Overall Benefits of Yoga for Weight Loss

The basic principle of any weight loss program is to decrease daily caloric intake and increase the activity to burn more fats. This is the general objective of exercises like aerobics, Tae boxing, belly dancing, step exercises and many others. These exercises are upbeat and fast because it is the speed of the movement that stimulates more pumping action of the heart and an increase in metabolism.

yoga for weight lossYou may be asking yourself if yoga for weight loss can be as effective considering that the movements are slow. The answer is yes, yoga for weight loss is just as effective as any cardio exercise. Yoga for weight loss in fact works in a holistic manner. It improves the state of body, mind and spirit.

Yoga is not an aerobic exercise but, an endurance and strength training. It requires the focus of all aspects of the brain, body and soul to perform the exercise routines.

And although it is a slow exercise it can speed up your heartbeat because this exercise requires coordination in movement, focus and endurance.

With all these faculties working, yoga for weight loss is just as effective as aerobic exercises.

Yoga for weight loss allows you to burn calories and get rid of the excess pounds. It also improves your heart and lung’s function. Lastly, it tones up your muscles giving you a lean and sexy body.

Another benefit of yoga for weight loss is its ability to maintain your weight for a longer time; unlike other weight loss programs that make you gain what you’ve lost, once you stop the program.

Yoga for weight loss also focuses on the faculties of the mind, giving you more positive insights and teaching you the strength of willpower and focus.

Overall, yoga for weight loss teaches you to take control of your body, mind and spirit. All of which are important in weight maintenance and keeping a healthy mind and body from inside and out.

Basic Poses for Yoga for Weight Loss

Pranayama

Pranayama is a very effective breathing exercise that allows air to forcefully come in and out of the lungs using your abdominal muscles. It is performed daily for 5 to 10 minutes on an empty stomach; the objective is to stimulate more TSH hormone production that improves metabolism.

Chakra Padasana (Leg Rotation)

The pose is done while flat on your back then raising one leg at 90 degrees. Move the leg clockwise in 12 repetitions and then counterclockwise. Repeat the same procedure with the other leg. This pose strengthens the abdominal muscles and as you do more repetitions, the more calories you burn. This makes yoga for weight loss very effective.

Paschimottanasana (Bending forward)

This yoga for weight loss pose is done with you sitting on the floor and your legs stretched straight forward. Bend slowly as far as you can reach your feet without bending your knees and hold. Exhale and return to original position. Repeat for 8 to 10 repetitions.

Dhanura Asana (Bow shaped posture)

Yoga for weight loss pose that you do while lying flat on your belly. Bend back both knees and try to hold onto them by pulling back your shoulder blades as far back as you can. Hold your position for 4 to 5 seconds then slowly release. Repeat the pose 8 to 10 times.