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Vyayama is the samskrit term which means physical exercise. All the classical treatises on Ayurveda have clearly stated the importance of Vyayama, its effects, ideal time for vyayama and all other health aspects of Vyayama clearly. It is considered as an integral part of daily regimen of an individual i.e. Dinacharya as per Ayurveda.

Vyayama is the samskrit term which means physical exercise. All the classical treatises on Ayurveda have clearly mentioned about the importance of Vyayama and its health benefits. The two prime aims of Ayurveda are preservation of health of a healthy individual and management of disorders of a diseased person. Ayurveda has given great emphasis on preventive measures to remain healthy and to lead a disease free long life. Ayurveda scholars have advocated various preventive measures under the instructions of [[Dinacharya (दिनचर्या)|Dinacharya]] (daily routine), [[Rutucharya (ऋतुचर्या)|Rutucharya]] (seasonal regimen) [[Sadvrutta (सद्वृत्तम्)|Sadvritta]] (physical and mental code of conducts). Vyayama has been first described under the topic of Dinacharya or daily regime and considered as an integral part of one's routine daily activities.  

== Definition ==

== Definition ==

Ayurveda classics have defined the term vyayama on the basis of desired outcomes from vyayama. Although vyayama indicates physical exercise, not every type of exercise people routinely perform in today's era, is called as vyayama. Instead the type of physical exercise which fulfills the criteria given in definition of vyayama is only eligible to be called as vyayama. Acharya Charaka has defined vyayama as below,

Ayurveda classics have defined the term vyayama on the basis of its health benefits or the desired outcomes. Although vyayama indicates physical exercise, not every type of exercise people routinely perform in today's time, is called as vyayama. The type of physical exercise which fulfills the criteria given below is only eligible to be called as vyayama and should be incorporated in daily routine. Acharya Charaka has defined vyayama as below,

<blockquote>शरीरचेष्टा या चेष्टा स्थैर्यार्था बलवर्धिनी| देहव्यायामसङ्ख्याता मात्रया तां समाचरेत्|| - (Char. Samh.7.31)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyayam 7 Sutram 31)</ref> </blockquote>Meaning: That movement of limbs of body which is performed to gain strength and stability is called as Vyayama and it should be done in optimum amount.  

<blockquote>शरीरचेष्टा या चेष्टा स्थैर्यार्था बलवर्धिनी| देहव्यायामसङ्ख्याता मात्रया तां समाचरेत्|| - (Char. Samh.7.31)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyayam 7 Sutram 31)</ref> </blockquote>Meaning: That movement of limbs of body which is performed to gain strength and firmness is called as Vyayama and it should be done in optimum amount.  

From this definitions of vyayama, it is clear that, the ultimate aim of doing vyayama should be the gain of strength and endurance. If any physical activity performed as vyayama leads to weakness or fatigue and does not aid in gaining strength then it should not be considered as vyayama. The reason behind this clear distinction is, vyayama is recommended in daily regime of an individual which is supposed to enhance the energy levels of one's body and mind. But, if the physical exercise done in daily routine is on the contrary leading to fatigue, it will reduce one's capacity to perform further daily activities efficiently. Thus that type and amount of physical exercise which generates strength and endurance in body is known as Vyayama.  

From the above definitions of vyayama, it is clear that, the ultimate aim of doing vyayama should be the gain of strength and endurance. If any physical activity performed as vyayama leads to weakness or fatigue and does not aid in gaining strength then it should not be considered as vyayama. The reason behind this clear distinction is, vyayama is recommended in daily regime of an individual which is supposed to enhance the energy levels of one's body and mind. But, if the physical exercise done in daily routine is on the contrary leading to fatigue, it will reduce one's capacity to perform further daily activities efficiently. Thus that type and amount of physical exercise which generates strength and endurance in body is known as Vyayama.  

 

== Difference between Vyayama and Asanas ==

== Difference between Vyayama and Asanas ==

One more definition of vyayama which is based on its transient effect on physical body is given by Acharya Vagbhata. The physical activity which requires efforts or generates strain on body is called as Vyayama. <blockquote>शरीरायासजननं कर्म व्यायाम उच्यते| <ref>Ashtanga Hrudayama (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 2 Sutram 10)</ref> </blockquote>This definition differentiates vyayama from Asanas in yoga. Asanas are not supposed to generate strain or effort only then they produce desired effects in body systems.  

Asanas are the most popular aspect of hatha yoga practiced today. Asana practice is considered important since it helps to keep the physical body healthy. Although Asanas and vyayama both focus on the health of physical body they are different in many aspects from each other and thus not replaceable. Asana is defined as 'the physical posture that generates stability with comfort' as per Patanjali yogasutras. (P.Y. Sutra 2.46). Thus, practice of asana might not generate strain physical body neither requires efforts. While vyayama requires efforts and generates strain. 

 

Regular asanas practice helps develop mindfulness, discipline and concentration, in turn preparing the mind for pranayama and meditation. Asanas are believed to develop strength of body such that body remains unaffected in extremes of situations. While Vyayama generates strength to fight any disease as well as external environmental insults.

== Difference between exertion and exercise ==

== Difference between exertion and exercise ==