Yoga
helps reduce weight!
Through
different asanas of Yoga extra fat melts away from our body.
Some of the asanas stimulate sluggish glands to increase their
hormonal secretions. For example, the thyroid gland has a
big effect on our weight as it affects body metabolism. Asanas
like shoulder stand and the fish posture are particular for
the thyroid gland. These asanas increase fat metabolism thereby
converting fat to muscle and energy. This is like killing
two birds by a single stone. You will not only loose fat but
also have a better muscle tone and vitality.
Q:
How does yoga burn fat?
A: Due to the extended period of most yoga practices and the
requirement of practicing on an empty stomach, blood stream,
muscle tissue and the liver can quickly be depleted of glycogen
(especially in more energetic flows)...the body's need for
fuel to sustain the practice causes the pancreas to secret
glucagon which signals fat cells to release fat as the next
fuel source, so with extended active yoga practices, a person
can experience a decrease in total body fat % along with toning
of muscles.
Q:
How does yoga improve your metabolism?
A: Yoga postures and yogic breathing improve digestion and
waste removal which can greatly improve health and contribute
to less body weight. Also if you are practicing a power yoga
flow or energetic hatha flow or vinyasa, you are definitely
sustaining a "steady state" of elevated metabolism
where large muscle groups are worked and the heart rate is
elevated.
Q:
How does yoga control fat storage hormones?
A: When a person is under chronic stress, the brain signals
the adrenal glands to release cortisol (chronic fight or flight
response)...studies have shown that the release of cortisol
leads to a release of insulin which leads to fat storage and
an increased need for carbohydrates. Acheiving a relaxed state
through yoga can prevent this chemical reaction.
Q:
How does the mind/body connection in yoga help you lose weight?
A: Yoga views the body as having many layers. Asana (physical
yoga postures) affect the body but also these deeper layers,
en route to creating a whole, balanced self. The sensitivity
that comes through a yoga practice helps to develop a level
of skill in cultivating, observing and choosing one's posture,
breath, emotions, and diet more wisely.
Yoga is great for your health:
Regular
practice of Yoga helps to keep our body fit, controls cholesterol
level, reduces weight, normalizes blood pressure and improves
heart performance. According to the National Institutes of
Health, when people actively seek to reduce the stress in
their lives by quieting the mind, the body often works to
heal itself. In this sense, yoga can be seen not only as a
way to get into shape on several levels, but also as a tool
for self-healing.
Other
studies show that patients with heart problems who followed
a stress reduction program that include Yoga did better than
patients who exercised or did nothing. Further, preliminary
studies in the United States and India suggest that Yoga maybe
helpful for specific conditions, such as asthma, epilepsy,
anxiety, stress and others.
Yoga for Athletes:
Yoga
can be a powerful enhancement in regular training exercises.
Adding Yoga in a routine training program helps develop strength,
flexibility, range of motion, concentration, cardiovascular
health, and reduces stress, tension, and tightness. The most
significant benefit of adding yoga to a training program is
its effect on performance. Yoga allows an athlete to train
harder and at a higher level because range of motion is greater
and the fear of injury has lessened.
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"The
posture becomes perfect when the effort of achieving it vanishes."
Yogabhasya 
Though
the Asanas may just seem to be merely physical exercises,
you will later realize that it is more than exercising your
body. As you progress, you will become more aware of the flow
of Prana, the vital energy, and the importance of correct
breathing - that is creating a union between your breath and
your movement.