Lose Weight with Yoga

 

 

 

Reduce Stress and Lose Weight with Yoga

 

Many people use yoga as a way to unwind, relieve tension, improve flexibility, and improve their outlook on life. Yoga definitely has many health benefits, but did you know it can also help you lose weight? Of course, you’re not going to get the same level of calorie burn with yoga as you would with some other exercises, but it does offer weight loss benefits.

When you use yoga for weight loss, you’ll discover that it’s not the calorie burn that’s providing the biggest help in shedding those excess pounds. Yoga uses very controlled movements that can help you relax and focus. You’ll gain a sense of mindfulness, which can be a powerful tool in your weight loss arsenal. As you gain awareness of your body and mind, you just might find that you’re better able to curb your appetite and stick to your weight loss goals.

 

Calorie Burn

The number of calories you burn in a yoga session will depend on the type of yoga you’re doing, the pose, and your body size. The intensity of your practice will also be a factor. Even if you engage in a rigorous yoga session 3 or 4 times a week, you’ll probably still need to cut back on calories in order to lose weight.

 

De-Stressing is an Important Part of Using Yoga for Weight Loss

Some types of yoga, such as Hatha yoga, use gentle standing and seated postures which won’t contribute to a significant calorie burn; however, this type of yoga can still help with weight loss. But how? If you’re not burning calories, how is yoga going to help you trim the fat?

Stress can be a major culprit in weight gain. Of course, there’s that mindless snacking you do when you’re feeling tense; but there is also the stress hormone cortisol, which has been shown to contribute to an increase in body fat. The more stress you’re under, the more cortisol your body will produce. And, the higher your cortisol level, the higher your insulin levels will be. When your insulin level rises, your blood sugar drops, this can lead to cravings for sugar and fatty foods.

 

Power Yoga

Of course, if you want to kick up your weight loss benefits, you might want to try Power Yoga. This type of yoga is fitness based. It is derived from Ashtanga Yoga and offers many of the same benefits, including strength, increased stamina, stress reduction, and flexibility. In this practice your breath is synchronized with your movements. There are many variations and styles. If you would like to try Power Yoga for weight loss, take a look at our recommendation below.