Yoga for Weight Loss

The Science of Yoga for Weight Loss

Let’s face it. No matter what late-night celebrity informercials tout, there is absolutely no magic elixir or ab machine that will guarantee weight loss.

The formula that always works for weight loss is to eat healthfully, consume in moderation and get regular exercise. Individuals will only experience long-term change with this formula.

If you have a lot of weight to lose, practicing yoga alone, even a rigorous method like Bikram yoga or Ashtanga yoga will not provide the results you desire, especially if you want to lose a considerable amount of weight.

However, yoga practice increases the body’s metabolism and a higher metabolism burns more calories. Certain poses aid weight loss assistants such as elimination of toxins and better digestion.

Yoga also incorporates all the body’s muscles, toning and strengthening with continued practice, and muscles burn more calories than fat. In combination with cardio exercise, it could help someone get closer to his or her weight loss goals.

So while someone shouldn’t expect yoga to take care of the entire weight loss equation, it is a probable factor to include in an overall fitness program.

The Philosophy of Yoga for Weight Loss

Yoga isn’t just about the physical exercise. The entire practice is based on a three-pronged approach that includes mind, body and spirit.

Because this approach is all-inclusive, yogis believe that a healthy lifestyle happens naturally when someone chooses to practice yoga.

• Discipline of practice increases body awareness.
• Stress is reduced.
• Overindulgence is discouraged.

The mind and body release the desire for “bad” things and embrace a more holistic approach to diet, interactions and mindset. Vegetables, legumes and whole grains look more attractive on the plate than chocolate cake.

Well, some believe that, anyway.

People gain weight for a variety of reasons, but they only lose it when they put their literal heart and soul into it. The practice of yoga, with its focus on fluid control and overall improvement, may help with the effort.

Studies on the Subject

In the past five years, researchers have taken a new look at the potential of yoga and yoga teachers feel more comfortable talking about the potential of yoga for weight loss. One study in 2005 conducted by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center focused on individuals aged 45-55 who engaged in yoga regularly and didn’t gain as much weight as others of the same age in their test group.

However, the studies are not wowing anyone with concrete proof that people do indeed lose weight by practicing yoga. So the good news is that health professionals see the benefits of yoga and are trying to form a correlation between the practice and better health – but that’s all the real news to report at this time.

Give It a Try Anyway

If you’re serious about achieving a healthier lifestyle and losing weight, you’re making a wonderful decision.

One excellent yoga DVD is Suzanne Deason's Yoga Conditioning for Weight Loss. Deason has designed a yoga series featuring three other yogis of different body types, each incorporating a specific modification to the postures. This DVD is quite accessible to the beginner, but a yogi at a more intermediate level will feel invigorated following Deason's poses. Deason's gentle, guided instructions are very detailed, with a special emphasis on "honoring whatever the body can do at the time."

Starting yoga may be challenging at first, but your confidence and perseverance will increase with each successive accomplishment in the practice, and that makes you healthy from the inside out.