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Yoga As An Aid To Weight Loss
Roy Thomsitt
Yoga is wonderful for nurturing a state of mental and physical
well being . It promotes a balanced and healthy lifestyle, and
yoga techniques can be applied also to removing excess weight,
thus bringing you an extra benefit, that is if being overweight
is a problem to you.
Practicing yoga will increase your metabolism. An increased
metabolism leads to an increase in the calorie burning process,
so combining yoga with a calorie burning program may bring you
excellent results. Of course, the use of yoga is no rapid
weight loss method. Used over a period of time, though, it can
bring good results. If you keep to the rigours imposed by yoga
discipline, you should gain a holistic, long term solution to
balance your life style and help you reduce and prevent any
surplus weight. In addition to losing weight, you will also
experience an increased ability to concentrate and focus,
higher resistance to stress factors, and overall a healthier
way of life.
Let me just explain a little more about how yoga will benefit
you. Your metabolism is regulated by the thyroid, a component
of the endocrine system. The thyroid is responsible for the
chemical processes in your body that transform food into
energy. Yoga uses a series of twisting poses that stimulate the
work flow of the internal organs, thus boosting metabolism. This
in turn burns more calories, and reduces your body weight.
Improved local blood circulation is another direct effect of
the use of yoga postures, which leads to a healthier, more
energetic body. When the calorie intake is lower than the
calorie output, your body will start burning fat cells to
acquire the necessary energy. A perfectly healthy and strong
metabolism takes this process even further, and you may well
see better results than traditional weight loss formulas.
To stimulate metabolism, various back bends and forward bends
are used. Poses that affect the neck area, where the thyroid
gland is situated, are particularly helpful if the weight
problem is caused by a hormonal imbalance. These poses can be
those of the camel, rabbit, plow, bridge and shoulder stand.
Moving quickly between a series of poses can accelerate the
process. To those who are well overweight, some of the bends
may prove to be a difficult. If you fall into that category,
don't despair. You should gradually increase the difficulty of
the postures until you have the confidence to go to more
complex exercises. This is not a test or a competition; you
need to be relaxed and at ease, and just do what you can. Each
time, you will probably find it that much easier, and you can
do a little more.
To strengthen muscles, you use standing poses, such as the
warrior. The use of standing poses will aid a higher level of
endurance, and an increased caloric output. You may energize
the body and increase your metabolism even more by using
Kapalabhati and Ujjayi Pranayama.
A good diet should also be followed to support this holistic
weight loss system. You should try to eat foods that are rich
in fibre, vegetables, fruit, whole grains, while eating less
high fat and processed food items. Balance is essential in all
matters concerning your diet. variety is good, as is modest
consumption.
A gradual approach is essential with all yoga practices. Do not
expect results to be spectacular and immediate, but this is one
of the best long term weight loss methods available. In
addition to weight loss, you can also benefit from an increased
protection against adverse factors through your improved immune
system and sense of well being. Hopefully, too, you will feel
an inner peace that will assist you in losing weight without
succumbing to all the pressures and temptations.
About The Author: Roy Thomsitt is owner and part author of
http://www.routes-to-self-improvement.com
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