HOW DOES YOGA HELP WITH WEIGHT LOSS

Yoga is an ancient art, science and philosophy that have benefited its practitioners by elevating their spiritual, mental and physical well-being. And for those interested in shedding some pounds, yoga has a lot to offer. This ancient art/science which combines stretches, poses, regulated breathing and meditation, is not just focused on elevating mental and spiritual awareness but also on increasing blood flow and heart rate, stimulating the thyroid gland, balancing the pH level and the body heat, and strengthening the bones. All these, combined with a healthy diet, increases body metabolism which promotes fat burn. Do not get distracted by the stretches, poses and slow rhythmic movements, yoga is a powerful tool in losing weight. May be not in the same way or at the same rate which regular aerobic routines do, but it does deliver the desired results. Regular aerobic exercise is usually all about burning out calories, while yoga helps elevate and balance your mind and mind.

It is also worthy of note that most weight-gain have some underlying psychological causes, such as stress, anxiety, low-self esteem, and depression. Yoga helps its practitioners to become more aware of themselves, their body and their strengths in a way that boosts their confidence and consciousness. According to Annie B. Kay, Lead Nutritionist, Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, Mass.:

“Yoga facilitates weight loss in several ways and when combined with evidence-based nutritional guidance, can be highly effective. While yoga is often thought of as the physical practice, the full practice includes all aspects of lifestyle including diet, mental attitude, choices about one's lifestyle and philosophical study.”

WEIGHT LOSS POSES AND THEIR BENEFITS

Yoga poses (or Asanas) that helps in losing weight can be tailored to suit the diverse preferences of its practitioners. For the purpose of weight lose; it is advisable to increase the pace and time of each routine, as well as the frequency per week. A more modern approach is the now popular Power Yoga, an offshoot of the Ashtanga Yoga, which is more vigorous and developed for toning the muscles and losing weight. Also, breathing must be regulated along with maintaining focus and meditation. Here are a few yoga poses that will help you get rid of excess body fat:

1. Warrior Pose I & II (or Veerabhadrasana & Virabhadrasana): This pose builds muscles in the arms, shoulders, abdomen, thigh and legs, while burning fat in those regions. Deep breathing increases oxygen and blood flow which increases body metabolism.

2. Bow Pose (or Dhanurasana): A bit difficult to strike, but this pose does wonders externally by burning belly and thigh fat, and internally by stimulating liver activity.

3. Cobra Pose (or Bhujangasana): A simple pose that also stimulates liver function as well as build abdominal muscles. Deep breathing while performing this pose increases the oxygen delivery to tissues thereby boosting the metabolism. It also tones the abdominal muscles and buttocks.

4. Fish Pose (or Matsyana):  This simple pose can be done with the legs straightened or in Padmasana (folded under the buttocks). It stimulates thyroid activities, increases oxygen and blood flow, reduces anxiety, and accelerates digestion (clearing the colon). It also burns belly fat and tones the muscles.

5. Sun Salutation (or Surya Namaskar): Twelve yoga poses together form the Surya Namaskar. This pose strengthens the cardiovascular system and abdominal muscles while simultaneously helping to reduce excess fat around the stomach and thighs. It increases flexibility, reduces stress and anxiety, and strengthens the entire skeletal system of the body.