Yoga is a popular ancient practice that has been gaining popularity owing to its multiple benefits for health.
Regular yoga practice can help in the maintenance of physical health, a greater sense of mental well-being, and the development of inner peace.
Yoga can assist with losing weight by improving metabolism, burning calories, and reducing stress.
In this blog post, we will go over some of the best yoga poses for weight loss and how to do them correctly.
Yoga Poses for Weight Loss
1. Sun Salutation
Sun Salutation, also known as Surya Namaskar, is a pose in the yoga sequence that can be done at any time of day.
This sequence includes 12 distinct postures that target various muscular areas in the body, including as the arms, legs, and core.
Sun Salutation is great for losing weight since it boosts metabolism, enhances digestion, and reduces stress.
Start in Tadasana (Mountain Pose), inhale, and lift your arms above, then exhale and fold forward into Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend).
Exhale and step or jump back into Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff Pose) after lifting halfway up to Ardha Uttanasana.
Inhale and then come into an upward-facing dog or cobra position, then exhale to return to downward-facing dog.
Step or jump your feet to your hands from here, inhale to Ardha Uttanasana, and exhale to Uttanasana. Inhale deeply and raise to Tadasana.
Modifications for beginners: Sun Salutation can be modified for beginners by taking pauses between each posture or completing just a few rounds at a time. Some of the positions may also be modified, such as dropping your knees to the ground during Chaturanga Dandasana.
Tips for proper execution: Remember to breathe deeply and smoothly throughout the sequence, and to maintain perfect alignment in each posture.
2. Warrior II
Warrior II is a standing yoga pose that expands the chest and shoulders while strengthening the knees and hips. This position is excellent for losing weight since it improves stamina, endurance, and balance.
Begin in Tadasana, step your left foot back, then turn your left foot out 90 degrees to do Warrior II. Your left and right heels should be parallel.
Bend your right knee and stretch your arms out to the sides, such that it is squarely over your right ankle. Turn your head and look at your right hand.
Modifications for beginners: If you are new to yoga, you can modify Warrior II by taking pauses between every pose or simply doing a few rounds at a time. You may also change the position by not bending your knee as much or by utilizing a block for support.
Tips for proper execution: In this pose, keep your hips level and your shoulders relaxed, and use your core to maintain balance.
3. Boat Pose
Navasana, or Boat practice, is a yoga practice that strengthens the core muscles and improves posture. This posture is excellent for losing pounds because it boosts metabolism, helps digestion, and tones the abdominal muscles.
Begin by sitting on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground to do Boat Pose. Place your hands behind you on the ground, fingers pointing towards your feet.
Lift your feet off the ground and straighten your legs to make a V-shape with your torso. Extend your arms parallel to the ground.
Modifications for beginners: If you are new to yoga, you can modify Boat Pose by keeping your knees bent or holding onto your thighs for support.
Tips for proper execution: In this yoga pose, keep your spine long and your core engaged, and avoid rounding your back. Concentrate on your breathing and hold the posture for a few breaths before releasing.
4. Plank Pose
Kumbhakasana, or plank pose, is a yoga practice that strengthens the core, arms, and shoulders. This yoga pose is excellent for shedding pounds because it increases metabolism, strengthens the upper body, and improves posture.
Start in a high push-up posture with your hands exactly beneath your shoulders and your feet hip-distance apart to do Plank Pose.
Hold this position for a few breaths, keeping your body in a straight line from your head to your heels.
Modifications for beginners: Plank pose can be modified for beginners by dropping your knees to the ground or maintaining the position for shorter periods of time if you are new to yoga.
Tips for proper execution: Keep your shoulders away from your ears and your gaze forward in this pose. Maintain a strong core and a steady breath.
5. Triangle Pose
Triangle pose, commonly known as Trikonasana, is a standing yoga pose that strengthens the legs while simultaneously stretching the hips and hamstrings and improving balance. This posture is excellent for weight reduction since it boosts metabolism, improves digestion, and tones the legs and hips.
To begin Triangle Pose, begin in Warrior II with your front foot pointed forward and your rear foot slightly turned in. Straighten your front leg and extend forward, putting your palm on your shin or a block. Raise your other arm to the ceiling and look up at your upper hand.
Modifications for beginners: If you are new to yoga, you can modify Triangle Pose by keeping your front leg bent or by using a block for support.
Tips for proper execution: In this pose, keep your hips level and your spine extended, and engage your core to maintain balance. Take a few deep breaths and maintain the stance for a few seconds before releasing.
Conclusion
Yoga can assist with losing weight in a variety of ways, both physically and mentally.
By practicing the weight loss yoga poses listed above, you can increase your metabolism, burn calories, and tone your muscles while also fostering inner peace and lowering stress.
Always listen to your body and change postures as required, and if you are new to yoga, seek the guidance of a skilled yoga instructor. Yoga can alter both your body and mind with devotion and consistency.
Dr Sushil Kumar
Dr Sushil is a researcher and founder of D WA Herbals with objective of providing healthy longevity to society. His aim is to develop food and drink-based products by using the inherent qualities of traditional herbs by optimizing their effect through modern technology, making our products extremely user-friendly. The research is focused on various lifestyle issues such as anxiety, stress, metabolism, digestion, immunity and may more which impact the health and lifestyle.