Yoga Can Help You to Lose Weight
We all know that yoga is good for your health and well-being,
but does how does it tie into weight loss? After all, it isn't
aerobic exercise so can it really help to shed pounds?
A recent study conducted by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research
Center in Seattle, WA investigated the effects of yoga on
weight, which is the first study to investigate the role between
the two. More than 15,000 participants were asked to recall
their physical activity patterns and weight history between the
ages of 45 and 55. The study found that during this period, most
people gain about 1 pound each year. The people who practiced
yoga at least 30 minutes once a week for four or more years
gained 3 pounds less weight than the non-yoga participants.
This is not necessarily staggering results but it gets better!
Both men and women who were overweight at the beginning of the
period and who started to practice yoga lost about five pounds,
while those who were yoga free gained an average of 14 pounds
within the next ten years. Now that is news! Imagine what the
results would be for people practicing yoga 2-3 times a week.
The researchers have not concluded why the yoga participants
lost more weight especially when most of them were not in
advanced levels. More studies are needed at this time to give us
more insight into the topic.
Participating in regular yoga classes and even getting good
enough to venture into some advanced classes, has so many
benefits. Here is what yoga can do for you.
* Physical Benefits: Creates a toned, flexible, and strong
body...yes, it helps to build muscle which will also help to
improve your metabolism. It also promotes cardio and circulatory
health.
* Mental Benefits: Helps you relax and handle stress more
easily. Teaches you to quiet all that chatter in your mind so
you can focus on how you want to direct your energy. Encourages
positive thoughts and self-acceptance. This alone can do a lot
for those emotional/stress eaters out there.
* Spiritual Benefits: This is a nondenominational value that
helps to build awareness of your body, your feelings, and the
world around you. It also helps you to learn patience,
forgiveness, and the value of gentleness. We all could use some
regular reminders of this!
So why not join a yoga class? It can add so many benefits to
your life and now you can add weight management to the list!
Take action and sign up for an introductory class today!