What’s the difference between Yoga and bioenergetic exercise?
And why would you do bioenergetic exercise instead of Yoga? What’s the difference?
While many of the poses of Yoga and bioenergetics are the same, there are some fundamental differences. For instance, bioenergetic exercise is primarily about emotional fitness and really nothing to do with physical fitness. I would say foundationally that’s a huge difference. Bioenergetic exercise is all about getting in the practice of noticing what’s happening inside of you and allowing yourself to express it. It is about connecting you to who you are and allowing you to practice expressing who you are. Finding your instincts and expressing them. Noticing and expressing, or being able to contain your impulses depending on the situation at hand.
Dr. Alexander Lowen explains the difference between Yoga and bioenergetics:
…there is a difference between the breathing in Yoga and in bioenergetics. Our aim is not to give you a religious or mystical experience but to help you be more alive and more aware of yourself and your surroundings. Our focus, therefore, is upon natural respiration, breathing that is easy, deep, and spontaneous. It is not a matter of making yourself breathe but of letting yourself breathe. Every disturbance of natural breathing is due to unconscious holding patterns or muscular tensions. You may not breathe fully for fear that you might erupt in a scream. If that is your problem, find a private place and let it out. A car on a highway is an excellent place to scream, no one can ever hear it. Screaming is an old-fashioned release technique Victorian ladies knew very well. It still works wonders.
Excerpt from, “The Way to Vibrant Health, A Manual of Bioenergetic Exercises” by Alexander Lowen, MD
The Benefits of Expansive Breathing
When you breathe more easily, your body feels safe. When your body feels safe, you feel good. And when you feel good your emotional life improves.
So, if you’re interested in any of the following things, then bioenergetic exercise is for you.
- Decrease your stress
- Improve your confidence
- Increase your energy level
- Experience a greater level of vitality in your life
- Improve your relationships
If you’re interested in bioenergetic exercise, give me a call. We’ll talk.
Contact me now to set up your free 15-minute phone session.
