Yoga And Weight Loss

Many people in America today try all sorts of things inmany a skilled practitioner of yoga today began in the
pursuit of healthy, permanent weight loss. Unfortunately,same shape you're in right now. It is okay to modify a
they mainly seem to try fad diets, diet pills, celebrityposition or to come out of it a little early if your body is
diets, the grapefruit diet...you name it. In fact, stick annot ready yet. The regular practice of your best
adjective or noun in front of the word "diet", and youversion of the movement or position (asana), combined
might be the creator of the next diet craze.while awith yoga breathing techniques (easily learned) will
someone might temporarily lose a few pounds with aproduce progress over time.2. No personal trainer or
"diet", diets are not successful when it comes tospecial equipment is needed, nor is it necessary to go
permanent weight loss and healthy weight loss.As theyto the gym or even out in public at all. You can do
say, I have some good news and some badyoga naked if you don't have a pair of gym shorts,
news.The good news is that there IS a known andand a carpet is just as good as a yoga mat...at least at
proven way to achieve significant, healthy, permanentfirst. Yoga is actually so simple that it CAN be learned
weight loss. More good news is that, although somefrom a book, although it certainly wouldn't hurt to get
modification to what you presently like to eat will beguidance or training from a certified instructor.3. Yoga
necessary, extremely drastic changes are seldomis relaxing and relieves stress. Not only is this of great
required. Oh, yes, you might have to learn to substitutepersonal value in today's world, but if any part of your
something you don't like that much right now forweight loss problem is stress related, and I can almost
something you do like, but, in time, you can getguarantee some relationship, the stress relief offered
accustomed to this, and even learn to like the newby yoga can ease that portion of your weight loss
flavors and foods. I know. I've been there.The badjourney.4. In addition to being good for your health for
news is that, along with modifications to your eatingseveral reasons, simply learning yoga breathing and
habits, you are going to have to become more active.practicing it regularly can help you burn fat.5. As you
Dare I say it....?You will have to exercise!begin to progress in your ability to better perform yoga
The benefits of exercise is an article in itself, and Iposes (asanas) you will notice a sense of control, of
have written elsewhere about how exercise can takemastery of life and self, which will become more
many forms, so there is no need to lock yourself intoevident. This new inner strength will aid you in facing
an unpleasant or painful exercise regimen. What I reallydifficulties, including temptations concerning eating and
want to do here is give a small pitch for the practiceyour new eating behaviors. You will also find yourself
of yoga as my exercise program of choice.more forgiving, not only of others, but of yourself as
Remember, however, my exercise program of choicewell, and when you slide a little, you will be better able
might not be yours. As much as I like yoga, you willto shrug it off and get back on your path to success.6.
have to decide if yoga is right for you.Before I speakWith more progress in your yoga practice, you will
specifically about yoga, let's just list some of thebegin to experience new feelings of health, strength,
known benefits of regular exercise in general.and well-being. These feelings will in turn motivate you
Exercise...>Reduces the risk or affects of manyto take even more control of your life so that you can
illnesses and conditions such as heart disease,continue your progress with no desire or temptation to
diabetes, stroke, arthritis, high blood pressure, andreturn to the way things used to be.Nothing is perfect
osteoporosis to name a few. Some studies evenfor everyone, but, as you can see, the practice of
show possible reductions in the risk for someyoga does have some benefits to offer which may
cancers.>Elevates mood and reducesmake it valuable in the pursuit of healthy, permanent
depression.>Helps maintain healthy bones, muscles,weight loss.The author is retired from the Army after
joints, and nervous system.>Delays affects of ageing,21 years of service, has worked as an accountant,
making seniors more mobile and self sufficient and lessoptical lab manager, restaurant manager, and instructor.
likely to fall prey to injury or illness.>Reduces risk ofHe has been a member of Mensa for several years,
premature death (sounds like a big one to me).>Helpsand has written and published poetry, essays, and
maintain a healthy weight.Okay, since any goodarticles on various subjects for the last 40 years. He
exercise program can provide these benefits, whatdeveloped an interest in health and fitness in the '70s
does yoga have to offer that makes it special?Inafter reading numerous books, including Dr. Kenneth
addition to providing the basic benefits of exercise inCooper's "Aerobics". This has led him to continue his
general, yoga does have a few specific things goingpersonal research into health and fitness for over 30
for it.1. Despite the apparently agonizing contortionsyears, and to pursue course work on the subjects of
seen in every yoga book, the benefit is in the attempthealth and fitness, including yoga, which he practices
to achieve the position. The models in the booksregularly. Learn more about Yoga and Weight Loss.
arrived at their present level of ability over time, and