Difference between Yoga and Aerobics

Key difference: The words yoga and aerobics deal with physical fitness. Yoga means divine exercise to maintain the body stability; Aerobics are fitness exercises to maintain the physique of the body.

Yoga Yoga means spiritual discipline. Yoga has an Indian origin from the Vedic period. In Vedas, yoga is given a privileged position. It was practiced by early kings in their childhood, during their physical education. Yoga includes many exercises, which are known as “asana”. It gives internal and external stability. It also comprises of meditation, which gives mental stability.

Yoga in the ancient era depicts Indian culture and tradition. Yoga is followed in all religions which comprises of Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Jainism, Christianism. It is also practiced all over the world. Yoga has been practiced in India from several years. Its origin was found in the Rig Vedas. It belongs to the Vedic literature, wherein, it represents a disciplinary and systematic approach towards exercise. It includes exercises, which works out all the body parts. The body has to follow some basic forms first, following the other exercises (asanas).These exercises are known for their firm and stiffness.

Sun Salutation(Surya Namaskar)

Yoga makes body flexible. Main exercise included in it is: Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar). It includes twelve exercises. Here the body has to contribute, in order to achieve enrichment. It also gives mental stability, by relaxing the mind and increasing the concentration. Some of the main exercises (asanas) in yoga are: Padmanasa, Vajrasana, and Shavasana.

Aerobic exercise was initiated first in America.

The word ‘aerobic’ literally means “living in air”. It refers to the use of oxygen to adequately meet energy demands during exercise via aerobic metabolism. Aerobic exercise can be low-intensity or high-intensity. They are physical form of exercises, which are combined with stretching and strength training routines. They are done with rhythmic aerobic exercises. They are also performed with music in groups. They are practiced to cure illnesses.

Aerobic Exercise — Stock Vector #11677298

Aerobic exercises include the day to day activities, which have to be performed regularly and systematically in order to achieve best result in body physique and fitness. If they are followed regularly, then the body remains fresh and active. They are specially practiced in cardiovascular problems. These include the exercises, in which the body is lifted and moved with some velocity. These are commonly practiced to burn out calories. In these, flexibility and muscular strength is gained.

Body breathes faster with intensity by circulating the blood faster.

Higher impact aerobic exercise includes: Running, Jumping rope, and Performing high impact routines or Step aerobics.

Comparison between Yoga and Aerobic:

	Yoga	Aerobics
Origin	Yoga first originated in India.	Aerobics first originated in America.
Description	It is dedicated and systematic approach.	Aerobics are physical fitness exercises, practiced regularly.
What does it do?	It does not burn the body-fat.	It burns the body-fat.
Includes	Yoga includes the internal as well as the external stability.	Aerobics include the external fitness.
Process	Yoga includes the slow movements and poses.	Aerobics include fast movements.
Gain	It is practiced to achieve the stability.	It is practiced to achieve the body-physique.
Place	Yoga is done at one place.	Aerobics is done along with the movements.
How are the movements?	Here the movements are not jerky or hurried.	The movements are jerky and hurried.