The Difference Between Yoga & Clinical Exercise
Once upon a time, it was the best kept secret of celebrities and professional athletes. Now, you’d be hard pressed to find a gym or a health club that doesn’t offer either yoga or Clinical Exercise classes – or both.
While both yoga and Clinical Exercise involve putting your body through a range of strength building motions which require balance and focus to improve core strength and flexibility, there are some difference between the two…
1. What are the benefits of Clinical Exercise?
The benefits of Clinical Exercise are broad. Generally Clinical Exercise is geared towards injury rehabilitation, improving core strength, posture and stability. It also helps to reduce stress through breathing techniques and controlled movements while also strengthening your pelvic floor muscles - your core, which is beneficial for people of all ages, especially those who suffer from incontinence or pelvic floor dysfunction.
Furthermore, Clinical Exercise has also been shown to also help to relieve pain in people who experience lower back issues. In an Australian research review Clinical Exercise was also shown to improve pain and functional ability in the short term for people suffering chronic lower back pain. Perhaps you've also heard of clinical Clinical Exercise - this is a tailored Clinical Exercise program guided by a qualified physiotherapist designed to suit an individual’s needs. Being low-impact exercise, it can be beneficial for anyone experiencing early signs of arthritis or joint wear and tear from other strenuous activities.
Back In Motion offers Clinical Exercise in a one-on-one setting with your physio, in semi-private sessions and small group classes.
2. What are the benefits of yoga?
Yoga helps to develop strength and flexibility. It has a great importance placed on maintaining controlled breathing to calm the mind and enhance movement through changing postures.
Yoga encourages you to ‘be present’ and to eliminate thoughts that do not serve your practice objectives, which can be beneficial for anyone who is stressed and would like to eliminate tension. Read about our thoughts on yoga as a form of medicine.
There are many forms of yoga that can be practiced in various temperatures. For example, yoga in a heated room of 30 degrees will stimulate sweat and thus allow your body to eliminate any toxins from your body. In this heat, it is advised to be well hydrated ahead of the class.
3. What is the main difference between yoga and Clinical Exercise?
Yoga is ideal if stretching is your main goal - it is focused on large, slow, functional movements to improve overall strength and flexibility of the spine and limbs. There is also a large emphasised placed on breathing and mindfulness which many devotees find great for stress relief and relaxation.
There are several types of yoga and one is bound to fit your specific needs and personality.
In contrast, Clinical Exercise has more of a results focus. The intention is to build deeper core strength and overall body tone as well as activation of the right muscles which may help to reduce certain pains, such as lower back symptoms.
Classic Clinical Exercise exercises challenge your core while also emphasising strengthening your back, arms, inner thighs, and glutes.
Clinical Exercise, as opposed to traditional Clinical Exercise at a gym or fitness studio, is guided by a physiotherapist or other qualified professional which means your program can developed to minimise and prevent injuries from the movements. We outline the specific differences between Clinical Exercise and gym Clinical Exercise here.
4. What are the similarities between yoga and Clinical Exercise?
Both yoga and Clinical Exercise aim to improve strength with a focus on breathing to controlled movements. Each exercise operates to relieve some form of stress whether it is in the mind or muscles and may serve a variety of people.
Many yoga and Clinical Exercise exercises are completed in group environment on a mat with an instructors guiding you through each routine, ensuring you are using correct form.
Both exercises are designed to connect the body and the mind, helping you to become more comfortable dealing with your day to day activities through improved physical and mental strength.
Yoga vs. Clinical Exercise?
Whether you are considering yoga or Clinical Exercise it is recommended to seek out the advice of a qualified physiotherapist who can assess your body and help you make the right exercise choice to suit your needs. This will help to minimise injury and build a better awareness for your body and its limits.
Contact your nearest Back In Motion practice to learn more about how Clinical Exercise or yoga could help you meet your physical goals.