Yoga BLOG

Yoga shapes the body – get fit with asanas
by Stefan
on Apr 07 2022
Many people dream of losing a few pounds. A healthy weight is, of course, essential – but following a fasting diet doesn't correspond to the ideals of a holistic approach to health. This makes it all the more important that you find a path that works best for you. With the right attitude, mindfulness, and discipline, you can bring change into your life – including your weight. Learn how yoga works for weight loss in this article.
mind body and soul design inspired by yoga, with asanas (yoga poses) and lotus
The main health benefits of yoga
Yoga has many benefits for the body. Whether Yin Yoga, Hatha, or Vinyasa, the different yoga styles have wonderful effects on health.
• Yoga helps strengthen your immune system. This is especially important during the winter months. • Those who regularly practice asanas on the yoga mat can notice changes in their blood pressure – at least that is what scientists at Yale University have found out. • Strengthen mindfulness, awareness, and inner balance: Yoga has a wonderful effect on the mind, soul, and psyche. Therefore, yoga and meditation should be combined throughout the day. Deep breathing is also essential for strengthening your well-being and the nervous system. Treat yourself to a few minutes every day on your meditation cushion . • If you have trouble falling asleep quickly, try various yoga exercises in the evening. Even beginners can achieve excellent results with them. Your mind will calm down and your body will be sufficiently stretched before you go to bed. • Blood sugar levels can be improved with the help of asanas. • Headaches, migraines or tension can be relieved. • Yoga also offers weight-loss benefits. Those who want to lose weight can use daily yoga practice to get rid of excess fat.
We will show you how this works in the following sections.
Important: If you are experiencing physical, mental, or emotional problems, you should always seek additional advice from a professional medical professional. Yoga can be helpful.
Successful weight loss – Yoga in everyday life
You don't have to be a pro to lose weight with yoga. Beginners, advanced practitioners, or yogis with years of practice can all achieve success. A study conducted by the University of California also found that yoga improved participants' well-being. It was noted that their mood improved significantly and their bad moods decreased. When you feel good, you're more motivated to exercise. It also makes you more energetic and more connected to yourself.
Which styles are suitable for losing weight?
Yoga offers various ways to lose weight. Of course, you won't lose as much weight with Yin Yoga, which mainly involves stretching and loosening the fascia, as you would with a strenuous Vinyasa flow.
Here is a brief overview of the numbers:
• Power yoga about 400 calories per hour • Ashtanga approx. 300 calories per hour • Bikram yoga about 600 calories per hour
As you can see, yoga is a serious "sport" that helps with weight loss.
How quickly can you lose weight with yoga?
Although this question isn't necessarily essential, we'd like to address it nonetheless. Yoga experts emphasize that consistency is especially important. This means that the more regularly you integrate exercise into your daily routine, the better your results will be—you'll feel healthy, vital, and slim.
The advantage is that yoga affects your holistic well-being – and not just pounds on your stomach, buttocks, or thighs.
The best exercises for your fitness: Strengthen your lower body
Many of the asanas are designed to strengthen multiple parts of the body. However, if you want to focus on your lower body and build strength there, then Set aside a few minutes every day for this workout. Always pay attention to the correct execution of the exercise.
a) Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II)
Stand on the floor and extend your right leg forward until it is at a straight angle. Extend your left leg backward, turning your foot slightly. outside. Now open your upper body to the left. Both arms go forward and backward (the right one is in front). The head looks forward. Stay here for a few moments. This exercise is perfect for focusing and strengthening your arms, legs, and abdominal muscles. Then switch sides.
Active cartoon woman practicing virabhadrasana II position isolated on white. Yogi female exercising Hatha yoga warrior pose vector flat illustration. Girl performing gymnastics fitness workout.
b) Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
First, get into a quadruped position. From here, pull your butt back and stretch your arms and legs. Your buttocks are the highest point. You can practice this asana to focus your breathing and to rest during strenuous sequences. It also strengthens your lower and Thighs stretched.
Yogi female in Adho Mukha Svanasana posture vector flat illustration. Woman demonstrating Downward dog pose isolated on white. Active healthy girl practicing yoga exercise.
c) The Boat (Navasana)
This exercise is perfect for anyone looking to strengthen their core. The pose may seem simple at first, but it can become quite challenging if held for a longer period. You sit on the floor and stretch your legs forward. Now lean back and lift your legs. Your body forms a "V" and your Your legs and back are no longer on the floor. The left and right Hands are stretched out next to your legs.
Naukasana or Yoga Boat pose Easy Variation with Strap Illustration. Colorful Concept of Navasana Asana Woman in Sportswear Top, Sneakers and White Pants Does the Fitness Stretch Exercise.
d) Chair (Utkatasana)
A great exercise to tone your thighs and butt is the chair. Stand upright with your feet close together. Now Slowly squat down. Raise your arms up into the air. Stay here for a few breaths.
Don’t forget your back: for stability and strength
If you do a lot of abdominal training or practice yoga in general, you should never forget your back.
Useful exercises for your back are:
• Knee towards upper body (You lie on your back and pull first the left and then the right knee towards your upper body) • Lying twist (lie on your back and pull your right knee towards your stomach and then turn onto your left side, with your knee touching the floor and your spine twisted. This exercise can be repeated on both sides). • Locust (You lie on your stomach and lift your legs and arms as you inhale, with only the middle of your body touching the floor)
Small reminder: Yoga influences the mind and this shapes matter
There are yoga styles designed to improve the body and, accordingly, to reduce weight. These include the ones mentioned above. However, most people forget that the mind shapes matter. Because yoga has a profound impact on one's well-being and mental health, this means that the body also adapts (as the mind changes).
This means that theoretically you can get the body shape that is exactly right for you.
The more you have arrived at yourself, the more your physical body will take shape in the way you are.
You will also notice: the more connected you are with yourself, the less important your weight and figure become.
Are you happy with your body? Do you practice yoga to keep fit and tone your figure?