Yoga for Weight Loss

By Ashley Delmar 

Yoga has been practiced in the East for thousands of years and is famous the world over for its myriad of health benefits. Although yoga is mostly associated with its roots in spirituality, more people are harnessing its benefits to aid in weight loss. Yoga is a great low impact activity that can help build muscle and improve balance without putting unnecessary strain on your body. Yoga also comes in a variety of different forms, meaning it can be customized to suit any fitness level. 

Get Moving

When most people think of losing weight, a fast-paced, high-intensity aerobics class is probably what comes to mind. That's why, traditionally, yoga's slow and steady approach to fitness hasn't been thought of as an effective way to lose weight. Any activity that gets your body moving and your blood pumping can help you burn calories and contribute to weight loss. If you're looking for a yoga class to mimic your favorite high-impact a high workout, Vinyasa yoga with its series of fast-paced, core-punishing poses is sure to leave you sweating. 

Creating Healthy Habits 

Practicing yoga is as much an exercise for the mind as it is for the body. Yoga teaches bodily awareness and forces you to take note of how you're are feeling from the inside out. This inward focus can help you get in tune with what your body is telling you. If you struggle with emotional eating, getting in touch with how you're feeling can help you to create coping mechanisms that don't include snacking. 

Building Intensity

If you've been out of the gym for awhile and need to build up strength, yoga is a great activity to start with. Although most of us associate yoga with relaxation, the poses taught in classes often require contorting your body into somewhat unnatural positions. Since these positions require you to use your muscles to support your body weight, it's easy to see how yoga can help you build up strength over time. 

If high octane workouts and boot camps aren't for you, yoga could be the ideal solution to help you get into shape. Getting in tune with your body is an important part of any weight loss journey and the mindfulness taught in yoga is a an excellent vehicle for learning more about your body. 

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in South Asheville, N.C.