Weight loss and yoga may not seem like they go hand in hand. This is because many people see yoga as a way to release stress or work on muscle tone for an already in-shape body. While these are some ways to use yoga, you can also use yoga for weight loss. Here are a few asanas used in yoga specifically for weight loss and how to add them to your daily routine and practice.
Rocking Boat
The rocking boat can be called many things to people who are not in yoga. Basically, this asana is a variation on a flutter kick or leg kick. You sit on the floor, bringing your body into a slow V shape. This will work your abs and place you in a crunch-like position. It also works your legs and helps with muscle tone in your legs and thighs. It is called the rocking boat because you pump your legs to help move the body slowly and work the muscles.
Hover Pose
The hover pose is also known as planking. This is ideal for weight loss and can help you build strength and tone in your muscles and whole body. You will need to get in a push-up position for this asana. Hold the position in a half push-up. This means your body should be parallel to the floor and held in a halfway push-up position. You will hold this for the count of fifteen and then move up to higher and longer hold times as you get used to the pose. This pose strengthens your muscles and helps you to lose weight through body-weight resistance training.
Chair Sit
The chair sit works your butt muscles, legs, thighs, and core. All of these muscles work to help you learn breathing techniques and help you with weight loss. You are using only your body resistance for this particular asana. To do the chair sit:
- Act like you are sitting in a chair that is not there.
- Stop in the halfway position and hold that position.
- Move your arms up and out to give even more work to your core muscles.
These are only a few of the available asanas for weight loss. If you genuinely want to use yoga to help you drop weight, consider attending a class for a few sessions. They will teach you how to perform the moves correctly and incorporate different asanas and poses to help you form a routine you can memorize.