Sign up for your 14-day free trial today.
Yoga for Weight Loss
| Posted on Sep 12, 2011 |
Can Yoga Help Your Weight Loss Efforts?
Yoga is a great exercise. It can help with flexibility, strength and balance as well as be a great form of relaxation. But can yoga help you lose weight? The short answer is yes, yoga can be an important part of your workout routine and your weight loss efforts. But how effective depends on the type of yoga and the other aspects of your exercise routine.What is Yoga?
Yoga originated in India over 5000 years ago. Yoga came to the United States probably around the late 1800s, but wasn’t widely recognized until the 1960s. It was viewed as an excellent way for improving health and well-being, as well as managing stress. The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit root “yuj” which means “to yoke” or “to unite”. Yoga brings together the mind, body and spirit into harmony. It incorporates physical movements and posturing with breathing techniques and meditation. Someone who studies or practices yoga is referred to as a Yogi. There are many different schools of yoga, but several of the most well know practices include Hatha, Raja, Jnana, Bhakti, Karma and Tantra yoga.It is important to remember that weight loss does come down to burning more calories than you take in and more physically intense yoga will burn more calories and result in more weight loss than less intense yoga. However, if yoga helps you do more aerobic exercise or avoid emotional eating by relieving stress, having less aches and pains, better sleep, or more flexibility then it can be a very important part of your weight loss routine despite not burning a lot of calories.
How to Get Started With Yoga
How do you get started? We would recommend you find a qualified instructor through your local gym or dance studio. Although there is no national or international certification program for yoga teachers, you may be able to get referrals from friends or co-workers. Whether one-on-one instruction or in a small group, you should learn the basics of safe, effective yoga before attempting to do it on your own.A simple plan for healthy, permanent weight loss. Visit us to learn how the Achieve-Life weight loss program can help you achieve the life you've always wanted.
All articles on Achieve-Life.com are written by board certified physicians.
|
Follow Us