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Yoga trainer Shashank Gupta explains that both exercise and stretching are essential for a healthy body. Stretching can be done anytime and increases flexibility, while exercise aids in weight management and improves sleep
Exercise is done consciously, whereas stretching can be done without planning.
Regular stretching and exercising are integral to the goal of maintaining a fit and healthy body. Some people prefer to exercise, while many opt for stretching. But which is better? Or rather, what is the difference between the two? Actually, both exercise and stretching complement each other to keep a body strong, flexible, and healthy.
In an interview with News18, Delhi-based yoga trainer Shashank Gupta reflects on the difference between exercise and stretching.
According to Gupta, one needs adequate time to exercise. Moreover, it has to be done at a fixed time, like a few hours after eating or a few hours before going to sleep. On the other hand, one can stretch anytime and anywhere.
Exercise is done consciously, whereas stretching can be done without planning. For instance, to activate our bodies in the morning, we stretch the muscles of our hands and feet before waking up from sleep without any elaborate planning.
Benefits of Stretching
According to Gupta, regular stretching increases your efficiency in physical activities. Whatever work you do, you can do it with much more speed and vitality. He believes that stretching increases the flexibility of muscles and cells, thus preventing injuries.
Apart from this, Gupta states that it is possible to prevent stiffness of joints or any other joint issues that occur as one gradually ages. People who stretch regularly may even prevent shaky hands and legs that often come with old age, he adds.
Benefits of Exercising
According to Gupta, regular exercise is beneficial for weight management and improves one’s temperament and helps one sleep better. Gupta believes that exercising helps in dealing with health conditions and slows down the ageing process and increases energy. Apart from this, exercise also improves one’s sex life, he says.
