Yoga And Weight Loss


Many students of yoga have found a correlation between the day they decided to steadily practice yoga and their life long decision to improve their health. Students report that they made healthier food choices, due to feeling uplifted and centered from yoga practice. This comes from a sense of focus and mindfulness of the body, which results from regularly practicing yoga.

Yoga postures are sometimes held for periods of several minutes each, depending on ability level. Beginners, who are overweight, may initially have difficulty holding postures. They should not be discouraged by this and work to the best of their ability. Skilled yoga instructors create classroom atmospheres that are encouraging to students at every ability level.

As yoga students progress in ability, they will notice a higher degree of strength and mobility throughout their body. When the muscles are sufficiently toned, more calories are burned on a regular basis throughout the day, even when a person is not exercising. After a period of regular yoga practice, yoga students should begin to see, and feel, a difference in the makeup of their bodies.

Pranayama, or yoga breathing exercises, eliminate stress. Stress is a huge factor in weight gain and stubborn fat. Learn to relax and calm the nervous system with breathing. Eliminate tension within your mind and your muscles, and you will have a higher drive to care for your body. Breathe in the inspiration to change your life in a positive way. Exhale the dark feelings and anxiety that perpetuate a cycle of poor diet and health.

The most common cause of being overweight, for many people, is simply overeating. This often stems from an emotional need for food beyond what is necessary for the body to use. While there are many reasons people eat too much, emotional eaters often have a low sense of self-worth.

A benefit of yoga, which is not talked about by specialists concerned with calorie burning, is the sense of emotional and spiritual significance. Yoga focuses on more than just moving around on a mat and breathing; people learn to find a peaceful place within their being.

Through yoga practice, one affirms his or her spiritual significance. By enabling this sanctuary, yoga practitioners can find a peaceful place to begin their weight loss journey.

Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com

He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: \"Yoga in Practice,\" and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

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