Using Yoga for Weight Loss

Posted: Aug 12 in Weight Loss Blog by

The high temperatures of the summer months makes it difficult to get outside for your workout. While walking around the neighborhood or going for a long bike ride are great workout methods typically, they can be difficult to do when the temperature is upwards of 90 or even 100 degrees.

Yoga is a great alternative that can help you burn calories without leaving the house! Yoga has been around for centuries, and it is well known for promoting overall wellness, even beyond the realm of promoting weight loss. Yoga can help with muscle development and strength training, as well as with stretching and flexibility. It is a great workout on its own, and also as a compliment to other workouts as you are trying to lose weight.

Getting Started with Yoga

There are plenty of ways to get started with yoga, even if you have never tried it before. Yoga is based on the practice of moving the body in a series of different poses. Taking a beginners yoga class can help you learn proper technique as you rotate through different poses. However, if you are nervous to try yoga in public for the first time, then it may be helpful to practice at home before you go.

Here is a quick guide to a few of the most common yoga poses:

  • Warrior pose: For this pose, stand with your feet together and face the front of your mat. Then step one foot forward and bend the front knee almost 90 degrees, but don’t let it touch the ground. Then, extend both hands over your head.
  • Downward dog pose: For this pose, lay on your stomach and then push yourself up into a plank position (like a push-up, before you lower yourself to the floor). Then, walk your feet inwards until your rear is high in the air and your body is in the shape of a triangle with the ground.
  • Chair pose: This is an excellent pose for your weight loss goals. To engage in this pose, stand with your feet together and your hands extended over your head. Then, bend your knees and lower your body into a pretend chair, lowering yourself as far as you can without falling or actually sitting down. Hold this pose as long as you can.

All you need to get started with yoga is comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, a mat or another flat, non-slip surface, and the determination to try something new. If you don’t have a mat, call ahead to a yoga studio and see if they have one you can borrow for your first class.

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