Bollywood Yoga Poses To Lose Weight & Get Toned

Bollywood yoga, inspired by the high-spirited, energetic dancing in Indian films, adds movement to familiar poses. Hemalayaa Behl, an instructor based in Los Angeles, blends traditional poses and classical Indian dancing for a playful, upbeat workout designed to tone your body, burn calories, strengthen your core, release tension and lift your spirits. If you are new to this practice, check with your physician about any health concerns before you begin.

Downward Facing Dog

Begin in downward-facing dog, with your body in an upside-down V position. Your hands are the front of your yoga mat, and your feet placed hip-width apart at the back of your mat. Bend and straighten your knees as you slowly move your hips back and forth. Unlike traditional yoga where you might hold the pose, find the movement in your body.

Cobra Pose

Bring your shoulders forward over your hands and lie down on your belly. Place your hands flat on the floor alongside your chest. Inhale, slowly wind your shoulders one at a time as you rise into cobra pose. Exhale and lower back to the floor. Repeat four times. Then, continue this movement but, this time, as you exhale, open your mouth and stick out your tongue to help your digestion. Do this five times, and then rest in child's pose.

Lunges

From downward-facing dog, walk your feet forward. Step your right foot back into a lunge. Lower your right knee to the floor. Slowly, move your hips forward and back to loosen your hip joints. Make sure your front knee doesn't go further forward than your ankle. Do four more times. Bring your right foot forward and your left foot back, and repeat on this side. Switch legs once again, and this time, with your back knee off the floor, lift and lower your hips five times. Repeat on your opposite side.

Side Stretches

Sit on your yoga mat with your knees bent. Instead of crossing your legs, place one foot in front of the other. Place your right hand on the floor on your side. Inhale as reach your left arm over your head and bend to your right. Rotate your left wrist. Exhale as you round your back and bend forward. Inhale, lift up and stretch your left arm back. Repeat four times, then sit back up straight. Place your left hand on the floor on your side and continue the entire sequence for a total of five times.

Warrior II Stretch

Stand with your feet wide apart and your hands on your hips. Turn your right foot out 90 degrees and your left foot inward at a 45-degree angle. As you exhale, bend your right knee so it's directly over your ankle. Inhale as you straighten your leg. Repeat four times, then switch the position of your feet and repeat on your left side.