Training

 Exercise is essential for maintaining good health, a view supported by both Ayurveda and Western health science. Lack of exercise can lead to brittle bones, muscle atrophy, and an increased risk of various diseases. As we age, the importance of regular exercise becomes even more pronounced in order to maintain our bodies' optimal functioning. 

Additionally, exercise is one of the most effective methods to manage stress. Stress prepares us for physical activity, helping us to flee from or confront threats. However, the stressors we face today are often not something we can escape or physically fight off. This is why physical exercise is so beneficial; it provides an outlet for the stress hormones that can otherwise disrupt our bodies.

According to Ayurveda, those who neglect to make time for exercise will eventually find themselves needing to allocate time for illness. Ayurveda also emphasises that exercise plays a key role in strengthening digestion, which is crucial for overall health. However, it's important not to overdo it. The approach recommended by Ayurveda is to exercise at about 50% of your maximum capacity. There are various interpretations of what this means in practice. My guideline is that training should always be fun and enjoyable; it should bring joy, not pain. If you push yourself too hard or train too frequently, your body may break down instead of building up. 

Strength, speed, and endurance are not gained during the training itself but during the recovery periods between workouts. This highlights the importance of recovery. It's not just about how long you rest between training sessions, but also about how you recover. Proper sleep, a nutritious diet, and managing stress are essential. Additionally, practices like meditation, especially Transcendental Meditation (TM), can provide deep rest that benefits recovery.