Mind-body exercise couples muscular activity with an internally directed focus so that the participant produces a temporary self-contemplative mental state.
This internal focus is in contrast to conventional body-centered aerobic and muscular fitness exercise in which there is little or no mindful component.
Research on mind-body exercise programs such as yoga and reveal they have significant mental and physical value.
There also are numerous primary and secondary preventive indications for cardiovascular disease in which mind-body exercise can play a primary or complementary role.
Mind-body exercise programs are a necessary addition to evolving disease management models that focus on self-care and decreased health care use.
Reference:
La Forge, R. (1997). Mind-body fitness: encouraging prospects for primary and secondary prevention. Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 11(3), 53-65.