How Yoga Helps with Weight Loss

I recently began teaching a Yoga for Weight Loss class here in Venice, Florida. I immediately received a bunch of questions: is it "Power Yoga?" and "What will we do?" I understand the confusion! While yoga poses may not burn loads of calories, there are many ways in which yoga can assist with weight loss. 

1) Yoga creates a positive mindset. This is a vital first step to healthy, long-term weight loss. If you try to lose weight by hating on your body and punishing yourself with an overly strict diet and exercise regimen, you will find yourself failing every time.Yoga instills an attitude of self-love and self-respect. Respecting your body and its needs is fundamental to healthy weight loss.

2) Yoga teaches you to deepen the breath. By breathing more deeply, you can instantly calm the mind and the emotions. This practice allows you to let go of frustrations and negative emotions that can get in the way during your weight loss journey. 

3) Yoga reduces stress. Stress hormones like cortisol are known to cause fat to deposit around the belly. Belly fat is particularly problematic as it is linked to serious conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. A regular yoga practice can combat this tendency.

4) Yoga teaches patience. It takes time and effort to develop the strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and equanimity to hold various yoga poses. Some may come easily, and some may never become easy. Without patience, nothing worth achieving, including weight loss, will ever be accomplished!

5) Yoga encourages acceptance. We need to accept where we are at this moment in order to move forward. Denial is a slippery slope. As long as we pretend everything is fine, there will be no change. 

6) Most important of all, yoga teaches mindfulness. When we practice mindfulness on the mat, this attitude transfers to the rest of our lives. We learn to be present in the moment, to notice, to be aware of ourselves and others. This is a vital skill when it comes to losing weight. Mindfulness when eating can result in successful weight loss.

There you have it! Six ways in which yoga can assist with your weight loss journey!

Questions? Comments? Let me know your thoughts!