The Difference between Yoga and Stretching
Those who’ve never practiced yoga might find it difficult to understand the difference between a good ol’ stretch and yoga. Both yoga and stretching places the body in positions to help lengthen, but whilst it’s true stretching is indeed a part of yoga, there is SO much more to it than it than that.
So what’s the difference between stretching and yoga? We’ll first dive into Yoga’s purpose and it’s origins.
What is Yoga?
Yoga incorporates strengthening, breathing, stretching, balance, focus and meditation. Over 5,000 years ago Yoga was established as a tradition of holistic healing integrating the physical, mental and spiritual state of movement to improve our overall health and well being. It has been recognised by the National Institute of Health as a mind-body medicine.
Many yogis have tried to define yoga in different ways, but one of the most practical explanations can be found in the Yoga Sutras, one of the founding texts of yoga. It defines yoga as the ability to focus the mind in one direction for an extended period of time.
Another Hindu text, a scripture called the Bhagavad Gita (often referred to as simply the Gita), defines yoga as dexterity in action.
Yoga is much more than physical movements. While it’s true that practicing yoga can improve flexibility, strength, endurance and balance, it also facilitates characteristics of mindfulness, empathy and kindness. Other important outcomes include changes in life perspective, increased self-awareness, improved energy to live life joyfully and enlightening the individual to an overall sense of calmness and inner peace.
Yoga Poses (Asanas) vs. Stretching
Stretching is defined as increasing length or range by putting your limbs in positions that make the muscles long. Yoga poses have two distinct qualities that need to be cultivated, which are described in the Yoga Sutras as sthira sukham asanam. In English, sthira is translated as steadiness or alertness, sukham is translated as comfort or ease and āsana is the given position of the body.
In order for postures to be considered yoga, there has to be a balance of steadiness and alertness, as well as comfort and ease in the mind, body and breath of the practitioner.
Simple stretching of the limbs or particular muscles does not require the same level of attention, focus and breathing that yoga postures require. So it’s entirely possible for someone to look like they are doing yoga, when they are in fact, stretching.
Even though Yogic postures help to maintain our physical health, the postures themselves are not the goal. This point is articulated by senior yoga therapist A.G. Mohan in his book, Yoga Therapy: Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Yoga and Ayurveda for Health and Fitness.
“Our goal should not be to place our body in the position of an asana,” says Mohan. “Rather we must develop the strength and flexibility that will enable us to assume such a position.”
Each pose is designed to have specific effect on the body. If we force ourselves into a posture, then stress and discomfort will follow, leading to disturbed breathing and potentially cause imbalances in the body and mind. As a result, we lose the benefits of the practice.
Yoga and the Breath
Breath is our life force energy, also known as prana. It is the link between our mind and bodies. We don’t need to think to breathe — it happens automatically. The process is taken care of by our autonomic nervous system. When we begin to control our breathing, we start to switch from an unconscious automatic process to a conscious process, which can have incredible effects on our mental and physical state.
Utilizing breathing techniques can affect the balance and function of our nervous system. The powerful benefits of breathing is the entryway into a healing process, especially for people suffering from trauma, depression and anxiety.
Yoga in Practice
The Breath
Be aware of your breathing, is it calm and smooth? Let your breath guide you in and out of postures. If it becomes short or disturbed, come out of that particular movement until you can breathe freely. Never compromise the breath for a pose.
The Mind
Where is your attention placed? Are you focusing on the present moment or are you worrying about your to-do list? Be mindful of your thoughts as you practice. Whenever your mind begins to drift, simply return your focus back to your breath without judgement. It doesn’t mater how many times the mind wanders, just come back to the present moment if you feel you’re getting distracted.
The Awareness
Or are you forcing the body into a particular posture that feels uncomfortable or painful? Listen to your body and only move in a way that feels right for you; forcing poses will only cause disturbances and injuries. Ask for modifications in poses that may be out of reach.