Using Yoga to Control Obesity

In the world dominated by easy living, aided by technology, physical activity has reduced to the extent where obesity has become a major problem of our society. Everyone is accumulating fat in the body by consuming more calories than they can burn out, which has led to physical ailments in addition to emotional problems. Yoga works on both, the physical and mental aspect of weight gain, thus helping permanent control of weight.

Yoga is a complementary alternative medicine, which has been practiced in India for thousands of years for a healthy body and mind. Today, the whole world has accepted the benefits of Yoga which has taken it to great heights of popularity.

Yoga not only aids in weight loss but also helps the person develop strong flexible body, beautiful and youthful skin, stress free mind and overall good health. The asanas or postures are meant to help the body, whereas the breathing techniques known as pranayama and meditation help in freeing the mind of stress and negative emotions.

Postures that Aid in Weight Loss

It is known fact that the thyroid gland controls our metabolism. Furthermore, it is responsible for both the weight gain and weight loss that happens in our body. Certain postures of Yoga are known to stimulate the languid thyroid gland, boosting the hormonal secretion, thus increasing the metabolic rate for burning fat which helps in weight loss. The breathing technique followed in Yoga increases the supply of oxygen to the cells, thus boosting the fast burning of fat stored in them.

One of most popular posture in Yoga is the Surya Namaskar Asana, which translates as salutation to the sun, which is not only the most effective way to lose weight but also helps in maintenance of overall wellness of human body.

One can start the day with a Yoga jog or march for warming up. The Yoga jogging is done by standing at a place and jogging by bringing the legs as high up as they go. Halasana, Trikonasana, Dhanurasana, Bhujangasana, and Sarvangasana are few of the proven methods which help in weight loss programs.

One should follow a healthy diet along with Yoga, so that the effect of Yoga will be maximized. It is good to avoid meals consisting of heavy fried, fatty food and also large portions of meals, as these are not good for the digestive system. Yoga therapy for weight loss recommends a diet which consists of fresh fruits, vegetables and lot of pure water, with 6-8 small portions of meals every day.

The Fast Paced Power Yoga

Though Yoga was performed as a gentle and slow exercise, the modern community has adapted it to suit their needs, which has given rise to faster paced power yoga, which can help in control of obesity. Yoga is an excellent art which imparts overall health benefits to people both for their body and mind. Today this ancient Indian art has been manipulated to control weight effectively.

Yoga increases the metabolic rate of the body to burn high amount of calories, power yoga which is faster in pace than general yoga, increases the metabolic rate to an extent, which results in weight loss more quickly than regular Yoga. 200 minutes of power yoga in a week is excellent and safest way to lose weight and maintain good health.