A women performing yoga

Introduction

Yoga and Weight Loss!

By Sumit Pandey
Published October 30,2023

Introduction

Getting fit and losing some extra pound or two is one of the most common problem which we all face. Solving this problem is where ancient practice of yoga comes in. Yoga can not only help with burning calories and building muscles, it can also help with regulating stress and emotions, which is one of the main cause of weight gain. Yoga is a practice of mindfulness and as we become more mindful about our body and our surrounding we tend to become more conscious about our food choices and we become resistant to stress eating and binge eating.

Now these 5 daily yoga poses will help with losing weight by -  improving digestion, building muscles, boosting metabolism, improving blood flow, decreasing stress and finally turning us more mindful about ourselves.

All the below poses require some prior experience of exercising or Yoga. If you are not able to do these poses then start by doing some basic yoga poses and if you were able to perform those then lets start:

1. Surya Namaskar

Surya Namaskar is one of the most effective exercise that use the entire body. It consist of 12 poses done in a rhythm. Harmony between body movements and breath is key, exhaling during folds and inhaling as you extend your body. To reap the full rewards of Surya Namaskar, it is commonly advised to engage in the yoga sequence on an empty stomach. These yoga poses help with stimulating your digestive system, boost metabolism, muscle growth(not a primary benefit), which in turn lead to weight loss.

Start by repeating the 12 poses for 6 to 12 times and slowly increase it with time. The 12 steps are :

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1. Pranamasana (Prayer Pose): Stand at the edge of your mat, bring your palms together in front of your chest, and relax your shoulders.

2. Hasta Uttanasana (Raised Arms Pose): Inhale, lift your arms upward, and arch your back, stretching the whole body.

3. Hasta Padasana (Hand to Foot Pose): Exhale, bend forward from the waist, and bring your hands to the floor beside your feet.

4. Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian Pose): Inhale, take your right leg back, and place the knee on the floor. Keep the left knee between your hands and look up.

5. Dandasana (Stick Pose): Inhale, take your left leg back, and bring the body into a straight line, like a plank.

6. Ashtanga Namaskara (Salute with Eight Parts or Points): Gently lower your knees, chest, and chin to the floor, keeping the hips slightly elevated.

7. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): Inhale, slide forward, and lift the chest up into Cobra pose, keeping the elbows bent.

8. Parvatasana (Mountain Pose): Exhale, lift the hips and tailbone, and push the chest downwards, forming an inverted V shape.

9. Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian Pose - opposite leg): Inhale, step your right foot forward between your hands, placing the left knee on the floor. Look up.

10. Hasta Padasana (Hand to Foot Pose - opposite leg): Exhale, bring the left foot forward, aligning with the right foot, and bring your hands to the floor.

11. Hasta Uttanasana (Raised Arms Pose - opposite leg): Inhale, raise your arms, arch your back, and stretch your body.

12. Pranamasana (Prayer Pose): Exhale, bring your palms together in front of your chest, and stand in a relaxed position.

These 12 steps complete one round of Surya Namaskar. You can repeat the sequence several times, alternating the leading leg for steps 4 and 9, to make it a well-rounded practice.

Deep breath in and out….

2. Chaturanga Dandasana - Plank Pose :

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This Yoga asan works the full body while focusing on abdomen region. It strengthen your core, arms, wrist and shoulders. It boost metabolism and strengthen the full body.

Begin on your hands and knees, then straighten your legs and make your body like a straight line. Put your hands on the ground, bend your elbows to lower your body, and keep your tummy tight. Hold this position with a straight back. If it's hard, you can do it with your knees down

Inhale and Exhale…..

3. Virabhadrasana - Warrior Pose :

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This particular pose improve focus and concentration, it brings out that worrier spirit from inside of you and make you more calm in every situation.

Benefits - Help improve digestion and metabolism, build tighter quads, toning your belly, thighs and shoulders.

1. Start by:

Stand with your feet wide apart and your arms by your sides.

2. Take a Step Back:

Step one foot back and keeping the front knee bent.

3. Raise Your Arms:

Raise your arms parallel to the ground and reaching in opposite directions.

4. Look Forward:

Look straight ahead over the front hand.

5. Stay still

Stay in this strong stance while feeling the stretch in your legs and arms.Repeat with opposite foot .Hold this pose as long as it you feel comfortable. Lets Go worrier… 

4. Boat pose (Naukasana) :

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This asan is one of the best asan which target belly fat.

Benefits - Improves digestion, blood circulation, strengthens abdominal muscles.

To perform this poses sit down and raise your legs, stretch your arms and try to touch your toes with your hands. It will create "V" like shape and stay like it as long as you can. As you keep doing it, the time for which you can hold the pose will increase. Remember to record the the time you can hold it to see the improvements.

Focus on your breath.

4. Triangular pose (Trikonasana) :

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Benefits - IImprove Digestion and blood circulation, Stretch abdomen, legs and arms. Help with burning fat.

This make look a little complicated but can easily be done just follow the steps bellow.

1. Stand with your feet comfortably apart(make sure your body doesn't feel uncomfortable or too stiff. If it does start by doing some basic stretching).

2. Rotate your right foot outward.

3. Extend your arms wide open and gently tilt your upper body sideways over your right leg.

4. Gradually lower yourself as far as you are comfortable while maintaining a straight and flat back.

5. Place your right palm on the ground and hold the position.

Remember to stay in this position only till it feels comfortable. Repeat the same sequence on the opposite side.

Stay Calm…