Exercise
Body movements are movements that increase stability or strength and are called body exercises.
– Charak
In modern context Exercise Improves physical resilience and endurance.
Any effort that provides stability and strength to the body is called exercise. Just as eating is essential for life, exercise is also essential for good health. The more a body part is trained to work, the stronger and more powerful it becomes. Because the right hand is more active, it possesses more strength than the left.
Benefits of Exercise-
Vagbhata has written-
“Lightness, ability to work, brightness, depletion of frontal fat. Exercise produces split dense bodies.”
In modern context workout Promotes energy, digestion, beauty, and disease resistance.
Exercise keeps the body light, properly digests whatever is eaten, and increases the capacity to work. Makes the body beautiful and strong, eliminates defects, and eliminates the fear of disease. Therefore, every sensible person should engage in some form of physical exertion. Those who do mental work should certainly exercise, otherwise their health will quickly deteriorate, because those who sit and write, etc., quickly become ill without exercise so exercise is important in our daily life.
In ancient times, people lived in forests and hunted or farmed to protect themselves from predatory animals like tigers and lions and to obtain food.
They were constantly required to work hard in their jobs. Thus, their daily routine naturally included ample exercise. After this, there was no need for any additional artificial exercise. However, the situation has changed. People have migrated from the forests and countryside and settled in large cities. Now, the state bears the responsibility of protecting the people, and money provides the necessities of life at home. Due to circumstances, the lack of natural exercise is the reason why our young people are not in good health even with a good diet.
It is true that without good food, a person cannot remain healthy and strong. It is also true that if a person does not exercise along with a good diet, he too cannot remain healthy so health benefits of exercise is very important. We all see first hand that even those who are well-fed do not remain healthy and strong due to lack of exercise. Especially the situation of affluent people living in big cities is pitiable due to lack of exercise. Therefore, regular exercise is as essential for health as a balanced diet.
Scientific basis of exercise-
Pure blood is the fundamental foundation of health. The purer blood a person produces in their body, the healthier and stronger they become. Food produces juices, and juices produce blood. Blood circulates throughout the body. During this circulation, dead cells mix with it, making it impure. The lungs and heart purify impure blood with the help of oxygen, and any impurities in the blood are expelled through exhalation in the form of toxic gases (carbon dioxide). When we exercise, our blood flow increases, and blood reaches the lungs faster. This also increases the rate of breathing, leading to a greater infusion of oxygen into the blood and the expulsion of toxic gases. Sweat caused by exertion also removes much of the impurities from the blood. Exercise also purifies and strengthens our internal organs. The liver bile secretion is proper, and the intestines perform their functions very well.
The kidneys also perform their function very efficiently in producing urine. All these normal functions ensure the constant cleansing of the internal organs. No tainted substance can accumulate in the body and contaminate the blood with its toxins. Those who do not exercise regularly, their intestines become weak, because of which a lot of waste accumulates in them. This waste continues to rot, contaminating the blood, and the person becomes sick and weak.
Muscles play a primary role in the body’s strength and power. These muscles are made up of small Fibers (tissues). The roots of those Fibers are cells. These cells are formed by the blood, and the cells that are destroyed are absorbed into the blood. The formation and stability of these cells are due to the vital air (Prana Vayu). We get this vital air in abundance through exercise so health benefits of exercise are significant. The destroyed cells of the body are expelled in the form of toxins (carbon dioxide).
Health benefits of Exercise-
We see firsthand that the part of the body that is specifically tasked becomes stronger and more powerful. The right hand, when used more, becomes stronger than the left. Mountain people climb mountains carrying large loads at once, requiring more work from their legs. Consequently, their legs become very powerful and strong. Similarly, the hands of blacksmiths are also very strong. If a person wishes to strengthen any part of the body, this is possible only through exercise. Thus, exercise and health are directly related. If the body is not used, it will inevitably become weak. When a patient who has been bedridden for months or two is first made to stand, his legs begin to tremble. Similarly, machines that are not used too often rust. If soldiers are not required to exercise daily, they cannot become strong and agile.
We see first hand that wealthy young men in our country, despite eating nutritious food without worry, are not healthy and strong; whereas an ordinary young man who exercises regularly is healthy, handsome, and strong. Therefore, it can be said without a doubt that exercise, like food, rest, and restraint, is a fundamental basis of health. Those who, out of ignorance or laziness, do not exercise regularly, quickly ruin their health. If any part of the body is not used, it is considered a disadvantage. This will lead to its deterioration.
Competition increases, and one strives to defeat others with one’s strength. This mutual struggle awakens the nerves and veins. As blood circulation in the blood vessels increases, a special sense of vitality is experienced within the body. This practice is extremely beneficial after the age of fifteen. It should be learned from a qualified teacher.
Push-ups-
Exercise targeted area – Chest and arms
Key health benefits- Strengthens upper body, enhances stamina
Push-ups are extremely useful for strengthening and toning the arms and chest. After the age of fifteen, those who regularly perform fifty to hundred push-ups daily are free from any illness. Their bodies remain agile and strong. It is not good to rush or perform multiple push-ups in one breath.
Exercise method: Only on the palms of the hands and toes of the feet Come down to the ground. Keep one hand and four fingers between both hands and feet. Keep the waist high and the neck low. Then, bend down with the chin on the chest, looking towards the stomach, and putting full pressure on the hands. Bending the elbows, lower the chest to a one inch from the ground. Then, raise the neck, lower the waist and stomach to one inch from the ground. This is one push-up. Repeat this as many push-ups as you need.
Squat-exercise
Exercise targeted area – Legs and lower body.
Key health benefits- Builds leg power, balance, and endurance.
Squat exercises are very useful for strengthening and beautifying your legs. To perform a sit-up, stand straight with your heels at least 6 inches apart. Relax your body, keeping your chest out. Keep your arms hanging open, palms facing forward. Now, slowly inhale deeply and hold your breath until you complete the sit-up. After inhaling and holding your breath, bend your knees and try to sit on your toes. As your buttocks descend, lift your heels upwards, but do not let them meet. Similarly, clench your fists and bend your elbows slowly.
Conclusion-
- Regular exercise purifies, strengthens, and sustains the human body, leading to complete physical and mental health.
- Exercise promotes internal cleansing, metabolic efficiency, and cellular regeneration
- Natural exercise leads to muscular and functional strength.
- Wealthy v/s Ordinary Youth: Sedentary lifestyle leads to ill-health despite good diet, while the working class remains stronger due to physical labour.
- Mental and Emotional Benefits- Although physical health is central, the article also highlights psychological well-being:
- Exercise eliminates laziness and strengthens willpower.
- Competition and physical exertion awaken vitality and alertness.
- Promotes discipline, confidence, and mental stability.