Super Beginner Yoga

squeaker87

So I’m 100% new to yoga. This morning I did a YouTube beginner “workout” (session?). It was Yoga with Adriene, which I’ve seen recommended here. I think I’ll like it. I do have a few questions.

1 - Is yoga good for weight loss? I mean if it’s my only form of exercise (beside the occasional walk, when it’s not 100+ degrees out). Like at home yoga, not hot yoga.

2 - Does this beginner yoga count as Hatha yoga? I didn’t even know there were different kinds. But mfp database has “yoga” or “hatha yoga” as options for logging. What’s the difference and how should I log it?

Thank you,
The yoga noob

ETA - PS: I KNOW that weight loss is CICO. Also trying to count accurately and consistently. Yes I have a food scale. I just mean will yoga speed anything along and/or help me to build strength.

TavistockToad

Yoga is good for your health, but it doesn't burn many calories so it's not doing much in the way of helping you lose weight.

Calorie deficit for weight loss

mbaker566

can it help with weight loss? only in that it increases the calorie deficit. beginner yoga and many yoga classes do not burn as many calories as we hope.

beginner yoga could be considered hatha yoga. hatha is more posed base as opposed to vinyasana which is flowing and is more closely related to cardio. hatha burns less calories typically because you don't move from pose to pose but stop, and focus on the pose itself and the alignment.
there are always exceptions.

hot yoga does not burn more calories than room temperature yoga. you sweat and lose water weight. some people find it more comfortable but i find it often leads to injury

i also highly recommend going to a class with a teacher so they can help you with alignment to prevent injury. i know it's not an option for everyone but if you can, do. then take the practice home. many injuries happen due to poor alignment or hyperextension or falling out of a pose

these are my opinions based on my anecdotal evidence

middlehaitch

Just here to second @mbaker566's recommendation to take classes for the reasons stated.
There is no way I could have had the correct form for most poses without hands on guidance.

Cheers, h.

squeaker87

Yeah, I was checking out a local yoga studio online. It’s not too expensive to drop in on a class so I might do that a few times to make sure I’m doing everything right. I definitely don’t want to hurt myself!

TeaBea

Yoga can help with weight loss in other ways (no it doesn't burn many calories). But yoga can with stress (better sleep may follow). Yoga helps with range of motion (maybe you move more as a result). Yoga makes you more body aware. You are doing something good for you; perhaps that helps you stay on track a bit more.

CharleyRose1236

Heyy I've been wondering the same thing. I have a back injury so my doctor suggested doing yoga but wasn't too sure how much it would aid the weight loss. Also I don't get how anyone can workout in this heat just about can go up and down the stairs 😳

squeaker87

From what I gathered from a google search, it’s not ideal for weight loss on its own but should be combined with some form of cardio. Outside of that it’s still good exercise and I intend to start doing it regularly. I’ll just have to incorporate some walks when it cools off a bit. Maybe I’ll do some cardio videos in the meantime.

SabrinaJ89

I've been doing yoga on and off for a year now. I can tell a difference after starting back at it. I see a difference in my stomache and butt mostly. I havent been very focused on CICO though. I also do practices from Adriene's YouTube. I like the 30 days of yoga series she has.

ramakrishnanpravin73

Yoga is extremely helpful for weight loss. There are lots of videos available on youtube on this. You can refer them.

TavistockToad

ramakrishnanpravin73 wrote: »

Yoga is extremely helpful for weight loss. There are lots of videos available on youtube on this. You can refer them.

in what way?

debrakgoogins

ramakrishnanpravin73 wrote: »

Yoga is extremely helpful for weight loss. There are lots of videos available on youtube on this. You can refer them.

Yoga is good for helping you gain flexibility, and strength. Most yoga practices don't burn a ton of calories so for weight loss, it isn't the best exercise BUT it is excellent for overall wellness.

BigRed2525

If you are a straight up beginner, I would recommend dropping in on a few classes before transitioning to an at-home practice. A quality instructor will help you learn the basic poses and provide modifications to some of the more challenging positions.

As said by others, yoga doesn’t offer a large calorie burn, but is beneficial for strength, flexibility, and overall health. I’ve learned a lot from about my body from practicing yoga—where it is strong, where it is weak, etc. It’s also done a lot for my balance and stability.

kardsharp

I love yoga. While it hasn't helped me lose any weight, I feel taller and that gives me better posture which in turn makes me feel thinner. As a bonus, it allows me to do other things. I have degenerative disks in my neck and yoga helps. Classes are wonderful. They teach you foundation and it helps to avoid further injury.