Note: In the AYP Book, additional information to this lesson is provided covering an effective yoga-friendly muscle toning and aerobic exercise program that can be done at home using only ten minutes per day.

Lesson 80 - Q&A – Physical fitness and yoga

From: Yogani
Date: Sun Jan 11, 2004 4:42pm

New Members: It is recommended you read from the beginning of the
archive, as previous lessons are prerequisite to this one. The first
lesson is, "Why This Discussion?"

Q: What is the relationship of physical fitness and yoga? I would
think the muscle building that is so popular is not very compatible.

A: There are many definitions of fitness. As they say, "Beauty is in
the eye of the beholder."

For purposes of spiritual practice, fitness means keeping the body in
good tone and flexible externally and internally, which can be done
with daily walking or other light aerobic-style exercise, light
calisthenics & isometrics for all muscle groups, and, of course, yoga
asanas. Something like tai chi is also good, which builds a good
connection between the physical and spiritual dimensions of us in a
grounding way.

For the body builder (or any physically oriented athlete) that is not
enough. He or she will want to do much more with the muscles. The
practices must be aimed at the goal.

For spiritual practice, the things mentioned above are enough. For
other definitions of fitness it will be something else.

By the way, there is no rule that says a body builder or any other
kind of athlete cannot become a yogi or yogini. There is nothing that
says one can't do both if so inclined. It is just a question of what
one's interests are. I believe in free choice and in each taking
personal responsibility for their life. I try to keep that idea out
in front in all these lessons.

That's why every lesson ends with,

The guru is in you.

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