Ayurvedic bodybuilding and muscle toning supplements were also famous during the time the Ayurvedic classical text books were written many centuries ago!.
These are the benefits ascribed to regular exercise:
Shareera aayaasajananam karma vyaayaama uchyate |
laaghavam karmasaamarthyam deepto agni medasa kshayaha |
vibhaktaghanagaatratwam vyaayaamaat upajaayate |
vaatapittaamayee baalo vruddho ajeerne ca tam tyajet |
ardhashaktyaa nishevyastu balibhihi snigdhabhojibhihi |
sheetakaale vasante cha mandameva tato anyathaa || – Ashtanga sangraha Sutrasthana 5th chapter.
Meaning:
That which brings tiredness to the body is called as Vyayama.
Regular exercise brings lightness to the body and keeps the body healthy and active throughout the day.
It improves digestive power.
It burns fat and makes body strong and sturdy.
Who should do only limited exercise?
Those who have Vata and Pitta predominant body constitution, who are too young or too old, and those suffering from indigestion - they better avoid or do less of exercises.
What kind of food is good for gym and exercise?
Snigha bhojana – unctuous food articles – Ghee, carbohydrate and protein rich food articles. This is because, gym and exercise tend to Vata, to mitigate which, the above food is advised.
Which are the seasons best for Vyayama?
During winter and spring one can do the full range of exercises. in rest of the periods, it can be done with care and in limit. This is because Ayurveda explains - Bala (strength) of an individual will be maximum in winter and spring.
How long one should do Vyayama or exercise:
Upto half of one’s original strength. Till one is having heavy breathing with sweating from forehead, arms and thighs. till that time, it is advised to do exercise.
What are the harms of over – exercising?
Ayurveda says, Over- exercising leads to depletion in body tissues, hunger imbalance, depleted desire and depleted body growth.
It is also quite commonly seen that the over exercise and gym practices leads to an abnormal hunger level, leading to obesity, and many cardiac and respiratory problems, a feeling of excessive tiredness, fatigue etc.
Which is the best time for gym?
Ayurveda explains morning as the best time for exercise. The routine as prescribed by Ayurveda is – to get up at 5 AM, to attend to daily rituals, and then to exercise.
During morning hours, since all the organs are at rest and are ready to get pumping, it is more sensible to go for gym in the morning. That does not mean that one should not do exercise in evening but one gets easily tired out and feels sleepy, if exercised in evening hours.
Ayurvedic herbal supplements to increase muscle tone:
Ashwagandhadi Lehya is the main product that Ayurveda prescribes for an improved muscle tone and fitness. It is also called as Ajaswagandhadi Leham.
As the name indicates, the main ingredient of this confectionery is Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).
Ashwagandha is one of the wonder drugs of Ayurveda. Its characters are described as -
Ashwagandhaa Anila Shleshma shwitra shotha kshayaapahaa|
Balyaa Rasaayanee Tiktaa kashaayoshna ati shukrala || – Bhava Prakasha
It normalizes Vata and kapha, it is also useful in leucoderma. Apart from these, it improves one’s energy, strength and stamina and also is a good aphrodisiac.
Ashwagandha being an excellent anti-stress and anti oxidant agent, can be used as a diet supplement for your daily exercise schedule, by which the energy levels are maintained throughout the day.
Ashwagandhadi lehyam is a potent energy booster.
Aswhagandha is also a potent aphrodisiac herb.
How to take ashwagandhadi lehyam -
One to two teaspoonful of paste along with half a glass of milk or water.
Research work on Ashwagandha –
There has been many researhes conducted on Ashwagandha, which has again proved the efficacy of the herb.
Study conducted at Department of Physiology at University of Madras has proved the anti-stress activity of Ashwagandha.
Immunomodulatory effect of Ashwagandha is also well established through a research study conducted by department of bio – sciences at Vellore University.
There are many research papers establishing anti-oxidant, cardio protective activity, anticancerous activities of ashwagandha.
Hello Doctor,
I’m doings some body building since march and I realy enjoy it.
I have some questions on AV and BB.
I was thinking to do some Matra Basti for strength and also because I’m
VP prakruti, but more V now in autum and winter.
I go to the gym almost everyday. I just skip a day when my body say’s I’m tired.
So when do you think is the best time to do Matra Basti? I do gym in the
morning.
There’s lots of talk on the net about Ashwagandha, but are there other
products too? Shilajit, Mucuna Pruriens??
thanks
Hi, Vaidya Paul, regarding the matrabasti – I suppose, Matrabasti or any type of Shodhana is be undertaken under strict supervision of an Ayurvedic expert. anyways, here is my answer –
Contra indications – do not take matra basti when you have –
taken alcohol, acidity, indigestion , lose stools, sticky stools, abdominal problems, diabetes,
The tongue should not be coated and stools should float on water.
time to take matrabasti (in your case – for those who do exercise in the morning ) is evening, just five minutes after dinner. The dinner should be hot & light., not oily, avoid cold items and curds, keep yourself warm , to take warm water.
Gap between Basti and sleep – preferably 2-3 hours.
suitable herbal supplement for gym goers –
if you are non vegetarian, then Ajaswagandhadi leham – two spoons in the morning, 10 minutes, after coming back from gym. it contains nutritious and stabilizing Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha, mucuna, etc.,
if You are vegetarian, then herbovital capsules two tablets in the morning and evening. it contains ashwagandha, shilajatu, shatavari (asperagus) etc. So I suggest this.
I have been using it for years and wouldnt use anything else!
Dear Dr Hebbar
What about Tribulus Terrestris (Gokshura). Could you explain the benefits of this plant? Fruit and Whole Plant
Your blog is very informative.
Many thanks
Alain
It is a small plant, usually spreads on the ground, having thorny fruits. It is one among Dashamoola (group of ten roots). Tribulus is known for aphrodisiac action. It also acts as mild diuretic and is used in kidney, bladder and gall bladder stones.
Hello Doctor,
Hello Dr. I am raj 25 years old want to know how to reduce stomach (abdominal excess) fat because of my busy working schedule i wont get time for exercise. Please help me i will be waiting for your reply.
I find your tips very usefull. Could you explain diet recomendations for intensive workout. I do 5days a week 2hrs exercise. my prakruti is PK. living in north Europe, so wheather is cold and wet, and changes often. Thank you.
i would like to know about gokshura in bodybuilding.
Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) is an Ayurvedic herb used since many centuries. There are different clinical trials proving its influence to stimulate testosterone production. But strong evidence is yet to be established. Another interesting fact about Gokshura is, it is an excellent diuretic and helps to give shape to the muscles.
There are many tribulus supplements in the market but the best way to use it is to get the raw herb, make into decoction and to drink it.
thank you dr. hebbar for your information. from where and how can i get it in the pure form. pls let me know. Thank you doctor.
You can get raw Gokshura in any raw herb selling shops. at least in India, there are plenty. I can not suggest you stores in this platform, as any kind of affiliate business is not allowed here.
hello sir,
i ve taken dabur ashwagandhadhi lehyam and i have it 2 sppon in the morning and evening. would this be enough as a body building supplement since am keen in building musles and started going ti gym.
with regards,
thankyou.
Yes, even single spoon in the morning would be sufficient. regards
SIR I CAN’T FIND ASHWAGANDHADHI LEHYAM.TE THE PHARMACY.IS ASHWANDHA CHURNA IS ALSO HELPFUL.R THERE SIDE EFFECTS.
It is the next best thing to lehya. Ashwagandha capsules are also available in the market.
Just for information.. Is there any suppliment to be taken for diabetic body builders…..is ashwagandhadhi lehyam and Gokshura safe..
If you mean plain gokshura capsule / tablet it can be taken.
It is better to avoid ashwagandhadi lehyam, as it contains sugar.
Any Ayurvedic body building ( muscle building) suppliment for Diabetics…
Is ashwagandha safe for diabetics
Yes it is.
Plain Ashwagandha capsule is a good choice. But consulting your Ayurvedic doctor in person is a good idea.
I am taking 2 spoons of ashwagnadha churna everyday and shilajeet.. I am diabetic.. is it ok.
I do mild exercise alternate days
Looks just fine. No issues.
Dear Dr J.V.Hebbar
i am from sri lanka and nowdays im doing bodybuilding excercise i used to take english medicine for bodybuilding but sir there is no good answer therefor please let me know where can i buy ASHWAGANDHADI LEHYA or similler to that for bodybuilding in sri lanka or how can i order.
please send full detail with price
thanks
Dear sir,
You can buy Aswagandhadi Lehyam from the following link –
Aswagandhadi Lehyam (500 gms)