is yoga helpful for weight loss - #38737
I am trying to lose some weight, and I’ve heard that yoga might be helpful for weight loss, but honestly, I’m not sure if that’s true?? Like, I’ve been hitting the gym regularly and trying to eat healthier, but the scale just doesn’t seem to budge. Ugh! A friend of mine suggested adding yoga to my routine, saying “is yoga helpful for weight loss?” could be the answer I’m looking for. Last week, I attended a beginner’s yoga class, and it felt good in a way, but I'm also wondering if it really burns enough calories for weight loss, you know? I mean, I did enjoy the stretching and the focus on breathing, but does that really lead to weight loss, or am I just wasting my time? Plus, I feel like I need more action – like, am I going to slow down my progress if I do yoga instead of more intense workouts?? Can someone explain how yoga can fit into a weight loss plan? Like, are there specific types of yoga that are better, or is it more about the consistency?? I’m totally open to ideas, just feeling kinda lost right now!
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Doctors' responses
Yoga can indeed be a valuable addition to your weight loss plan, although it may not seem like an intense calorie-burner at first glance. Its benefits are subtle but effective, working on multiple levels to promote a healthier lifestyle—beyond just physical exercise.
Yoga helps to balance the doshas and improve your prana—the life energy within you— by cultivating a more mindful approach towards eating and living. It can enhance the digestive fire, or agni, which plays a crucial role in metabolism according to Ayurvedic principles. When your agni is strong, your body can detoxify more efficiently, and this aids in maintaining a healthy weight.
There are specific yoga styles that are more vigorous and can aid in weight loss. Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and Power yoga are physically demanding and can help increase heart rate, contributing to calorie expenditure. It’s good to practice these 3-4 times a week alongside your gym sessions, which provides a balanced routine that includes both high-intensity and low-intensity workouts.
Additionally, yoga’s emphasis on breath control and mindfulness helps reduce stress, which is known to lead to emotional eating and weight gain. Practicing pranayama, or breath control exercises, and meditation can help calm the mind and reduce cortisol levels, which, in turn, can lead to better weight management.
In your case, integrating yoga with your current gym routine and balanced diet could work synergistically to boost your weight loss efforts. It’s not about replacing your intense workouts but rather complimenting them. Sometimes it might seem slow, but the consistency in yoga practice can gradually lead to sustainable weight loss and overall well-being.
Remember, in Ayurveda, weight loss is not just about the number on the scale, but achieving a balance that supports your entire body’s health. It might feel less “action-packed,” but yoga can contribute significantly to your weight loss journey in a more holistic way.

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