To quickly drop weight with yoga, choose a physically challenging practice that gets your heart pumping. To keep the weight off for good, practice consistently and develop your practice slowly if you're currently overweight. As with any new exercise program, consult your doctor first.
Vigorous Yoga Practice
If you're heart rate rises while you're on the yoga mat, you're most likely practicing a vigorous style of yoga. Ashtanga, Jivamukti, Power and Bikram yoga require a high amount of physical output, resulting in high calorie burn. Practicing these types of yoga on a regular basis will likely result in weight loss, but to keep the weight off for good, it's best to look a little deeper into yoga wisdom.
Mild Yoga Practice
Gentle yoga practices like restorative and yin yoga, significantly reduce stress, according to author Timothy McCall, M.D. Because stress plays a big part in overeating and weight gain, a mild and relaxing yoga practice may be effective in weight loss. Start with a simple corpse pose, known as savasana. While laying on your back, relax the arms and legs naturally. Fully relax into the floor, focusing on the breath. Stay in the pose for a minimum of five minutes.
Awareness
A consistent yoga practice teaches you awareness of the body, according to yoga master, B.K.S. Iyengar. The first step to change is being aware of what needs to change. A person who regularly practices yoga is so aware of the body that he or she notices any slight change in weight. The yogi develops a sacred relationship with the body and treats it gently both inside and out.
Yogic Eating
Richard Freeman, owner of the Yoga Workshop in Boulder, CO., believes people who struggle with their weight need to change their relationship with food. He suggests bringing yogic awareness to mealtimes. He recommends sitting down to eat, chewing slowly, and eating wholesome foods. Seeing food as a gift and nourishment for our body will lead to sustainable weight management.
References
- "Yoga as Medicine"; Timothy McCall, M.D.; 2007
- "Light on Yoga"; B.K.S. Iyengar, 1979
- "Yoga, The Path to Holistic Health: Yoga for Ailments"; B.K.S Iyengar; 2001
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