Using yoga for weight loss might not look effective to most people. I bet you they’ll go: “Naw, it’s just stretching…what can it possibly do to burn calories?”
Well, a lot my friend. Yoga can work for weight loss if you use it right and I’ll tell you what to do in due course.
This is our second value-packed virtual love letter sent to you about, tips and information you can use to start or restartt your yoga journey. Whether you’re looking to transform your mood, improve flexibility, strength and posture, or you’re simply interested in increasing energy and slimming down, yoga offers all of these advantages and many more.
“But how exactly can yoga work for weight loss Sonia? (That’s my name by the way)
Well yoga as an option for weight loss is safe and effective.
Remember, it is the oldest physical culture known to man and not only does this exercise work the body, it works the mind and soul as well. Hey, have you seen Madonna, Sting or Russell Simmons lately? They actually all still look good for their ages right?
Okay, here are the poses I recommend you use when using Yoga for weight loss or just begin the practice (doesn’t have to be for weight loss). Now my friend, I will go over what I believe is the CORE of Yoga Poses.
Trust me, there have been times when I did this alone and still got the benefits that yoga gives from daily practice.
Let’s take notes:
The Sun Salutations When using Yoga for Weight Loss:
These exercises are a combination of Yoga Poses, Breathing Exercises, and Prayer or Devotional if you want to… They have been practiced for centuries by Yoga Practitioners in India, Martial Artists and African Wrestlers and as a system to rejuvenate the body and soul are beyond compare. It’s been said in the Drugless Healing circles that one round of the Sun Salutations is much better than a week of exercises at the gym (I don’t have a proof on this, but I can guarantee it feels good)!
They are very simple to learn and just about anyone, regardless of their fitness or flexibility levels can learn these simple exercises. In actuality, if you are familiar with “burpees” (the calisthenics exercise), they do derive their origin from the Sun Salutations.
Here are some of their benefits:
-Flexibility increases and breathing improves, This sequence works the legs and arms, thus increasing the circulation.
-They burn calories .
-They are an effective way of loosening up, stretching and massaging all joints and internal organs of the body.
-They stimulate and balance all the systems of the body including the endocrine, circulatory, reproductive and digestive system.
Technique:
1. Stand straight with the palms together as in a prayer position.
2. Inhale and stretch the arms above the head.
3. Exhale and bend forward while touching the toes.
4. Inhale and stretch the right leg away from the body in a big backward step and keep the hands and left foot firmly on the ground. Bending the head backward the left knee should be between the hands.
5. Inhale and hold the breath. Move the left leg from the body and, keeping both feet together and the knees of the floor, rest on the hands (arms straight) and keep the body in a straight line from head to foot.
6. Exhale and lower the body to the floor. In this position, only 8 portions of the body come in contact with the floor: the two feet, two knees, two hands, chest and forehead.
7. Inhale and bend back as much as possible bending the spine to the maximum.
8. Exhale and lift the body of the floor. Keep the feet and heels on the floor.
9. Inhale and bring the right foot along the level of the hands; left foot and knee should touch the ground. Look up, bending the spine slightly (same position as #4)
10. Exhale and bring the left leg forward. Keep the knees straight and bring the head down to the knees as in the third position.
11. Raise the arms overhead and bend backward inhaling. As in Position 2.
12. Exhale and drop the arms and relax.
You have now completed one round.
Perform as many rounds as you want in multiples of 3. Ideally you want to aim for 6 rounds minimum and up to as many rounds that feels good for you. It only takes about 5-10 minutes, depending on your speed and intensity and is best practiced first thing in the morning.
Okay, we’ve gone over the core poses for beginners and possibly for weight loss in this part of the series of this article. But my friends, note, when I say use “yoga for weight loss”; I meant it’s the lifestyle: the poses/movement, the nutrition and the mind-set. You’ve got this.
Join our 4 weeks >>4 Weeks Yoga for Beginner Series<< starting November 15th.
Recent Comments