Yoga?

rockstar2b66
rockstar2b66 Posts: 54
in Fitness and Exercise
Is yoga actually any good for weight loss and toning? I've tried different types of cardio and strength techniques but yoga isn't one of them, however it seems to be very popular. Just curious if anyone has had any luck with it.

Replies

  • jimmmer
    jimmmer Posts: 3,515 Member
    Weightloss is achieved by being in a calorie deficit. How your body looks afterwards is a function of the exercise you did while you were in that deficit.

    Since Yoga (done properly, under a good instructor) is a kind of progressive resistance bodyweight programme (in crude, non-spiritual terms), then it will leave you with preserved lean body mass, with strengthened muscle and connective tissue.

    It also teaches you to be relaxed in uncomfortable physical positions which has a great mental benefit too. That's without the obvious things like, greater flexibility, improved mind-body link, etc.

    Anyway, it's a proven system of physical, mental and spiritual discipline that has roots going back a couple of thousand years and, provided your diet's in check, will leave you looking and feeling great.
  • bowbeforethoraxis
    bowbeforethoraxis Posts: 138 Member
    I have been getting into yoga over the past three months, and am definitely not an expert, but here are some of the benefits I've noticed from it:
    Increased balance and flexibility (I'm not a superstar yet, but I've definitely noticed a difference)
    I do get sore after some of the workouts, on odd places that normal workouts don't necessarily cover well, like the lower abs, or a weird spot on my arms after extended warrior poses
    I have some moderate back pain, combination old injury/bad posture/not great bed, and yoga does help with it
    My posture is slowly getting better!
    When I go into a yoga class (or do a workout at home) super sore (like, sitting down is an event or I deliberately avoid going to bed because the stairs seem impossible or laughing makes me want to cry), I do leave feeling better. The warm up is tough to get through, but by the end of class, while not completely un-sore, nothing is actually painful, just noticeable if that makes sense.
    I feel calmer and more focussed after yoga, I've started doing it before I start any big assignments for school or before work if I know I'll have a 10-14 hr day

    I can't honestly comment on the weight loss/strength training benefits, because I've also started eating better and working out with a personal trainer, so obviously there are results coming, but I do yoga as my strength training day once a week and my cardio twice a week (different workouts with different poses and whatnot) and it has definitely helping me!

    I highly recommend yoga. If you want to try it without spending a ton of money you can hit up your library for a dvd, or buy one from Amazon. I got Bob Harper's Yoga for Weight loss, and it's fantastic.
  • bowbeforethoraxis
    bowbeforethoraxis Posts: 138 Member
    Oh also, make sure you go to a class at some point, so the instructor can make sure you have correct form and everything so you don't injure yourself.

    And, my parks and rec department offers 2 months of yoga class, twice a week, for $40, so you might want to check out if your city has something similar going on.
  • YogaFitnessGuru
    YogaFitnessGuru Posts: 18
    I've been practicing Yoga for over 15 years. I'm nearly 50 but still trim, toned and feeling great. With yoga, I don't think it's just the physical side of it that helps with the weight loss. You simply become more aware of your body and tend to look after yourself better.

    Yoga has been scientifically proven to help with weight loss and you can get fast results with the right progam. Try it is all I'd say, but be prepared to love it, it's quite addictive once you start to feel the overall benefits.

    Davina H
  • SarahxApple
    SarahxApple Posts: 166 Member
    OP do you do anything else workout/exercise wise? I am very new to Yoga (been to about 6 sessions), I enjoy it and it has helped with my posture and flexibility even after so few sessions, but I mostly do it as I run and do CrossFit so it complements them and is easier on my joints (especially my hips). I have to say the first session I did I was a bit like WTF (especially with the whole relaxation/one with your body stuff (I mean no offence here)) it is a little weird if it's not something you are used to, but it has benefitted me more than I think to just get an hour a week where I get a chance to unwind and feel like I am getting stronger.

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