Can you really lose weight with yoga?
I get asked this question all the time and the answer really is yes!
I personally have lost 40 lbs and completely toned and transformed my body. I am now in the best shape of my life as well.
Now yoga isn't for everyone, but if it's something you are interested in then the possibilities are endless! You can lose weight, tone, burn calories, gain stamina, strength, and flexibility.
Many people don't do the right kind of classes for weight loss and end up seeing fewer results. When it comes to yoga, not all styles are created equal. Classes that focus on restoring the body, for example won't help with weight loss.
Styles like Vinyasa, Power Yoga Baptiste, Ashtanga, and the style I teach in my classes, Core Strength Vinyasa are all perfect styles for losing weight and remaining strong and toned. Because these styles get your heart rate up they also amp up your metabolism for the entire day!
Here are some tips for losing weight with yoga:
Eat Healthy (Watch those carbs*, especially after 6pm when they get turned straight into fat.)
Do 60 minutes 4-5 times a week
Look for classes that work your larger muscle groups (arms legs, abs, chest, back, etc.). Your muscles should feel fatigued but not useless, and you should be working up a good sweat without being overwhelmed.
As my mentor Sadie Nardini says, "If you can breathe and stay in alignment, you're good…and bonus: you'll look good too!"
*Carbs (Carbohydrates) are foods that are low in nutrient value. Some examples of these are: sweetened cereal, doughnuts, French fries, potato chips, dried fruit, cabbage, green beans, celery, sweetened fruit juice, iceberg lettuce, chocolate covered raisins, chocolate milk, whole milk, regular cheese, eggs, fatty meats, sausage, bacon, fried meats, poultry, & fish, hard margarine, butter, shortening, lard, chocolates, cakes, cookies, pieces, honey, jam, licorice, and sweetened beverages.
