Asana and its Benefits

asana are categories under three types such as
1.cultural asana
2. meditative asana
3.relaxative asana
These asana are performed in standing,sitting and lying asana.
for more details click www.yogshiksha.blogspot.com

Difference between asana and exercises

ASANA - In yoga asana [poses] are the main part.It should be performed with breathing.It has a therapeutic effect.It cures all types of physical and mental diseases.It also improve concentration.Hath yoga describes 84 different types of asana.It describes such asana which are related to the physical and mental health other then the meditative asana.With the practice of these asana,the whole body gets activated and it becomes flexible,active and healthy.
According to Yog Darshan - स्थिरमसुखमासनम, जो भी अभ्यास सुख और स्थिरता के साथ किया जाए वह आसन कहलाता है .
EXERCISES - This is a fast activity in which heart rate,body temperature and breath rate increase.The effect are external and observable like increase in the muscle mass.These effect are the shorter period and can be measured.

Pranayama and its Benefits

Pranayama is a combination of two wards PRANA and AYAMA.Prana means Breath amd Ayama means to control.That means control of breath is called pranayama.Pranayama is the breathing exercises.Inhale [purak],exhale [rechak] and kumbhak [to hold the breath] are main part of pranayama. You can search all pranayama and its benefits to click here
www.yogicbreath.blog.com <{प्राणायाम और उनके लाभ को जानने के लिए}

Role of Yoga In Sports

Yoga plays an important role in sports.In yoga,Asana,Pranayama,Suryanamaskara,Meditation and kayotsarga are usually performed by sportsperson for various purpose in Sports.Yoga improve their concentration.It helps in developing physical fitness and it is also good for relaxation,good for rehabilitation after injury.
BENEFITS OF YOGA -
1. Improves concentration - some yogasana[balancing pose],Pranayama like anulom-vilom,bhramari etc., Meditation helps to increase concentration.
2. Weight control - Sportsmen often gains weight during off-season.This can easily be prevented by practicing all yoga techniques.
3. Increase immunity - Yoga also increase the immunity.
4. Improves all systems - Yogasana,Pranayama and suryanamaskar improves all body systems.
5.Improves glandular function - Daily practice of yoga improves glandular function.
6. Develop fitness - Yoga asana,pranayama,suryanamaskar develops high level of physical fitness especially flexibility and endurance.
7. Tone up muscular and nervous system
8. The breathing exercises of yoga helps to control the breath which is very important for sportsperson.
9.Meditation,relaxation poses and some pranayama cure stress and anxiety.
10.It cures all components of physical fitness like speed, strength flexibility etc.