When citing the many benefits of yoga participation, weight loss may not exactly lead the list. Yoga is typically viewed as a workout geared for improvements in flexibility, breathing and muscular strength. Specific forms of yoga, including Power Yoga, offer a higher intensity, continuous style of exercise. By coordinating yoga exercises with breathing, increases in energy and metabolism will lead to an increased amount of calories burned. Burning higher amounts of calories through exercise and taking in lower amounts of calories through healthy eating will promote weight loss.
History
Yoga has been around for centuries as a path to spiritual growth. Unification of body, mind and spirit is achieved through various branches, or types of yoga. Some types are more physical than others. Modern yoga in the Western Hemisphere focused on the physical aspects of yoga. The most vigorous types of yoga have evolved into a higher intensity, power type of yoga workout.
Function
Yoga workouts consist of physical postures, or poses, that are held for a duration of five deep, or full breaths. Your muscles contract to hold your body in the positions. Many positions require you to hold the full weight of your body. This type of workout promotes increases in muscular strength, endurance and muscle mass. When the poses are sequenced in a continuous manner with no rest in-between, a greater demand is placed on your body. This demand generates heat, stimulates circulation and increases fuel demands on your heart and lungs. Increases in muscle mass, along with these increased demands, promotes higher levels of metabolism.
Types
There are several varieties, or types, of yoga that are considered to be forms of Power Yoga. Ashtanga Yoga is believed to be the original type of yoga that has evolved into Power Yoga because it is the most rigorous form of yoga. The workout consists of linked poses forming sequences that utilize strong breathing techniques. Bikram Yoga is also referred to as a Power Yoga workout. Bikram Yoga is performed in a heated room promoting the elimination of toxins, which assists in weight loss. Core Power Yoga consists of exercises that work opposite pairs of muscles and muscle groups increasing muscular strength and endurance in the abdominal and lower back areas. Increases in strength and stamina also promote weight loss.
Time Frame
Power Yoga should not be considered a quick and easy weight loss method. Increases in metabolism are not quick to occur compared to cardio training. It takes a while for increases in muscular strength and flexibility to occur. However, consistent training will lead to improvements that will ultimately assist in weight loss attempts. In addition, weight loss through Power Yoga workouts, combined with healthy eating, will promote weight loss that is more likely to be maintained. Suggested workout frequency is two to three sessions per week, or ten sessions per month.
Considerations
Additional benefits of yoga include reduced stress and a general feeling of well-being. Improved feelings and self-love have been shown to have positive effects on dieting. Many emotional eating habits leading to overeating have been diminished with yoga participation.
References
- "Yoga for Joy of It"; Minda Goodman Kraines & Barbara Rose Sherman; 2010
- Power Yoga
- Core Power Yoga
Member Comments