(Photo courtesy of OAC Image Gallery)
While you’re on the journey toward improved weight and health, you may feel limited to the types of exercises that you can perform. Oftentimes, we find ourselves intimidated by certain forms of exercise and movement that we have not had experience with. For many people, yoga is one of them.
Yoga is an excellent low-impact exercise that has the power to help you in many ways on your weight-loss journey. If you’re looking to incorporate a strong variety of exercises and movement into your workout routine, this is not one to be overlooked! No matter what size you are, or where your weight is at, YOU can reap the benefits of this powerful exercise!
Benefit from Yoga on Your Weight-loss Journey
This ancient disciple is thousands of years old, and people have used this exercise for a vast array of different physical benefits including:
Stress reduction- Increased flexibility
- Improved Respiration
- Increased Energy
- Buildup of core strength
- Improved stress levels
More than just a tool for weight-loss, yoga also helps individuals by offering many other advantages that are too often overlooked. Some of those advantages that will help you reclaim your health are:
Mindfulness – The ability to set your intentions or goals, bring awareness to your life choices and align your goals with your actions- Awareness – The ability to notice how different your body is day-to-day, and to pay attention to the signs and signals (such as soreness, stress, fatigue, etc.) that we often disregard
- Acceptance – The willingness to accept our differences, both physically and mentally
- Affection – The ability to love and appreciate your body at any stage along your weight-loss or weight maintenance journey
How to Begin Your Yoga Practice
Don’t worry – beginning yoga doesn’t have to entail countless hours spent in positions that intimidate or hurt you in any way. In fact, the best way to begin yoga is to start by incorporating it slowly into your daily life. Here are some examples:
- Find small moments when you could benefit – This could be in your car at a red light, at a desk after you’ve been sitting down for quite some time or even while you’re waiting for your coffee to brew. Use these moments to stretch, breathe deeply, twist your body or stand in mountain pose (see below).
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(Photo from OAC Image Gallery) Hold that movement a little longer – Take any moment you have, hold that movement for a little while longer and reach out just a little farther.
- Find a class and/or yoga teacher – Look for a location that’s convenient to you, as you’ll be more likely to practice. You should feel comfortable in this class and around your teacher, and it should fit your needs and goals.
- Be gentle with yourself – You may not be able to immediately perform every pose that’s being taught. Tell yourself that that’s okay, and move in a way that makes sense to your body.
Three Simple Yoga Techniques for Everyone to Try:
Remember, yoga is for ALL bodies – no matter your shape and size! Here are a few techniques that can you can start out with which can benefit you in a variety of ways.
- 3-Part Deep Belly Breath – Soften your diaphragm by breathing through your nose. Inhale deeply, expanding all areas of your lungs. Then exhale slowly, releasing from top, middle to bottom. This technique can reduce stress and improve cardiovascular exchange!
- Simple Seated Twist – Sit down away from the back of your chair with your feet planted apart on the floor. On an exhale, reach across your body with your right hand to your left knee or leg. While doing so, keep your left hand back (supported on the seat or back of chair), look toward the direction of the twist, breathe in deep and shallow breaths and allow the twist to deepen. Hold the twist with your spine tall, then inhale back to the center and begin with your other side. This technique is great for stimulating and cleanings your organs and soft tissue!
- Standing Mountain Pose – Stand with your feet hip-width apart, with your feet set so that the outside edges are parallel. Engage your abdominal and gluteal core, honoring the alignment of your frame. To add arm work, lift your arms out to the side and up over your body, framing your head at the ears. Hold and feel the energy from your feet to your fingers. On an exhale, lower your arms, release the pose and soften your body.
Want more information about yoga and how it can help your weight-loss goals? You can read the full article from Your Weight Matters Magazine by CLICKING HERE.
