Most people think of Yoga as something that helps calm the mind, but there is more to it than you think. If done with dedication and discipline, yoga can help you lose weight and stay in shape. While it is true that in comparison to high intensity workouts, yoga burns lesser calories but some of the yoga flows, when done at a moderate to high speed, can make you sweat like no other workout.
A five-thousand-year-old transcription by the Indus valley civilization on fragile palm leaves has paved the way to an innovative weight loss therapy. Yoga was mentioned in the Indian collection of Vedic Sanskrit hymns, the Rigveda. Researchers have traced yoga to over a thousand years ago, and its rich history is divided into periods of innovation, practice, and development. Yoga was refined and developed by the Rishis and Brahmans who documented their training in the Upanishads. This practice was later developed over several years to what now is practiced as Yoga.
The development of yoga has benefited many people in losing weight in a healthy way. Yoga for weight loss is a debatable topic. Many people believe that Yoga alone does not promote weight loss. Yoga, when combined with healthy eating, has proven beneficial as it helps to lose weight along with keeping your mind and body healthy. Yoga increases your mindfulness and how you relate to your body. You will start seeking out food that is healthy instead of binging on food that can increase your fat accumulation.
Here are yoga asanas you should do
Triangle Pose
Step 1: Stand straight on the ground with your legs 2 feet apart.
Step 2: Inhale and lift both your hands sideways to bring them in line with your shoulders. Your hands should be parallel to the ground and your palms should face downwards.
Step 3: Exhale, bend your torso to the right, then hinge from the hips to take your right hand downwards and touch your right foot.
Step 4: Raise the left hand towards the ceiling and look upwards.
Step 5: Stay in this position for 10–20 seconds, then come back to the starting point. Repeat the same on the other side.
Dhanurasana or Bow pose
Step 1: Lie on your stomach with your feet hip-width apart and arms by your side.
Step 2: Bend your knees upwards and take your heel towards your butt.
Step 3: Hold the ankles of both legs with your hands.
Step 4: Inhale and lift your chest and legs off the ground.
Step 5: Keep your face straight, pull your legs as much as you can. Your body should be tight like a bow.
Step 4: Pause for 4–5 breaths, then come to the starting position.
Bhujangasana or Cobra pose
Step 1: Lie on your stomach with your feet close to each other and hands stretched overhead.
Step 2: Join both your legs and rest your forehead on the ground.
Step 3: Bring your hands underneath your shoulders (palms resting by the side of your chest), keeping your elbows close to the body.
Step 4: Inhale and lift the upper half of your body.
Step 5: Exhale and hold this pose for a few breaths.
