve all been there—promising ourselves we’ll start exercising tomorrow, or the day after, or maybe next week. But once you finally do it—whether hitting the gym or going for a jog—you feel amazing and rejuvenated.
Gyms, parks, Zumba studios, yoga classes, and marathons have become commonplace, symbolizing a growing movement encouraging people to prioritize exercise and physical fitness. Social media is flooded with reels of people lifting heavy weights or celebrating fitness milestones. For many, bodybuilding has transformed into an art form to which they dedicate their lives.
Given the increasingly sedentary nature of modern lifestyles, regular physical activity is more necessary than ever. However, just as a car must be driven in the correct lane and direction to avoid accidents, exercising at the wrong time, in the wrong way, or in excess can harm the body and lead to various health issues.
This highlights the importance of understanding the rules that govern safe and effective exercise.
How Is Exercising Beneficial?
While we all know the common benefits of exercise—such as increasing physical strength, bringing stability and firmness to the body, reducing fat percentage, and improving immunity—there are additional perks highlighted by Ayurveda and modern science:
1. Mental Well-Being:
According to Ayurveda, physical activities that one enjoys and does willingly are considered true exercise. Such activities, like running, dancing, or playing sports, not only enhance fitness but also refresh the mind, improving mental well-being. Communities like the Adventists of Loma Linda, California—a Blue Zone known for longevity—incorporate exercise into their daily lives, demonstrating its significant role in promoting a longer, healthier life.
Modern science also supports this claim as research shows that exercise triggers the release of chemicals such as endorphins and endocannabinoids, which enhance mood, reduce anxiety, and foster a sense of well-being.
2. Improved Digestion:
Exercise also enhances the digestive fire (agni), increasing the body’s ability to digest various foods efficiently. It is even said in classical ayurvedic text that a person who exercises regularly can digest something as hard as a stone!
The Best Time to Exercise
1. Morning Workouts
Exercising in the morning on an empty stomach is ideal, especially in fresh, open air. Ayurveda also recommends massaging the body with oil beforehand, likening this to oiling a machine for smoother functioning.
2. Seasonal Considerations
Winter workouts are especially beneficial, as the body tends to be more robust during colder months compared to summer.
How Much Should One Exercise?
Although physical fitness is often treated as a competition today, it shouldn’t be, as this mind-set can lead to more harm than good. Everyone should exercise according to their body’s capacity. Ayurvedic classical texts suggest exercising to half of one’s capacity—just until sweating begins or one becomes slightly breathless.
Key points to keep in mind:
1.To gain maximum benefits of exercise, one should do one type of execise for a fixed time and gradually increase the duration as an how ones streghth increases.
2. Monitor your limits, even if you’re experienced.
3. Avoid Overcompensation with Diet
Increasing food intake to fuel intense exercise can backfire, especially for those with weak digestion. For individuals with obesity, this approach is likened to taking a loan to pay off existing debts—it only worsens the situation.
When Should You Avoid Exercising?
1. Late-Night Workouts
Exercising late at night, such as at 10 PM, especially in an air-conditioned gym, is not ideal. Working out post-dinner or within an hour of eating puts undue strain on the digestive system, disrupts digestion, and throws the body’s doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) out of balance. This imbalance can manifest as skin issues or other health problems.
2. Exercising When Fatigued
Working out when the body is tired—such as after a long day’s work—can be counterproductive. Fatigue reduces enjoyment and may increase the risk of injury.
3. Sweating Matters
Sweating is crucial for fat reduction and is also a source of removing waste products from our body. Exercising in a cool, air-conditioned environment inhibits sweating, reducing the effectiveness of the workout.
Exertion vs. Exercise
Ayurveda differentiates between exercise and exertion. Physical labor performed unwillingly, such as pulling handcarts or fieldwork, is considered exertion. If given alternative means of livelihood, most workers would not choose such activities. True exercise is voluntary and enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, any form of exercise is beneficial as long as it’s enjoyable, sustainable and done in accordance with the rules of exercise. Whether you prefer running in the park like Phoebe from Friends or playing cricket like Sachin Tendulkar, the key is to find what works for you and stick with it. And just keep modyfing things according to a persons health and strength.