Yoga For Weight Loss

Submitted by Kevin Pederson on December 24, 2009

Yoga is an ancient Indian system of exercise, and millions of people over the world now practice yoga in some form or the other, in an effort to be stronger, fitter and healthier. Yoga has many recognised benefits, and helps reverse several diseases that our modern lifestyle causes, like back problems, muscle weakness, indigestion and even heart disease. Obesity, too, is caused by our sedentary and unhealthy lifestyles; but can yoga, which does not burn as many calories as an aerobic workout, really help you to lose weight? The answer is both yes and no.
Yoga poses, or Asanas increase strength and flexibility. Not only do they help your muscles, but also strengthen your joints, tendons, sinews and internal organs. But the ultimate aim of yoga is not a superficial, physical one. It is a union of mind, body and breath. You could say that it is a path to enlightenment, and on this path, everything unnecessary is dropped. One of these things is your extra weight.

There are many different schools of yoga, like Ashtanga Yoga, Hatha Yoga and Kundalini yoga. Some modern practitioners have also formulated a new school, known as Power Yoga, which utilizes strong, fast movements to increase the number of calories burnt during a yoga session. This kind of yoga, while not a traditional system, may be very helpful to lose weight. Bikram yoga for weight loss can also help you on your path. Traditional systems, while not very calorie intensive, also help you lose weight. They do this by bringing the body back to normalcy, and balancing out the imbalance in the body. As a result, you lose weight. The weight loss by yoga is slow and gradual, but for good, unlike dieting and some gym workouts. For instance, you could also use the gym or pilates for weight loss, but don’t stop yoga.

Further, when done right, yoga helps you to get in touch with your body. You begin to understand your body, and respect it more. As a result, you will stop overeating, and abusing your body with poisons like junk food and alcohol.

Keep in mind that yoga will probably not help you to lose weight drastically. If you are extremely overweight, you need to also follow other forms of exercise. Remember that yoga was created at a time when human beings had extremely active lifestyles, and got plenty of exercise during the day, be it farming, walking or going to war! Today, we don’t lead such lifestyles. Therefore, you will also have to incorporate some sort of strength and aerobic training into your lifestyle.

While yoga is a complete system, and a good teacher, or guru, will teach you everything there are some yoga poses for weight loss that are extremely beneficial. These include the Sun Salute or Surya Namaskara, Triangle pose, Tree pose, Warrior pose, Cobra pose, Wind releasing pose, Child pose, and Cat pose, among the many others. You should also practice Pranayama or breathing exercise and meditation.

You may buy a yoga for weight loss dvd, but it is suggested that you also find a good guru to guide you. A teacher is imperative in the practice of yoga. Once you have this, several yoga for weight loss videos are available online to take you further.