Does Yoga Help You Lose Weight?

Mar 31, 2012 | Yoga practices | 2 comments

- Does Yoga Help You Lose Weight?

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I wish I could answer that question. Really. Even more, I wish I could answer in the affirmative.
I haven’t seen evidence that the claims of weight loss directly due to yoga practice is true. In fact, I know quite a few long-term yoga instructors who have stacked on weight as they get older. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, except when there are health issues.
Losing weight, as you know, typically occurs when the food and drink you consume is more than your caloric expenditure.
Many yoga practices use up less energy than traditional exercise, like gym workouts and stress sports. So, if you want to make yoga practice burn calories the way gym activity does, choose a vigorous style that gets your heart rate up.
One way that yoga can help is when it increases mindfulness and sensitivity to your bodily needs. You then naturally want to make healthy food choices, control the amount you eat, and have your meals in a relaxed setting at a leisurely pace.
Yoga can support you in reducing stress, which creates the space for more calm and thoughtful food choices and eating. You eat when hungry, rather than because it’s the regular time to eat, and you choose to stop eating when you are satisfied, rather than over full.
When it comes right down to it, yoga is more than physical practice. It is meant to offer a healthy lifestyle comprising a moderate diet, wholesome attitudes, clear moral choices and philosophic study.
As you become more deeply involved in yoga practice, you are more centred. You embrace an attitude of compassion toward yourself and others, are less influenced by cultural norms, and are more established in your inner values.
Then, losing or gaining weight will be a non-issue. What matters is the relationship you realise with your intrinsic Self.
 

2 Comments

  1. Very good blog you have here but I was curious if you knew of any message boards that cover the same topics talked about in this article? I’d really like to be a part of group where I can get feedback from other experienced individuals that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Kudos!

    Reply
    • Sorry not to be able to help with recommendations.
      Kindly,
      E

      Reply

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