How Yoga Is Confused With Stretching

Although yoga and stretching look very similar in practice, their purpose is just the opposite. While stretching is all about increasing flexibility, yoga targets flexibility along with other goals. We can say that stretching is part of yoga, but yoga itself is very huge.

Both practices ensure muscle flexibility, improve posture to prevent injuries and increase strength. One thing which stretching lacks is the mind-body connection, which is the distinctive feature of yoga.

Difference in Exercises

Yoga is recommended for people looking to boost their mental and physical health conditions. A proper yoga training with the sound program does not only enhance body strength but also helps in overcoming psychological and sleep-related issues. 

A yoga training session is generally from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the level and intensity of the training needed. On the other hand, the purpose of doing stretching is mainly to prepare the body for physical activity like bodybuilding, yoga or sports. It helps in maintaining posture, blood circulation, and flexibility to perform the yoga exercises properly.

1.      Breathing Pattern

Breathing pattern in yoga is extremely significant. Even sometimes, yoga is considered the practice of breathing rather than the physical one. Breathing exercises have a specific name, "Pranayama." Stretching, on the other hand, does not have any particular restriction on breathing as the primary purpose is stability.

2.      Mind Involvement

This is what we were talking about in the beginning. The main difference which separates yoga from stretching is the involvement of the mind in yoga training. Yoga is considered to be the remedy for reducing stress and anxiety, which is achieved through a breathing exercise and relaxing yoga poses that helps the person to establish a connection between mind and body.

Stretching does not affect the mind and has nothing to do with the mind-body connection. However, stretching exercises before yoga training can improve the mood of a person.

3.      Skill Set & Equipment Requirement

Yoga has a variety of training ranging from yoga beginners to advanced levels. So, it takes a lot of practice and time before a person is able to thrive on the journey of becoming a yogi. Stretching does not have any particular levels of difficulty. Though it can be difficult for a less active person to do some exercises without trying them.

Yoga is practiced at home as well as in yoga studios, and there is a wide range of products and accessories that are needed to perform the job. Stretching needs neither any tools nor accessories.

To Sum It Up

Yoga is the journey, and stretching is just one step. But that stop is quite significant for the successful journey.