The Best Yoga For Weight Loss
Cueing up for “hot girl” summer? Yoga can be a great tool to aid in your weight loss goals. What allows yoga to stand out from other weight loss programs is the emphasis on a whole body holistic approach that the practice provide. Not only are we working our muscles, but we are also working towards a deeper connection with our bodies. We are developing an intuition and familiarity with all of the nooks and crannies of our bodies. Just when you get the hang of the movement, we shift our focus to the mind to develop mental endurance. All these tools ultimately will aid you in achieving your weight loss goals in a manner that can never be bottled up and sold on the market. Instead, we learn skills to help us navigate our lives and make better lifestyle choices for the long term results.
With that being said, here are my top recommendations for practices to try for ultimate weight loss.
Hot 26
Also known as Bikram yoga, Hot 26 is a challenging sequence performed in a room heated to a sweltering 105 degrees Fahrenheit (41 Celsius) and kept at a 40% humidity. You are pretty much practicing yoga in a sauna. The postures themselves can be challenging to hold, although it is a sequence that beginners as well as advanced practitioners can enjoy. The class is 90 minutes making this a long, hot, sweaty routine. Don’t be afraid if you have to sit out most of the first class. First timers are encouraged to stay in the room, but to rest if you start to feel dizzy or exhausted. In time you will adapt to the heat and practicing regularly will make weight loss a snap.
Vinyasa
Coming in second, vinyasa shines is its ability to combine yoga with cardio. Many of the sequences include moving horizontally from one end of the mat to the other while also going up and down from the mat. Vinyasa is also very beginner friendly with good instructors providing modifications and options for the less flexy. There is a rhythm and dance to a vinyasa class that enchants students. It’s a little bit more difficult to pick up at first, but once you get the hang of it, you can really get flowin!
Power
Power yoga is a more advanced practice that emphasizes strength and endurance. It’s similar to Vinaysa in that it is more fast paced than other types of yoga, but can be more challenging for beginners. You may find yourself in many squats, planks, warrior 3s and handstands. Its emphasis on strength and fast paced nature make it a great option for weight loss.
Ashtanga
Ashtanga stands out as a challenging sequence of postures. It’s not a practice that I would recommend for first time yogis unless you find that you already encompass a certain degree of flexibility and are coming to yoga for the other benefits, like strength and mental training. Ashtanga, like Bikram, has a set series of postures performed in the same order most times. It can be a great option, especially if you crave a routine.
Conclusion
If you are new to yoga, try seeking out a studio that has a range of classes. The most effective type of yoga will be the yoga that you enjoy. This will enable you to build a routine or a “practice” as we say in yoga. Consistency is fundamental to any goal. You may not vibe with a certain teacher or style of yoga but trying out the different types will allow you to gravitate to the yoga that suits you best. Good luck to you!