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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.   

Vyayama is the samskrit term which means physical exercise. All the classical treatises on Ayurveda have clearly mentioned about 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. Also it is considered as the parameter for assessment of one's [[Balam (बलम्)|balam]] i.e. physical strength.   

== Definition ==

== Definition ==

<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.  

<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 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.  

From the above definition of vyayama, it is clear that, the ultimate aim of doing vyayama should be to gain strength and endurance. If any physical activity performed in the name of vyayama is leading 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 efficiently perform other daily activities. Thus, only 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 ==

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. 

Asanas are the most popular aspect of hatha yoga practiced today. According to yogashastra, 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 are not replaceable. Asana is defined as 'the physical posture that generates stability with comfort' as per Patanjali yogasutras. (P.Y. Sutra 2.46).  <blockquote>स्थिरं सुखं आसनं (P.Y. Sutra 2.46). </blockquote>Asana is supposed to be a steady and comfortable posture and the movement of limbs is not expected once the posture is adopted. Thus, practice of asana produces mental equilibrium and prevents fickleness of mind. While vyayama performed with efforts involves movement of limbs, generates transient strain on body and develops physical strength.   

 

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 ==

या च इष्टा अभिप्रेता, एतेन भारहरणाद्याऽनिष्टा कार्यवशात् क्रियमाणा चेष्टा निरस्यते, चङ्क्रमणरूपा तु क्रिया प्राप्यते| स्थैर्यं स्थिरता शरीरस्य, तदर्था| मात्रया अनपायिपरिमाणेन; एतावती चेयं शरीरचेष्टा मात्रावती यावत्या लाघवादयो वक्ष्यमाणा भवन्ति, चेष्टातियोगवक्ष्यमाणाश्च श्रमभ्रमादयो ^[१] न भवन्ति| सुश्रुतेऽप्युक्तं- “यत्तु चङ्क्रमणं नातिदेहपीडाकरं भवेत्| तदायुर्बलमेधाग्निप्रदमिन्द्रियबोधनम्” (सु.चि.अ.२४) इति||३१||

Although vyayama involves movement of limbs not all the body movements can be called as vyayama. Acharya Sushruta has given an example of it while explaining what type of body movements can be termed as vyayama and how any random movement differs from vyayama. He says, a movement like lifting heavy weights of any kind in order to complete some household task can not be termed as vyayama. However walking can be a type of vyayama when done in moderate amount. Appropriate body movements identified as vyayama when doen in an amount which brings about lightness in the body are termed as vyayama. When one indulges in excessive physical activity or vyayama which generates fatigue and symptoms like giddiness, it is called as exertion and not vyayama or exercise.  

(Chakrapani - cha su 7/31)

(Chakrapani - cha su 7/31)

== Benefits of vyayama ==

== Benefits of vyayama ==