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The well-known saying goes like this, “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”. Exercise is a curious mix of the two. It is technically a ‘work’ as you have to physically and mentally exert yourself to get it done. It is also technically a ‘play’ since you do not do it at the behest of others in return for financial remuneration, rather you do it on your own accord to keep yourself physically and emotionally fit. 

Exercise has a very important place in Ayurveda. It considers exercise as an integral part of a healthy daily routine, just like sleeping and Abhyanga. Ayurveda also suggests certain times of the day to do your exercise. Morning hours are considered the best time for exercises, as doing it at other times makes the body more exhausted, it says. 

Ayurveda recognizes three pillars of exercise - strength training, flexibility and endurance. It also cautions you against over-exerting yourself while exercising. According to Ayurveda, perspiration, an increase in respiratory rate and a feeling of lightness in the body are signs of reaching the threshold of exercise and one should stop doing exercise at this point. 

Ayurveda describes the benefit of daily physical exercise as ‘sthiratva’, or stability. This not only refers to physical stability but also mental, intellectual and emotional.

The feeling of being at ease mentally and physically, retaining strength to work, endurance towards distress, mitigation of kapha dosha, and stimulation of Agni (digestive power) are the benefits of appropriate physical exercise as per Ayurveda. 

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