If Yoga reduces BMR, should those willing to lose wt, do it?

SanyamKaushik

Hi Guys,
Stumbled upon this article:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1564415/?tool=pubmed

So, question to fellow MFP's that if Yoga reduces BMR, shall those wanting to loose weight, practice yoga? Your thoughts?
Whats your take on this?

yoginimary

Interesting article.

I think it's important to note that most people who do yoga, just do asana (physical postures) and do not do mediation or pranayama. I would guess that it is the meditative aspects that lower your BMR, but there is no way of knowing this. I would have been interesting to me to have a third group that did mediation only to see what happened.

On the other hand, those that are serious in their yoga practice, tend to be thinner than average. I would have to go look for the study on this one (it was on yoga teachers), but the guess was that yoga and mediation teach you do be more aware of your body, thus being more aware when you are full or hungry. Something I have noticed as well.

So I would say, for those that go to a yoga class once or even three times a week, I would be surprised if it had any effect on BMR.

rml_16

I did yoga nearly ever day and lost 36 pounds, plus dropped three sizes in 12 weeks.

So, yeah, I think it's fine to do while trying to lose weight.

Martucha123

all the cardio exercises improve your heart capacity, so decrese your BMR too.
Does not mean we should stop running and walking...

bcattoes

Anyone willing to lose weight should be willing to face a lower BMR since metabolism slows with weight loss.

spinedocmfp

I lift for exercise, but once a week I do yoga for the flexibility and stretching, and very much enjoy the different work out. I am not concerned that one class a week will change anything in my bmr. I think in the long run I will be healthier and more flexible from the yoga.