International Yoga Day 2022: In this article, we discuss ways through which yoga aids healthy weight loss. Along with this, how can a beginner incorporate yoga into their routine.
International Yoga Day 2022: Yoga promotes better mental health which boosts weight loss
Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that unites the mind-body and spirit. It is a holistic approach to wellness with many benefits. Yoga can help people suffering from mental health issues as well as physical problems. This International Yoga Day let's discuss how can yoga help us lose weight.
Can yoga help with weight loss?
Yes, yoga can even help you lose weight. It doesn't help burn fat but helps treat the underlying causes behind weight gain. Treating these symptoms helps move your body faster and boosts your metabolism. This helps burn calories faster, making you fit and toned.
Here are ways through which yoga can help with weight loss:
1. Yoga and mindful eating habits
When you're performing yoga you are in touch with your body and mind. It helps pay attention to your body, its needs, and its functioning. Yoga can help know yourself better, helping reduce your impulsivity and increases your endurance. Mindful eating is another benefit of yoga. It means you can recognise your body's cues and understand its needs leading to no more binge or overeating unhealthy foods. A regulated and controlled diet can help reduce your weight gain.
2. Yoga can help manage stress
Stress and anxiety can cause inflammation and weight gain. Yoga helps lower stress levels in the body. When we're under stress, our brain releases cortisol, the hormone that triggers hunger. Yoga breathing techniques help lower chronic stress, achieve a calmer state of mind, and reduce stress-related problems. Stress and anxiety also cause insomnia or sleeping problems among people. Deep breathing and meditation can help improve sleep quality and prevent weight gain.
3. Yoga and muscle strength
Yoga helps with muscle gain and strength. You don't only need strength training for muscle gain. When you're performing yoga you're using your body weight against yourself. It helps create resistance and strengthen your body. Different Yoga poses stretch every muscle in your body, making sure you get a full-body workout with lesser pain and more gain.
4. Yoga and sleep
Yoga is known to improve the quality of sleep over time. It helps fall into a deeper sleep with reduced interruptions at night. A good sleep schedule is known to aid weight loss. Feeling well-rested helps control unnecessary urges and even helps reduce inflammation in the body. Good sleep can promote healthy weight loss by boosting your metabolism.
5. Different types of yoga
There are different styles of yoga that have diverse health benefits. Modern yoga studios offer many active and intense yoga classes that help burn calories faster.
Power or Vinyasa yoga is an intense yoga style that engages your entire body and tests your skills. Power yoga keeps your body in constant motion and promotes fat burn like aerobic or cardio workouts.
How can you use yoga for weight loss?
1. Gradual process
Expecting weight loss immediately after starting yoga will set you up for failure and demotivate you. Understand that it is a slow and gradual process and you will see changes with time. Take ample time to learn the basics and go at the pace that suits your body.
2. Adjust the style
Not everyone has the same level of knowledge or flexibility. Take your time to gain more stability and build strength. Choose a yoga style that suits your body and makes you feel comfortable. Slowly push yourself to higher levels to see better and faster results.
3. Find the right class
If your main goal with yoga is to lose weight, opt for classes such as hot yoga or power yoga. These are specific yoga classes that target fat burn and will give you the best weight loss results.
No matter what workout you choose, it only works if you keep at it. Keep incorporating yoga in your workout regime every day to gain its many benefits.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
DoctorNDTV is the one stop site for all your health needs providing the most credible health information, health news and tips with expert advice on healthy living, diet plans, informative videos etc. You can get the most relevant and accurate info you need about health problems like diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, weight loss and many other lifestyle diseases. We have a panel of over 350 experts who help us develop content by giving their valuable inputs and bringing to us the latest in the world of healthcare.
