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SLIMMING
WITH YOGA – THE GENUINE ARTICLE.
This is not the case with “quick fix” methods like crash diets, untested slimming remedies with their possible side effects, or unmanageable severe exercise programmes. These may cause a fast and more apparent weight loss but this is difficult to achieve and rarely maintained. Yoga is a holistic therapy which takes into account every aspect of an individual including the mental and life-style elements as well as the physical body. Yoga as a weight loss regimen can easily be followed forever as the effects on one’s life are far reaching, easy to maintain and very welcome. A joint study by the Indian Institute for Yoga and the Yoga Institute, Washington, U.S.A. showed four to six pounds weight loss per month through Yoga. Yoga can easily be fitted into your daily schedule. I give my students a 15-minute “routine” to do at home in between classes. Once they feel what Yoga is doing for them, everyone manages to find the 15 minutes in their busy lives. 1. Postures or Asanas In my research I have found nine Asanas described in the scientific Yoga literature which are useful for losing weight. Some of these work by improving muscle tone in the abdomen, chest and hips. Nauka Asana or the Boat Posture – toning the Abdomen, thighs and chest.
Some work by optimising the digestion of food so that it doesn’t as quickly add to the body’s fat stores. Some of these Asana act to generally tone the body and doing them burns fat.
It is important to remember that muscles take more energy than fat to keep warm, so by painlessly toning and strengthening the body muscles through Yoga we can expect to burn more calories, whilst sitting still, than before.
Breathing exercises help you relax. They improve blood flow so more oxygen goes to the brain causing the release of hormones, called Endorphins, which produce a natural “high”. Incidentally, these are the same chemicals produced when swallowing our favourite poisons such as cream cakes, chips etc. The Kriyas are also a method of cardio-respiratory conditioning that will help prepare you for any other exercise, such as aerobics, which you may also want to do. By stimulating certain special centres in the body they give us a sense of well being and reduce cravings - cream cakes, chips etc. 3. Meditation This is one of the most important aspects of any Yoga regime. If
learnt and per The net result is you can see your goals more clearly and you do not need to turn to false comforts such as food. Contrary to what is often written, meditation can be done any time of the day and in any position. All you need is a quiet, comfortable place and some time (no excuses – make it!). In the beginning five to seven minutes is all that most people manage – this increases with practice and concentration.
Padmasan
– The Lotus posture 4. The Right Diet Yoga advocates a vegetarian but balanced diet – there are great works on the topic. However such a lifestyle change is not always possible. In my opinion, there is a much more important teaching in Yoga on diet - eat only as much as you need and at fixed times. As mentioned above, your diet will self regulate as you progress in your Yoga slimming plan. Most people naturally “go-off” rich, high calorie food – you feel you just don’t need it and you “comfort eat” less. Remember, like it says on the packet: Yoga can only aid slimming as part of a calorie controlled diet. This article has been published in the Diet and Fitness section of ivillage.co.uk |
