Yoga and Weight Loss – The Facts!
Interested in yoga and weight loss? Welcome to YogaAndWeightLoss.com – your source for yoga and weight loss information.
Losing weight is simple… all you have to do is burn more calories than you take in! Simple right? Well not usually. People have difficulty on both sides of the equation (i.e., reducing calorie intake and increasing calorie burn). Your calorie intake is represented by your diet. Your calorie burn is represented by your physical activity (exercise). Yoga is not a diet, but I believe yoga can absolutely have positive effects on both of these weight loss factors!
How Can Yoga Affect My Calorie Intake?
Most people have difficulty controlling their calorie intake because of psychological reasons. Here’s where the yoga and weight loss synergistic relationship begins! These psychological reasons include things like depression, stress or a poor self-image. The practice of yoga helps to foster a stronger mind body relationship, alleviate stress and improve your self image. Progressing slowly through this new physical activity can help you strengthen your sense of self-control.
Yeah But Can Yoga Burn Enough Calories?
The answer is YES…and no… Let’s talk about how calories are burned first. Aerobic exercises are the first thing most people think of when they think about burning calories. These types of exercises elevate your heart rate, which is paramount when trying to burn calories, whether it’s aerobic or yoga and weight loss. They accomplish this by having you perform a moderate level of exertion over an extended amount of time. For example a marathon is aerobic, but a 100 yard dash is not. Therefore the logical next question is can yoga elevate your heart rate sufficiently? This “runner’s yoga” program can.
What Do You Mean Yes And No?
Earlier I say the answer is “yes” and “no” as to whether yoga can burn enough calories to be considered aerobic exercise. “Yes” some types of yoga can, but “no” not all types of yoga. All types of yoga help with strength and flexibility though. Here are the best styles of yoga for losing weight in my opinion:
- Bikram (Also known as “Hot Yoga): Is performed I room temperatures near 100 degrees! You can’t help, but to sweat with this one.
- Ashtanga (Also known as “Power Yoga”): This intense form of yoga is performed at a much faster pace than most yoga.
- Iyengar: With this form, poses are held for a longer period of time. Therefore your muscles exert a moderate level of work over an extended amount of time.
- “Next Level Yoga“: In my opinion this is the best calorie burning here.
Therefore, it’s clear that yoga and weight loss can absolutely go hand in hand, but you have to choose the right types of yoga. The first three in my list are more advanced forms of yoga, and you should not jump right into any of these listed without consulting a physician first. You should also spend some time learning about all of the types of yoga, the benefits of yoga, and the required equipment… like a good discount yoga mat!
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