Yoga to burn fat

Yoga helps burn fat and thereby contributes to weight reduction. An insight into the type of yoga is essential, as certain asanas help in weight loss. It is basically the interaction between the hormones and yoga that has the effect. Matsyasana (Fish pose) and sarvangasana (Shoulder stand) stimulates the thyroid gland and thus contributes to metabolism of fat. These asanas also help in muscle mass gain and loss of weight. The muscle tone is better with yoga. Oxygen helps in the burning of fat. Breathing and concentration are the basic principles of yoga. Deep breathing helps in the increase of oxygen transport to the various cells. This also includes the fat cells, which are burnt in the process. Yoga helps in understanding the hazards of obesity and over eating. Thus, yoga indirectly helps in weight loss. The hazards of overeating and obesity is highlighted upon, thereby bringing down the urge to binge eat. 

Yoga also provides relief from stress and helps in the reduction of anxiety levels. Food intake increases during high stress levels. This is more of a psychological issue. Gulping of food and over eating is a big ‘no-no’ and is not associated with yoga. Practice yoga in a steady pace. Fat burns in a slow rate. It burns more of total calories. Power yoga or Bikram yoga are of great intensity and results in loss of total calories. Proper warming up, helps in effective workout, which in turn contributes to fat expenditure. Salutation to the sun or surya namaskar is an effective way to commence a yoga session. Ardha chandrasana or half moon pose, yoga crunches and so on are certain stretching exercises that are helpful, right after surya namaskar. Yoga helps in the acquirement of harmony and balance. Yoga also prevents nibbling and binge eating or eating between meals. Yoga triggers a number of glands and thus affects fat metabolism.

Yoga asanas for fat loss

Certain yoga asanas that help in fat loss are Dhanurasana (bow pose), Pavan muktasana (free breeze pose) and Bhujangasana (cobra pose). Ways to do the same are given below: 

• Lie flat on your abdomen to practice the bow pose. Bend the knees and catch your ankles. Push your head behind and look at the roof. 
• Lie on your back for pavan muktasana. Bend one knee to hold the other toes. Touch the knees with the toes. Repeat with the other leg.
• Lie on the stomach for cobra position and place your hands under the shoulder, push the upper back.