If you're a yoga fan, you already know the powerful effects of yoga on your mind and body. However, if you are new to exercise, you are probably thinking "How the hell can ooommm...ahhhhs help me lose weight?"
There are so many different kinds of yoga, and nowadays, the most popular westernized forms do not involve staying in one position for an over-extended period of time. In fact, the most popular forms of yoga in the western world - Hatha, Power, and Bikram - involved fast-paced movements that induce those sweat glands to do their job.
Because there are a lot of balances, awkward positions, planks, and so on, yoga definitely develops muscle strength. But in order to lose some weight and also get some cardio effects, you most likely should be doing one of these yoga forms that are more flow-based and cause you to sweat. I would say power yoga is probably the best form of yoga if your goal is to lose weight.
Another thing to consider is that yoga tends to make you more aware of your body; its beauty, its strength. And so this usually comes along with not eating everything you used to or sleeping better, which aid in weight loss.
So can yoga help you lose weight? Definitely. Where do you start? Start with the forms of yoga that are fast-paced, challenging in their flows, and cause you to sweat. Take a class from an instructor, buy a DVD, or go to a free website like DoYogaWithMe.com to begin your journey. As you notice yourself getting stronger, you will start to see some pounds shed.
Will yoga shed as many calories as other cardio exercises though? No. Exercises like running, cycling, swimming, etc. will always be the best when it comes to shedding pounds, but incorporating yoga into your fitness routine can be a great place to start!
Cheers Eights & Weights!