Yoga can be an important part of your fitness routine and some forms of yoga are effective for helping you lose weight. You may have noticed yoga DVDs for weight loss or seen classes advertised specifically for weight loss. How does that work?
In any form of weight loss, you need to burn calories during your workout. Forms of yoga such as Bikram, or hot yoga or Vinyasa flow yoga provide a cardiovascular workout that is effective for weight loss, either alone or in combination with other forms of exercise.
Ashtanga yoga is a vigorous practice that offers advantages for weight loss. Power yoga also gives a vigorous cardio work out. On the other hand, Iyengar yoga and other forms that are slow and require you to hold poses for a length of time may not be enough to lose weight. However, this form of yoga is great for toning and strengthening the muscles. This is beneficial in connection with other exercise in an overall routine.
Like any form of exercise, in order to lose weight, you must practice regularly. No form of exercise will work if it is only done intermittently. Aim for at least three or four sessions per week consisting of an hour to ninety minutes per session, if you are hoping to lose weight. Daily practice is even more beneficial. You can also alternate cardiovascular yoga workouts, such as Vinyasa flow yoga with strength building practice to lose weight and tone the muscles as you lose it.
Exercise alone won’t be enough to lose weight, whether that exercise is yoga or something else. A healthy diet, low in fat and sugar is essential to your weight loss efforts. The yoga lifestyle focuses on overall healthful living and this includes a healthy diet, rich in whole foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Eating this type of diet in combination with a regular yoga practice is ideal for meeting your weight loss goals.