When considering choices for a workout, few options might seem as different on the surface as boxing and Ashtanga yoga. However, they two share many similarities: Both are full-body workouts; both are best practiced in a class environment with a qualified instructor; both include close attention to breath. The differences are more of focus and training environment. Which is better for you will depend on your personal goals and preferences.
Ashtanga Yoga Basics
Ashtanga yoga is a school of Hatha yoga attributed to the sage Vmana Rishi. A typical practice session puts the practitioner through a sequence of postures intended to develop strength, flexibility, endurance and balance. Ashtanga yoga also places greater emphasis on breath during a workout, with the patterns and rhythms of breathing as important to training as the physical postures of the body.
Boxing Workout Basics
A boxing workout doesn't just consist of sparring. In a typical 60-minute session, participants will run through calisthenics, strength training, skills instruction, skills practice, partner drills, bag work and sparring. This kind of routine includes both rigorous cardiovascular conditioning, and a resistance workout that builds strength and endurance.
Calorie Burn
If your primary reason for working out is weight loss, knowing how many calories an exercise burns is an important factor in your decision. According to health resource website NutriStrategy, a 155-pound person will burn about 500 calories in a one-hour session of boxing. A yoga workout like Ashtanga will burn about 250 calories in the same amount of time.
Flexibility
Flexibility is important in fight sports, and a portion of most boxing sessions will include some attention to flexibility. However, flexibility is one of the main attributes developed by Ashtanga yoga workouts. If flexibility is important to your fitness goals, Ashtanga yoga is a better choice than boxing.
Stress Relief
The breathing practices and general culture of Ashtanga yoga can contribute directly to stress relief, another common reason for starting a workout program. Boxing training and stress are more complex. It's possible for the vigorous workout and outlet for aggression to reduce stress during a session of boxing. However, people who dislike violence or are afraid of being hit might find a boxing session actually adds stress to their lives.
Intensity
Both boxing and Ashtanga workouts are high-intensity exercise. They push your body hard, and can produce impressive results. However, boxing doesn't include only intensity in terms of how hard you work. It also includes emotional intensity involved with being struck repeatedly by somebody who knows how. People who dislike combat sports should not take on a boxing workout, while people who prefer a more dynamic workout may want to avoid Ashtanga yoga.
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