Introduction:
Millions of years ago yoga was used as a tool that helps strengthen the relationship of body, mind, and soul. Yoga was also mentioned in the Hindu Sanskrit book Rigveda. Over time many new advancements took place in yoga techniques. Much research has been done on this technique, proving how effective yoga is for weight loss. Yoga consists of simple exercises that are very effective in nourishing the body. We will discuss some effective yoga poses for weight loss and strengthening the mind-body relationship.
What is Yoga:
Yoga is composed of sets of exercises with breathing patterns that originate in ancient India and that control our mind and body relationship. There are two theories of the origin of yoga.
- Linear model
- Synthesis model
According to the Linear model, yoga originates from the Vedic period and many Hindu scholars accept it. Whereas the Synthesis model said that yoga consists of Vedic and non-Vedic elements, this model is famous in western society.
The main building blocks of yoga are poses that simply strengthen your mind and body. These simple poses are easy to do and don’t require any special equipment. Everyone can do these exercises whether you are young or old, fit or overweight yoga has the power to calm your mind and allow you to dive into your insight.
Yoga is simple and effective that is practiced thousands of years ago and everyone can get benefit from it.
Yoga and Weight Loss:
Weight loss is a major concern for everyone in the modern era. Everyone wants to be fit and look smart and for that, they do multiple exercises and techniques. People often buy much expensive equipment and invest a lot of money in weight loss programs. Yoga can be your companion in the journey of weight loss. You can get a lot of benefits from yoga without investing money. Yoga can help in effectively reducing your weight and can help in strengthening your body. Apart from weight loss yoga can also help in achieving mind comfort and reducing anxiety related to weight loss. It gives motivation and helps in shaping your body. To get the maximum benefit from yoga you have to do it consistently and patiently.
Research on Yoga and Weight Loss:
Yoga and weight loss is a very popular topic for researchers and a lot of research has been done in this field. One study showed that yoga helps in reducing weight loss by increasing consciousness regarding food choices and eating healthy food. Yoga decreases food cravings and provided social support in weight loss. According to a study, yoga is an effective tool for weight loss and offers diverse social, psychological, and physical effects that help in weight loss. A study published in Sage journals showed that apart from helping in low back pain joint pains yoga also helps in weight loss by improving strength and mood.
Best Yoga Poses for Weight Loss:
Pawanmuktasana
This powerful pose helps in losing fat from the stomach and belly. This pose requires some effort and you need to do it after some warmup exercises.
Dhanurasana
This pose stretches your back, thigh, and abdomen and helps in digestion. This pose also helps in increasing circulation to the abdomen region. By this pose, you can lose belly fat and thigh fat.
Trikonasana
This pose strengthens your sides and helps in losing side fat on both sides. This also increases your metabolism and heart rate.
Navasana
This pose helps in losing resistant belly fat. It helps in balancing your body and put pressure on the belly. You can achieve tone abs by practicing this.
Anantasana
This pose helps in stretching your sides and abdomen. You can lose abdomen fats through this and it also helps in digestion.
Bhujangasana
Also called cobra pose, this helps in balancing your body and stretches abdominal muscles. This is like Surya namaskara pose.
Malasana
Also known as garlands pose. This pose counters the fat accumulated due to sitting all day on a chair. It is effective for abdominal and hip fat.
Ardha Bhekasana
Also known as the half-frog pose. It not only helps in losing fat in the hips and abdomen but also gives you flexibility and helps in digestion.
Ananda Balasana
It is also known as the happy baby pose. This pose focuses on your lower body and helps in strengthening hip and thighs muscle and losing fat from these.
How to get Maximum Benefits from Yoga:
Yoga is an effective technique for losing weight. To get the maximum benefit you must follow some rules:
- Do yoga regularly
- Get instruction from your instructor
- Do it consistently
- Eat healthy diet
- If you have any physical limitation disclose it to your instructor
- Always remain motivated
- Focus on your goal
- Avoid any distraction
- Join some yoga community
Other Benefits of Yoga Apart from Weight Loss:
Apart from losing weight, you can get other benefits from yoga also. These benefits are plus points for you if you do yoga regularly and these will help boat your confidence and you will remain motivated.
- Increases metabolism
- Helps in balancing your body
- Elevates mood
- Reduces anxiety and depression
- Helps to fight diseases like hypertension and diabetes
- Increases strength
- Reduces muscle and joints problems
- Improves eating habits
- Increase lean body mass
Conclusion:
Yoga is an ancient exercise and very effective for the mind and body. You can use it to reduce weight and increase stability and balance in your mind and body. It is not effective as other cardio exercises but it can give you great comfort and confidence and other benefits like body shaping and strength. Another benefit of yoga is that it does not need any special equipment and you can easily perform it anywhere.