Has anyone tried yoga to lose weight

The big draw with yoga is that it increases flexibility and brings greater awareness of the link between mind and body, which can make weight loss a lot easier. There are about 50 kajillion different types of yoga out there, and many yoga studios offer free classes to first time students. If you can find these where you live, I strongly suggest trying it out in studio first. It'll be helpful to learn and feel proper alignment with the help of a teacher first.

For DVDs, I have Shiva Rea's Yoga Shakti, which has a lot of different choices on it. It's beautifully done without being either too new age or too modern. Rodney Yee also has good, straightforward DVDs with many choices, and he is also beautiful and impressive to watch.

I do DDP Yoga, which isn't "traditional" yoga, but it still has yoga in the name! I gather that it's more strength focused than some yogas. I'm definitely a lot more flexible now. Between that, a better diet, and daily walks/runs, I'm down 49 lbs after twelve weeks.

Just for flexibility and core strength.

Yoga is great for flexibility and relaxation. The relaxation may help you handle stress better which in theory, should reduce your cortisol levels amoung other things, making it easier to lose weight. It's not a huge calorie burn, but it does help fitness levels by improving flexibility and energy.

I LOVE yoga but I would supplement it with some cardio. Like others have said it's more for stretching and strength (think slow burn) as opposed to increased heart rate (faster burn). Yoga is a great compliment to other activities and will help reduce chances of sports injuries. Good luck! sounds like you're already kicking some serious butt!


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I do hot power yoga and yoga barre at least 3 times a week which is basically yoga in a room heated up to 90-105 degrees. According to some online resources say you can burn up to 400- 1200 in a 60 minute class depending on your body type and how hard you work. I personally like hot yoga way better than regular yoga, it gives you more of a work out I think.
I've been doing this for 2 months and have definitely noticed a huge change in my body. My arms are firmer, my joints and back are less stiff, I'm way more flexible, my core is activated, my legs are tighter, and I love it!
However was told by an instructor that if I wanted to see maximum results, it would be a good idea to put in at least 20 minutes of cardio 3- 4 times a week as well. Cardio will help burn the outer layer fat so the toned muscles underneath from yoga can show through.

I do hot power yoga and yoga barre at least 3 times a week which is basically yoga in a room heated up to 90-105 degrees. According to some online resources say you can burn up to 400- 1200 in a 60 minute class depending on your body type and how hard you work. I personally like hot yoga way better than regular yoga, it gives you more of a work out I think.
I've been doing this for 2 months and have definitely noticed a huge change in my body. My arms are firmer, my joints and back are less stiff, I'm way more flexible, my core is activated, my legs are tighter, and I love it!
However was told by an instructor that if I wanted to see maximum results, it would be a good idea to put in at least 20 minutes of cardio 3- 4 times a week as well. Cardio will help burn the outer layer fat so the toned muscles underneath from yoga can show through.

I do hot yoga too, and although I don't know my exact calorie burn, after the standing series my HR is usually in the 110-120 range. I get a great burn, and there is a lot of strength work in the class. I lost 100 pounds and the only exercise I was doing was hot yoga. Now after having a second baby I am back at it and have added CrossFit.

I do 20-40mins of yoga 4 evenings a week to relax and to stretch my muscles after cardio and weights... I've found it incredible as a supplement and I'm definitely more flexible.xx

I have been doing yoga about 3 or 4 times a week for the past couple months and have noticed a considerable difference. I go to a donation-based studio (which is how I can afford it) and practice vinyasa flow or power yoga. I also use the elliptical about 3 times a week and try to go on daily walks. I have lost 23 pounds so far! Like everyone else has said, definitely do yoga along with some cardio and it will definitely help you lose the weight. It is also great therapy.

I have never used these, but I am interested to: http://www.yogadownload.com/

I like JM yoga meltdown, too. You can find the first level on youtube.

Good luck!

I go to my first Yoga class tonight at the local Y --- I'm not sure how much actual yoga is involved and am presuming it's more of a stretch and de-stress class since we're in the heart of the bible-belt Midwest. I am not physically able to do much cardio training at this point, but I know increasing the mind-body connection and becoming more flexible will help with my overall health efforts.
I choose to think of it that I'm not trying to lose weight, I'm working to live healthier.

My primary concern as a 5'4" 190lb woman is, what on earth am I supposed to wear to a yoga class?

My size 4 daughter would tell me "yoga pants", but I'm concerned that I will look like a candidate for People of Walmart if I'm not careful.

Will sweatpants and a comfy t-shirt work?
Will I need shoes or is it a barefoot activity?

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Lyby,
Hello. Sweatpants are totally fine - you need pants that allow you to move about freely. For your top, you want to make sure that it is fitted somewhat. If you are inverted (or even in a basic "down dog" position) a loose shirt will bag around your shoulders and get in your way (and expose your stomach). Hope that helps.
Have fun!

Edit to add: also barefoot, no socks (you'll slip!)