Yoga may be intended as a way to calm the mind, but it also is a great way to get in shape and drop some weight.
Here are a few postures that can help lower your anxiety and the number on the scale.
Hold each posture as long as you can, that may be 15-20 seconds at first, but each time you practice, hold the posture for a few seconds longer and make your way up to a minute if you can.
Holding a plank may be one of the best ways to strengthen your core. It may not look like much, but drop into plank and it won’t take long to feel it in your abs. Subtle adjustments can increase the intensity even more.
Energetically draw your heels and the top of your head in opposite directions and keep your chest moving forward between your arms. Do this daily for develop rock-hard abs.
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Like a powerful warrior, you too can tone the muscles in your thighs and shoulders with Warrior II. To get the most out of the posture, try to bend your front knee so your thigh is parallel to the floor. The longer you can hold this position, the tighter your quads will get.
The secret is to calm the mind and just breathe. Remind yourself, you are a warrior! Now, mighty warrior, switch sides.
Looking for a way to tone your total body? Then Downward Dog it. With a little extra attention to certain muscles, this asana goes from a resting pose to a radical way to strengthen your arms, back and thighs.
To get the most muscle-toning benefits, engage your thigh muscles as you rotate them inward, and do the same with your upper arms. Continue to press down through your hands and heels. Hold it—and don’t forget to breathe!
From improving digestion to therapy for the thyroid and even increasing strength, shoulder stand does it all.
This inversion works to balance thyroid levels which boosts metabolism, improves the respiratory system, strengthens the upper body, legs and abs, and helps you sleep better. Add this to your practice daily and you’ll feel like a whole new person.
These are just some of the yoga postures that can aid in weight loss. However, as you all probably know already, the best way to achieve your desired, healthy weight is still through proper diet and a healthy lifestyle in which yoga may just be one aspect.