On retreat - how important is it to exercise?

[prsvrnc]

Multi-week retreats. How important is it to engage in strenuous exercise? When I don't have a rigorous dharma schedule, I consider exercise to be a major component to feeling good and emotional well-being. Should I dedicate time each day to rigorous exercise even though it takes up limited time on retreat? Maybe in leu of exercise it is possible to reduce your calorie-intake and focus on long practice hours instead?
What do you think? What is the advice of teachers on this topic?

[MiphamFan]

Depending on what practice you are doing, some Vajrayana traditions will teach you some form of yantra yoga, others might not.

I'm not sure if more vigorous forms of exercise would be done at all, might interfere with prana maybe? I'm not sure, would be interesting to see what qualified teachers say.

[seeker242]

Prostrations are good practice and good exercise!

[pemachophel]

Recently in Portland, OR, Dr. Nida said He thought that long prostrations were the absolute best form of yoga. Personally, I always include at least a half hour of prostrations every day when I am in retreat.

[Simon E.]

Can I ask prsnvc, is this a formal, led retreat? i.e. supervised by a teacher?

[Natan]

Finding a way out of giving things importance is the best exercise.

[maybay]

Sun salutations A and B, and Ashtanga primary series up to PARSVOTTANASANA for beginners. I do some other Tai Chi exercises that don't have a name. Circumambulate whatever building you're in while chanting mantra.

[prsvrnc]

Finding a way out of giving things importance is the best exercise.

Hah, I like this. This was fitting because there was a sense of urgency/concern that inspired the post. (Me wishing I didn't need to think it was important, yet I struggle so much with sleep and I have this idea that exercise will help me sleep earlier rather than be wide awake.)

Also, yes!! Prostration recommendations -- this is very good. Should have been the first thing to come to mind. Thank you for this reminder. These absolutely work up a sweat which is what I'm looking for.

As for Simon E.'s question about my retreat, if you PM me i will tell you details.

[prsvrnc]

Finding a way out of giving things importance is the best exercise.

Hah, I like this. This was fitting because there was a sense of urgency/concern that inspired the post. (Me wishing I didn't need to think it was important, yet I struggle so much with sleep and I have this idea that exercise will help me sleep earlier rather than be wide awake.)

Also, yes!! Prostration recommendations -- this is very good. Should have been the first thing to come to mind. Thank you for this reminder. These absolutely work up a sweat which is what I'm looking for.

As for Simon E.'s question about my retreat, if you PM me i will tell you details.

[Ayu]

I don't know if anybody recommends daily walks in nature or if anybody disagrees. I don't ask if it is okay or not, because my legs, knees and my mind need a daily walk. While doing it I try to meditate as good as possible.