Yoga for Weight Loss

Most of us relate yoga with mindfulness and meditation. Yoga is not thought of as a weight-loss strategy because it is all about taking things slowly and steadily. However, that is untrue. Yoga can produce immediate results if it is practised correctly and with perseverance. It not only improves your mental and physical wellness, but it also burns calories swiftly.

Yoga Asanas are essential since they not only increase physical strength and flexibility but also help with mental weariness and emotional issues, says Yash Birla.

Yash Birla highlights the importance of yoga in his everyday life.

We all now prioritise losing weight; don’t we all desire a toned body? We have probably all attempted stringent diets and strenuous exercise regimens. However, we can fall short. But yoga can help you lose weight and has many more advantages than other forms of exercise. Yoga, as opposed to diets and exercise, encourages a sense of fullness, freshness, and energising, which eventually enhances your mental health.

So, let us discuss a few Asanas of yoga for weight loss that will help you lose weight quickly and tone your body:

• Plank pose (Phalakasana)

Plank pose (Phalakasana)

A terrific stance for developing your core is the plank position or Phalakasana. It may seem basic, but the advantages are enormous. Your shoulders, back, buttocks, thighs, abs, and core are all strengthened by performing planks. To perform a plank, take the push-up position and elevate your body off the mat using your hands, wrists, and elbows. While letting your neck relax, look down. Maintain your position for as long as possible.

Tip: If you are experiencing shoulder or hip pain, then avoid this yoga asana.

• Upward facing dog pose (Urdhva Mukha Shvanasana)

Upward facing dog pose

To achieve this posture, lie on your stomach with your palms facing down and underneath your shoulders. Stretch your glutes, elevate your knee and hip, look forward, keep your shoulders away from your ears, press your feet and hands into the mat, and lift your body upward. It is excellent for weight-balancing and stretching.

Tip: If you are pregnant, do not perform this yoga asana.

• Bow pose (Dhanurasana)

Bow pose (Dhanurasana)

Do you want to tone your stomach and back? If so, then Dhanurasana can be beneficial. This pose extends your entire body, strengthens your core and abdominal region, and enhances your posture. It tones the arms, legs, hips, back, chest, and abdominals. Keep a face-down position, bend your knees, and grasp your ankle with your hands while maintaining hip-width apart on your knees. Holding your ankle, raise your thighs and chest off the ground. Breathe normally and try to keep the position for 20 seconds.

Tip: You should avoid this stance if you have high blood pressure, sleeplessness, or migraines.

• Warrior I pose (Virabhadrasana)

Warrior I pose (Virabhadrasana)

There is no better upper body exercise than the warrior I posture or Virabhadrasana. To strengthen the arms, shoulders, and legs, adopt this stance. It supports balance and energises the entire body. To do this pose, stand upright with your back straight and your legs stretched out three to four feet apart without bending your knees. Now, crouch with your knees bent and your upper body twisted to the side. Raise your hand in a wing-like motion. Maintain your position for at least twenty seconds.

Tip: Avoid if you have high blood pressure, diarrhoea, or chronic knee ache.

• Standing forward bend pose (Uttanasana)

Standing forward bend pose (Uttanasana)

Place your feet hip-width apart as you stand. Make sure your forehead meets your knees as you crouch down and place your palms on the ground while keeping your knees straight. Uttanasana enhances digestion while stretching your hamstrings and abdominal muscles. It also benefits your physical and mental wellness.

Tip: If you have back issues, avoid doing it.

Practising these yoga Asanas for weight loss is great for beginners for as well. Persistent practice will help you see the results.