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Most of us know are aware that Yoga is
an effective, efficient method to reduce
stress, lower blood pressure, and cultivate a sense of calm
and wellbeing. But did you know that Yoga can also help you
lose weight?
Granted, it depends on which type of Yoga you practice:
a gentle class focused more on
stretching will obviously burn less
calories than a more vigorous style.
But all types of Yoga can benefit
those looking to lose weight, and
one study even demonstrated
that low-key Restorative Yoga was
effective in helping overweight
women to lose weight, including
abdominal fat.
Yoga helps you be more
present in your body, and
better connected to your natural
cues of hunger and fullness. Its calming benefits make you
less likely to binge or stress eat; and its detoxification effect
on the kidneys, liver, and thyroid mean that you’re more likely
to reach for the unprocessed foods your body really needs.
Yoga balances the hormones and regulates
the adrenal glands, which both minimizes belly fat
and enhances feelings of wellbeing. “One study found that a
consistent Yoga practice improved depression and led to a
significant increase in serotonin levels and a decrease in the
levels of monoamine oxidase (an enzyme that breaks down
neurotransmitters) and cortisol.”
Yoga supports better sleep, which has a
multitude of benefits for both body and mind.
Disrupted sleep has been linked to weight gain, mood swings,
overeating, emotional eating, and lowered immunity, while
quality sleep has been proven to support weight loss.
Yoga prevents cartilage and joint breakdown.
It has been shown to increase bone density - and improves
balance – all of which help you engage in exercise more
safely for long term healthy weight. Yoga drains lymph and
boots immunity; increases blood flow; lowers blood sugar;
prevents IBS and other digestive problems; reduces pain;
aids in recovery of substance usage; keeps allergies and
viruses at bay; builds self-esteem;
and supports healthy fascia /
connective tissue!
Yoga increases muscle
tone, meaning that you burn
more calories in general; and
stretching the muscles can
increase the effectiveness of
any exercise regimen. Research
published in the Journal of
Applied Physiology found intense
stretching can increase muscle
mass by 318% in 28 days.
Planning to shed some weight in the New Year? Take
advantage of Waynesville Yoga’s 28 Days for $28 to jumpstart
your goals for 2020. Whether you join us for “Rock Your
Resolution” classes** that will get your heart pumping and
torch calories – or simply utilize our relaxing, stretch-focused
classes to support your fitness routine, Yoga has been proven
to assist in better physical and mental wellbeing, including
weight loss.
“I joined the Waynesville Yoga Center
(WYC) with an unlimited classes/monthly
membership and take as many classes as
I can weekly! Since joining, I have lost 23
pounds! Some of it is from changing my
diet and being more active in general, but
some of it is definitely from the classes I
take every week at WYC.” — Pat R.
ROCK YOUR RESOLUTIONS!
**Rock Your Resolutions Series are vigorous classes designed to give you a killer workout. Come prepared to sweat! See the class calendar at WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com for details* *
Leigh-Ann Renz is a massage therapist, yoga instructor, and part of the management team at Waynesville Yoga Center.
/WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com