Want to take a wild guess on what’s the most prevalent health concern in the world? Cancer? Coronavirus? The answer is neither of the above. The leading cause of an unhealthy lifestyle is obesity. Well, you can say coronavirus is the greatest threat right now but only on the face of it.
Obesity plays a significant role in aggravating the current death toll. You ask how? In short, obesity is the root of all evil, for a body that is. Sadly, 13% of our adult population in the world suffer from obesity increases the risk of diabetes, heart diseases, joint pain, hormonal imbalances, and of course, the novel coronavirus.
Were you already eying the tires of fat cushioning your belly thinking about starting a low-carb diet and exerting yourself to the point of a burn-out? Well, I’ve got a more natural way to go about it, but before that, you’ll have to take out those yoga pants catching dust in the back of your closet. Learn yoga poses for weight loss and shed that extra fat.
History at a Glance
Taking roots 5000 years ago, Brahmans and Rishis of the Indus-Sarasvati civilization unveiled the link between the physical and spiritual world. Yoga has seen its conformation over the years since then. Yoga has now been altered and amended to modern yoga from a secretive and fragile practice to classical and post-classical stages.
In the late 1800s, yoga traveled to the West, adapting and conforming rapidly to the times. Its refined form encompasses yoga poses for weight loss, increased flexibility, sharper vision, and brainpower, controlled breathing, and stress management.
You might have all come across a form of yoga yourself. It could be while studying about Buddha in history classes or from a goofy, plump panda trying to master the art of achieving internal peace. Each time you witnessed the miraculous control and calmness that accompanies.
With sheer determination and focus, you can also train your body to experience the benefits of yoga. That includes quick and effective weight loss.
Which type of yoga is best for weight loss?
Yoga has now taken up a more organized and sophisticated nature. Yoga poses for weight loss are not generalized; neither do they only promote weight loss. It’s a complete package of experiencing rejuvenation and improved bodily functions.
Before we get started, you need to know which type of yoga is best for weight loss, considering your other health conditions, body type, age, and daily activities.
Each yoga type sparks different positive energy that synchronizes with your physical body to bring about a distinct change. Moreover, each yoga type demands a varying level of stamina and concentration.
The Yoga Asanas, more commonly known as Hatha Yoga in the West, has proven successful in effective weight loss. However, regardless of type, the abstract nature of yoga requires strong faith to wield your spirituality to your benefit.
Want to know more about the faith and spirituality correlation and its effect on health?
Yoga Asanas
This kind of yoga comprises of slow-paced exercises targeting breathing and physical postures. Hatha Yoga is perfect for beginners and first-timers. It has yoga poses for weight loss of various body parts.
For Facial Fat:
- Lion Pose: this posture not only tenses your facial muscles but also stretches the spine and thorax. With no known risks, if you face trouble performing it, sit on a chair and do it.
For the arms:
- Downward Dog Pose: Concentrate all your upper body weight on your outstretched arm mimicking an upside-down V. It helps tone the biceps. However, people suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome should avoid this.
- Low Plank Pose: This is one of the most holistic yoga poses for weight loss. Resting your body on your elbows and toes alone, you must maintain a plank-straight horizontal posture. This tones your biceps, triceps, and your stomach muscles.
- Dolphin Pose: With a posture similar to the downward dog pose, your upper body needs support on your elbows rather than the palm. The forearms should lay flat on the ground.
- Upward Facing Dog Pose: Lay flat on your stomach then raise your upper body solely on your two outstretched arms, with your legs flat on the ground. Your head should be as elevated as possible. This tones your chin muscles, arms, and your abdominal muscles. Avoid this if you’re pregnant or have wrist injuries.
Shoulders and Upper-Back
- Seated Twist Pose: Considered as one of the intermediate level yoga poses for weight loss-you can master them with practice. However, people with knee, spine, or back injuries should not perform this.
- Shoulder Stand: Balance your body vertically on your shoulders and along the upper arms. Support your back with your hands on your back. Avoid if you have neck or head injuries.
For thighs and legs:
- Warrior Pose: Stand in an upright position and step forward, such that the forward leg forms a ninety-degree, and the leg at the original position is straight locked at the knee. Keep your torso straight and hold your hands above your head.
- Twisted Chair Pose: Perform a squat like sitting on a chair and twist your upper body to one side. This is not only an excellent weight-loss pose but also improves metabolism.
Power Yoga Poses for Weight Loss
People with an eminent practice of yoga can resort to more vigorous and expending exercises. These yoga poses for weight loss are an advanced version of beginner yoga.
- One-Legged Downward Facing Dog Pose: perform the downward-facing dog pose and raise one leg behind you at an acute angle.
- Boat Pose: Hold your legs and body at an angle from the ground to imitate a V. It is beneficial for belly fat and improves balance and control. Do not perform with a hip injury.
- Bow Pose: This is one of those power yoga poses for weight loss that requires a lot of flexibility. It requires a lot of practice to perfect. Lying on your stomach, raise your hands and legs over your head until they touch. Hold your legs to maintain the posture for a few seconds.
However, one must keep in mind that yoga cannot be the sole creditor for a healthy lifestyle. Remember that yoga poses for weight loss, especially power yoga, should be practiced on a half-filled or empty stomach.
Plan a 30-40 minute de-stressing exercise session each day. Ensure that your diet complements your lifestyle, which does not mean that you go on a strict hunger strike.
Yoga has been in practice for years, and its benefits are countless. Make it a habit to incorporate yoga in your life for a fuller and wholesome lifestyle.
