I don't think anyone is arguing that physically exercising wouldn't provide some of the same mental benefits of meditation. I for one think that it would. (Especially the act of forcing oneself to go to the gym, rather than just having fun playing basketball with friends--even if the exercise content is the same).

But in your original post you are doubting that meditation has these benefits at all. I think that is what most people are arguing against.

> But in your original post you are doubting that meditation has these benefits at all.

I am arguing there is no basis for the claims of specific benefits. I never disputed that meditation clearly does something. It's just not clear that something is at all meaningful, or lines up with the article's motivations.