Are you overweight…? Here are 10 Yoga tips to help you manage your weight

Are you burdened by overweight? Idea of gym gets your thoughts racing with scene of you running on a treadmill while it is calculating your heart rate, respiratory rate, distance you have covered (without reaching anywhere) all in bold flashy figures whereas the person next to you is beaming with his/her new set records. All this brings a pang of anxiety, or spending on the gym membership doesn’t appeal you much because compliance has been an issue, then we have a much simpler solution for you!!

“YOGA” – yes, this magic word is surely your thing, all you need is a Yoga mat and calm composed surroundings, and you are good to go! 

In gym you push your body to get desired results whereas in Yoga you learn to listen to your body, synchronize with it, you attain that delicate balance of incoming and outgoing breath. Yoga not only helps in attaining metabolic equilibrium hence managing weight issues but also helps in posture correction as your body is designed for movement and not for slouching in front of a television or a computer. From fat to fit, from overweight to oh, great!! From obesity to flexibility!! With the regular practice of these asana, your overweight present will soon be a history and that will open up your vision, your mind and add a boost to your self-esteem!!

Here are 10 awesome yoga workouts that help mobilize fat from the belly, strengthen the abdominal muscles, stretch and make your muscles shed plumpness effectively. So, come on let’s begin the ‘Slim and Sassy’ mission:

  

   1.       Suryanamaskar (Prayer pose)

(Pic courtesy: www.harekrsna.de)

As the name suggests the “sun salutation” is the powerful 12 step exercise, a complete body workout to keep you fit and flexible. It takes care of you from head to toe. It’s best warm up for your body before starting the yoga routine.

Practicing it will benefit shape your hips and legs, also tone up your abdominal muscles as controlled breathing is an important part of all steps.

   2.     Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)

(Pic courtesy: healthshlok.com)

This asana works on deep muscles of your hip and extensors of your back spine. It also stretches the sides of your body, tones your arms & thighs, and helps in mobilization of fat from waist. It also improves digestion.

   3.    Chakraasan (Wheel Pose)

(Pic courtesy: www.a2zyoga.com)

In this pose your inner thighs roll up, tailbone extends, upper arms swapoutward, upper back twists, head looks down to the ground. It helps to remove fat build up from oblique area, increases the hip flexibility.

1  4.     Utkatasana (Chair Pose)

(Pic courtesy: perusals.wordpress.com)

This one literally has you positioned as if you are sitting on a chair. It can take some time to build up enough strength to hold the pose for more than a breath or two. It strengthens lower back, tones thigh, leg, ankle and knees.

   5.     Veerbhadrasana (Warrior Pose)

(Pic courtesy:  www.howtogetrid.org)

This pose strengthens the arms, shoulders, thighs and back muscles, all in one go. It will strengthen the muscles of your back, thighs, abdomen and core.

It is an excellent Stretching exercise for the chest and lungs, shoulders and neck, belly, and groin.

   6.      Halasana (Plough Pose)

(Pic courtesy: Wikipedia) 

Named after the shape of plow (or plough), used to loosen the soil and prepare the land for sowing the seeds, similarly this pose prepares the mind, body, and soul for renewal. It reduces belly fat, and improves balance and flexibility. It strengthens the back muscles.

   7.     Sarvangasana (Whole Body Pose)

(Pic courtesy: Wikipedia) 

An excellent body balancing pose, not just well for weight management but also for achieving that delicate whole body balance. Regular practice leads to improved blood circulation, weight loss and better digestion.

   8.      Vakraasan (Twisted Pose)

(Pic courtesy: www.fineremedies.com)

Sitting asana performed by twisting upper body to side with one leg extended and other flexed. Good exercise for stretching and strengthening back muscles.  Works on belly and those rigid side handles.

   9.    Naukasana (Boat Pose) 

(Pic courtesy: eyogaguru.com)

You straighten your legs and bring your palms up to rest behind your head and feet higher than your head. This is a very challenging pose at first, but regular practice will get you there. It not only strengthens the back and abdominal muscles but also tones your legs and arms.

Imgs: 

   10.  Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)

(Pic courtesy: healthshlok.com)

In this pose your body shapes up like a flexible arc. It opens your chest, stretches your abs. Besides toning the belly, the spinal flexibility improves your posture and acts as a stress reliever also.

Imgs: 

These asana not just help with weight management but also instil some discipline in your life, make you calm and get your inner energies flowing!! 

The Best time to practice these asana is either in the morning or in the evening. It is the best if stomach is empty prior to the practice. The whole idea is to be more aware of your body, recognizing the weak areas that need attention and taking proper action for strengthening them!! With proper knowledge, something things are as simple as they sound, isn’t it?