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| Best Yoga Poses for Weight Loss |
Our eating habits, hectic schedules, workload, and daily lifestyle have taken a toll on our health due to which we tend to
gain weight faster. Obesity
makes life lazy and sedentary. The body becomes weak and it decreases the
possibilities of a longer life span. A common ailment, bones of buttocks, knees, and
spinal column become brittle. It may have an adverse effect on health, leading
to many health problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, certain types of cancer, and osteoarthritis. Overweight people have an
increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and other illnesses.
Losing weight reduces risk. However, losing weight is more easily said than
done. This is surely a universal truth. This is where ancient holistic fitness
therapies of yoga and pranayama come for aid. However, practicing yoga on a daily basis has
certainly helped many people lose weight. The fact that yoga brings mind, body,
and soul on the same platform, it leaves one refreshed even after a mild
session of Yoga. We bring to you asanas that could help fast-track your
weight loss goals.
Surya Namaskar (Sun
salutation):
Surya Namaskar is a set of
yoga asanas done in succession that can help
reduce flab if done on a regular basis. This series of 12 postures is one of
the most favorite ways of burning calories if done briskly. Since it employs
various forward and backward bending asanas that flex and stretch the spinal cord,
it provides a stretch to the whole body. It is believed to be the best full-body workout. It does not only help in reducing weight but also helps in
keeping away other ailments.
This asana helps in toning your arms &
thighs. It also improves the flexibility of your body. Stand straight, with
your feet wide apart. Now turn your right foot out to 90 degrees & left
foot out to 15 degrees. Now bend your body to the right side, downward from the
hips. Make sure that you keep your waist straight, allowing your left hand to
come up in the air while your right hand comes down and touches the ground.
Try to keep both arms in a straight line. Repeat on the other side.
Mayurasana (Peacock Pose):
Many people may not be obese but still suffer from fat around the belly. This can be reduced by doing asanas
like Mayurasana. Shed those extra kilos around the stomach by practicing
Mayurasana. Kneel down and sit on your heels. Keep your hands on the floor,
fingers pointing towards your body, thumb outwards and palms pressed against
the ground. Place elbows in such a way that they are pressed against your
belly. Straighten your legs from behind and stretch them. Lift your body up, on
your hands and legs. Remember to keep your body and legs be parallel to the
floor. If one finds Mayurasana difficult to perform, then do Hansasana. Both postures
help to put pressure against the abdomen and relieve belly fat.
Garudasana (Eagle Pose):
This asana is great to get thinner thighs, legs, and arms. Stand on the floor in a straight position, keeping the hands beside
the body. Lift your left leg up, fold it from the knee and wrap it around the
right leg. Lift your hands up, bring them in front of the chest and wrap the
left hand around the right hand looking straight.
This
asana burns unwanted stomach fat as it stretches abdominal muscles.
Lie on the stomach with feet together and toes flat. Place the hands downwards
below the shoulders on the mat, lift your waist and raise the head while
inhaling in. Pull the torso back with the support of hands. Keep elbows
straight and make sure to put equal pressure on both palms. Tilt the head
back and make sure the shoulders are away from the ears. Exhale while coming back to
the ground.
Matsyasana (Fish Pose):
Matsyasana is all about stretching your lower
body. It helps in burning extra fat on thighs, hips, and lower abdominal areas.
Setu Bandh (Bridge
Pose):
This asana is good for the thighs, lower back, and core. For doing this asana, lie down on your back and bend your
knees so that your feet rest on the floor. Keep the same distance between
your feet and buttocks as your hands. Now, try to lift your body in an upward
direction. Do this 5-10 times & then release. This works wonders on your hips,
thighs, stomach as well as back.
Shalabhasana (Locust Pose):
Lie on your belly and put your
hands below your thighs while your forehead and chin are resting on the floor. Now
try to raise your left leg straight up to 10 inches. Do not bend your knees.
Try doing the same thing with your right leg. At the final stage, do this with
both your legs.
Pavanmuktasana
(Wind-releasing Pose):
This asana is good for your stomach & helps
in reducing belly fat. Lie down on your back in a straight position. Now lift
up your left leg & bend it from the knee. Try to touch your chin to your
knee while pressing your left leg towards the stomach. For this, you will have to
lift up your head a little. Follow the same with the other leg and you can also
try doing the same movement with both legs at the same time.
Pranayama
to stimulate the metabolism
The pranayama practices stimulate the metabolism which helps to burn excessive
fat in the body. These include Bhastrika, Kapalbhati, and Suryabheda, which are
performed along with balancing practices like Nadi Shodhan and Ujjayi. Sheetali
and Sheetkari are relaxing, cooling practices that influence different
hypothalamic centers having control over thirst and the feeling of satisfaction
with healthy quantities and qualities of food.
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