Introduction

Yoga is a general name for the systems of spiritual and physical aspects practiced from the ancient times in India. The word Yoga has been applied not to the central aim of attaining the heightened consciousness, but also to the development of every human faculty - physical, emotional and ethical - which may conduce to that end.

Modern medicine has made marvelous advanced in the diagnostic techniques, medical management and surgical treatments in some of the most difficult health problems of Man. The life expectancy of man has improved two fold compared to what it was four decades ago. But, the quality of health right from the age of 30 years has definitely deteriorated. It can be seen from the fact that there is a steep increase in the incidence of problems like Overweight, Hypercholesterolaemia, Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension and Coronary artery disease in the people of younger age group. Similarly more and more people are suffering from respiratory allergies, autoimmune diseases, cervical and lumbar spondylosis, particularly the urban dwellers. The man has forgotten the importance of a regulated daily routine, proper dietary habits, the need of regular exercise and is indulging in excessive, indiscriminate medication for even minor health problems.

Need for regular exercise in one's own daily routine id being realised by every one but one is confused as to what type of exercise one should take up, particularly in the stormy, nerve racking conditions of modern life. Physical activity on account of one's own domestic and professional reasons cannot be considered as sufficient exercise except in certain situations like hard labour, miners and peasants in the fields. How much we overeat and how less we exert can be seen by the following tables.


 CONVENTIONAL EXERCISES AND GAMES

Luxury is defined as the amount of lethargy one can afford. Any exercise which is not done for 5 to 6 days in a week has no positive effect on the Health. Walking, jogging, games, aerobics, attending health clubs, gyms and yoga institutions etc. are not possible on regular basis for today's Executives, Professionals and Businessmen. The reasons are time constraint, travel, requires preparation and a companion is needed invariably. Moreover, these exercises are not ideal for total fitness.


 CRITERIA FOR AN IDEAL EXERCISE REGIMEN:

a) Should be of short duration.

b) Should be feasible wherever you are at home, in a hotel, in a guest house or at friend's place (for frequently traveling people).

c) Should not require ant preparation like wearing track suits, shoes with long laces, and to reach a particular place etc.

d) Should be easy to adapt (no one has time to go and learn or no one can come and make you do an exercise regimen).

e) Should give enough exertion (to achieve target heart rate i.e. 220-age), movements to all joints, keep the spine flexible and should have requirements of an ideal exercise regimen, a "25 minutes yoga for you", programme has been designed and prescribed in this session from medical point of view.