Yoga

Stimulates parasympathetic nervous system (hence relaxing)
Subcortical regions of brain dominate
Slow dynamic movements
Reduced muscle tension, progressive movements
Low risk of injuring muscles and ligaments
Low caloric consumption
Effort is minimized, relaxed
Energizing (breathing is natural or controlled)
Noncompetitive, process-oriented
Awareness is internal (focus is on breath and the infinite)
Limitless possibilities for growth in self-awareness

 
Exercise

Stimulates sympathetic nervous system (hence tiring)
Cortical regions of brain dominate
Rapid forceful movements
Increased muscle tension
Higher risk of injury
Moderate to high caloric consumption
Effort is maximized
Fatiguing (breathing is taxed)
Competitive, goal-oriented
Awareness is external (focus is on reaching the toes, reaching the finish line, etc.)
No aspect of self …

To energize the body
To increase body’s immunity
To cure varied lifestyle disorders
To purify the body & increase the physical strength
To improve our lifestyle
To make the body flexible
To enhance muscle tone
To enhance blood circulation
Improve the functioning of various body systems
To make one healthy, in all respects
To cultivate a sense of happiness within
To de-stress oneself
To increase the ability to focus & concentrate
To improve body’s metabolism
To cultivate self-awareness
To decrease blood pressure
To increase respiratory efficiency
To improve body posture
To reduce anxiety/ depression
To cultivate clarity in thoughts

Yoga is to completely eradicate/ control the impressions emerging in one’s mind (yogah citta vritti nirodhah)
The philosophy of Yoga has been elaborated & explained in the traditional Yoga scriptures such as Patanjali Yoga Sutra, Samkhya Karika, Gheranda Samhita, Hatha Yoga Pradipika
Yoga is a holistic practice that must be done/learnt/ taught keeping in mind the roots of its origin
There are 7 priniciples of Yoga-therapy:

Yama/niyama & Mitahara(attitude & diet modifications)
Kriya-Purificatory practices
Asana- body postures|
Pranayama-breathing exercises
Mudra/ Bandha – neuromuscular locks
Shavasana – Relaxation
Dhyana – Meditation

It is essential to practice all aspects of Yoga therapy …

Start your day with 2 glasses of water followed by any antioxidant rich juice such as aloe vera or amla juice or wheat-grass juice. Antioxidants act as strong soldiers that protect the body against all infections.
Keep yourself well hydrated. Drink at-least 5lts of water through out the day. Water forms 60% of our body weight & almost all activities within the body require water as an essential medium.
Never eat if you aren’t hungry & don’t avoid eating if you feel hungry. It is extremely important to respond to body’s alarm …

Well keep these things in mind while you prepare to do Yoga