Benefits of Yoga For Weight Loss
3 min readYoga is a complete system of mental, physical, and spiritual practices that help participants focus on the breath and feel more connected to their body. There are various types of yoga, each with its own specific goals, but they all emphasize breathing and connecting movement to the body. Here are some benefits of yoga for weight loss:
It improves body image. The more lean muscle you have, the faster your metabolism will run. You will also burn more calories even when you’re not exercising. Stress and hormones also affect the way you eat, so yoga helps to balance the hormones that cause weight gain. The result? A body that is leaner and more in tune with its hunger signals. As a result, you’ll feel less stressed and eat healthier.
Another advantage of yoga for weight loss is that it helps to build lean muscle. Because yoga is a body weight-based exercise, the more lean muscle you have, the faster your metabolism will run, which will speed up your fat loss. Yoga is also helpful in lowering cortisol, a stress hormone that can hinder weight loss. And certain types of yoga are also excellent cardio workouts. Ashtanga and Vinyasa are two popular types of yoga and involve fast paced “flowing” sequences.
Downward-facing dog is a great posture to practice for weight loss. This posture targets multiple muscles, including the glutes, back, hamstrings, and quads. It also improves your digestion. Depending on your yoga practice, you might want to consider some modifications before jumping into this asana. However, if you’re not sure, consult a yoga specialist before trying anything new. This way, you can learn more about yoga for weight loss and avoid any complications.
The level of challenge of your yoga sessions will depend on how much experience you have and your level of fitness. For weight loss, you should practice yoga three times a week at an intensity that feels like a challenge. Increased heart rate and sweating are good indicators of a safe level of difficulty. Lastly, remember to breathe properly, take breaks between sessions, and visualize yourself as fit. This will motivate you to keep going. Your body and mind will thank you!
A good yoga practice will start with a wide straddle position. In this pose, your legs should be parallel to one another and your knees should be bent. Your left foot should be over your right knee. Your right hand should rest on the left knee to keep your legs down. Then, extend your left arm out and look over your left shoulder. As you repeat the sequence, bring your legs back to the midline position and repeat to the other side.
Another benefit of yoga for weight loss is that it promotes overall wellness. You’ll be more flexible and stronger, while losing weight is a side benefit. A one-hour yoga session will burn approximately 85 calories. In comparison, a half-hour of vigorous exercise will burn about 242 calories. Yoga is a great way to lose weight if you are struggling with weight or are looking for a new exercise regime. So, what are you waiting for? Start practicing yoga today!