Yoga for weight loss: how to do it correctly

Many people start doing yoga for various reasons: some are looking for the meaning of life, some want to learn how to relax in the fast pace of modern life, and some want to work on their figure. But how effective is yoga for weight loss? The editors of WANT.ua decided to look into this issue.

Yoga itself is not the fastest way to lose extra pounds. Regular exercise, of course, improves metabolism, reduces appetite, stretches muscles and creates a beautiful figure with smooth lines. However, all this is not achieved in a month, or even in 5. Although the result of yoga, of course, is impressive, because in addition to a beautiful figure, you will gain health and peace of mind.

For yoga for weight loss to be effective, you need to follow these simple tips:

1. Keep it regular

In yoga, more than in any other practice, regularity of practice is important. If you use yoga as a weight loss tool, then practice 4-6 times a week for 30-40 minutes. Remember, if classes take place occasionally, you can forget about losing weight. The fact is that yoga triggers internal processes in the body, and constant practice is needed to maintain them.

2. Eat right

In order to lose weight, you need to adhere to the basics of a healthy diet. Do not allow yourself to feel hungry, give up excessive amounts of sweets, fatty and fried foods. Eat small meals 5 times a day. Interestingly, in ancient India, in order to quickly lose weight, they refused to eat for a month, drinking only water and performing asanas. Now some adherents of the yoga movement recommend a mono-diet for weight loss, when one dietary dish is selected and eaten for a month. Yoga practice remains on the daily schedule. However, you should not conduct such experiments without consulting a doctor.

3. Enjoy

For yoga to give results, you need to enjoy it. This is the main difference from Western trends. In yoga, violence is not allowed, and the body is given the opportunity to strengthen muscles gradually, without racing for records. By the way, this is why stretching is important. Don't focus only on burning as many calories as possible, enjoy the process, find harmony with yourself and your body.

4. Choose the right asanas

There are many asanas that help you lose weight. Here are some of them:

1. Tree pose (vrsasana) - strengthens the muscles of the legs and buttocks, improves coordination of movements.
2. Cobra pose (bhujangasana) - strengthens the muscles of the back and abdomen, improves blood circulation and the functioning of the digestive system.
3. Chair pose (utkatasana) - strengthens the muscles of the legs and buttocks, improves balance and coordination of movements.
4. Head down dog pose (adho mukha shvanasana) - strengthens the muscles of the arms, legs and abdomen, improves blood circulation and the functioning of the digestive system.

5. Don't forget to breathe

Breathing exercises (pranayama) are important not only for a calm mind, but also for losing weight. They improve metabolism and promote the burning of fat deposits. For example, the “kapalabhati” exercise - active exhalation through the nose, accompanied by a sharp contraction of the abdominal muscles and diaphragm - helps to reduce abdominal volume and lose weight.

So, yoga for weight loss is an effective way, but only with regularity and proper practice. Follow the rules of a healthy diet, enjoy the process and choose the right asanas. But don’t forget that health and harmony with yourself are the main thing, and a beautiful figure is just a pleasant bonus.