Yoga and Weight Loss

Any kind of yoga practice will build strength; although some forms do not raise your heart rate by enough to be your only form of exercise for weight loss. Two factors that will affect your weight loss outcomes are what type of yoga you choose to practice and how often you practice it.

To lose weight you must follow a healthy diet and burn off calories through exercise. The exercise you choose needs to raise your heart rate in order to effectively burn enough calories. One form of yoga, lyengar, requires holding poses for several minutes with a rest period in between each. This is great for building muscle and fixing your posture, but it does not give a very good cardiovascular workout.

If you are considering using yoga as your primary weight loss exercise, then you will need to take a vigorous 90-minute class at least three times per week. You can also combine yoga with other exercises such as running, swimming, or walking to help you reach your weight loss goals.
There are many types of yoga that you can choose for weight loss. These forms are called vinyasa, or flow yoga. These types of yoga use a series of poses known as sun salutations. Many forms of vinyasa involve are athletic and end with you getting sweaty.

A vigorous style of yoga that will assist you with weight loss is Ashtanga yoga. Practitioner of Ashtanga yoga are some of the most dedicated yogis. Beginners will need to enroll in a series of classes. This will help you stay motivated. Once you learn the poses Ashtanga yoga is great for people who would like to practice yoga at home.

Another form of yoga that provides a cardiovascular work out is Power Yoga. There is also hot yoga. Vinyasa yoga that is done in a hot room will really make you sweat. Understand, though that this sweat is just fluids that must be replaced. The amount of calorie burn compared to the amount you sweat is not the same as when you do intense cardiovascular exercise. The sweat is cause by the heat and not your effort.

You are best suited for a beginner class when you are just starting yoga or if you are very overweight. This also applies if you are out of shape. The right beginner class will teach you what you need to know to form a life long yoga practice that will improve your health and well-being.