YOGA TO LOSE WEIGHT

If you are dreading to go for a party, prom or a wedding just because you can’t fit into your perfect dress or suit then try yoga. Yoga will help you lose the extra flab and make you feel good about yourself. It’s a well established fact -- since thyroid glands affect our metabolism, they are responsible for weight loss and weight gain also.

Yogasanas and Weight Loss

Certain yogasanas are specifically aimed to stimulate the lethargic thyroid gland in order to increase the hormonal secretion. Thus, yoga acts upon metabolism of our body --increases metabolic activity and helps in reducing weight.

•    Breathing exercise: Deep breathing increases oxygen supply to the cells of our body and helps in burning the fat cells. “Do kapalbharti, pranayama, anulom-vilom Yoga,”

“Each time you do it, you burn extra calories and you can rid yourself from the layers of fat on your body. These also help in toning the muscles and increasing their endurance level.” adds Dr Jha.

•    Kriya: For cleaning the body and weight reduction Shankha Prakshalna and Vaman Dhauti are the best Yogasanas.

•    Yoga Asanas: Following yoga regime regularly helps in fat management of our body. The most effective one is Surya Namaskar or Sun Salutation. “For a week if you do 51 rounds of Surya Namaskar in a day, you will be amazed at the results,” adds Dr. Jha. Try holding yourself in these asanas for 20-30 seconds:

-    Dhanurasana
-    Sarvangasana
-    Chakrasana
-    Paschimottanasana 

-    Halasan
-    Bhujangasana
-    Ardha Matsyendrasana

Physical instructor at Maximus Gym, Sunil Kumar says, “Only dieting and exercising doesn’t help. Combine it with yoga and there’s no other better way to reduce weight.”

•    Meal: Besides practicing yoga you must watch what you eat. Stay away from deep fried and fat rich foods. These affect our digestive system. Take 6 to 8 small meals during the day. Eat fat free food and maximize the intake of fruits is the key.

Unlike weight loss programs that offer paid-help in reducing x-amount of weight, yoga for weight loss is still the safest choice. [R

It tends to work upon the body in uniformity especially your internal organs. Adding a final piece of advice, Dr. Jha says, “Going to the gym can help you burn the calories but then yoga makes sure that your internal organs function smoothly. Make sure you practice yoga under a yoga expert/therapist because doing yoga in a wrong manner can cause hormonal imbalance.”

What are you waiting for? Trim down and slip into your favourite clothes you thought you’d never wear again.