How to Lose Weight Fast With Yoga

Yoga is a very useful tool for weight loss. However, many people think that yoga is just a system of physical exercise. In fact, posture practice is only one out of eight "limbs" of the yogic system described by Patanjali in his Yoga Sutra nearly 2,000 years ago. There are other limbs in this system that can help you to peel off the pounds quickly by encouraging you to eat less and burn more calories.

Instructions

1

Practice asana, or posture. Consider selecting a vinyasa-style yoga routine. Vinyasa is a type of yoga in which the poses flow gradually from one to another. This vigorous style of yoga creates heat within the body and burns more calories than gentler forms of yoga. It also builds muscle tone and can be used as aerobic exercise. Vinyasa-style yoga routines include Power Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga. Also consider Bikram or Hot yoga, which is practiced in a heated room. Hot yoga is also practiced vinyasa-style in some situations. Practice 30 to 45 minutes per day, 5 to 6 times per week. Begin your practice at least an hour after eating. Practice with a DVD or with a teacher that has been recommended to you.

2

Practice dharana, or mindfulness, while eating. Be aware of what you're eating. Slow down and chew every morsel thoroughly. Experience fully the taste and texture of the food. Don't eat while watching television, talking on the phone or sitting at the computer. Don't eat automatically or unconsciously. Think only about the food, and don't allow other thoughts to intrude.

3

Practice dhyana, or meditation, on a daily basis. A study at the University of Otago in New Zealand has shown that meditation can help you to shed the pounds and keep them off. Meditation does this by helping you to stick to a low calorie diet. It will reduce the stress hormones that can trigger the urge to eat overeat and to indulge in fatty and sugary foods. It will also help you to get adequate sleep, which is necessary for weight loss. Meditate at least 15 to 30 minutes per day, preferably after posture practice. If you have difficulty meditating, get a CD or DVD guided meditation that is specifically designed to help with weight loss.

4

Practice pranayama, or breathing exercises. Kapalabhati, or skull shining breath, is one of the best breathing exercises for losing weight. It helps to oxygenate and warm the body. This exercise consists of short, forceful exhalations and long, passive inhalations. To begin, contract your diaphragm suddenly to push all the air out of your lungs. Then relax the muscles of your abdomen so that the air is pulled gradually into your lungs. Repeat these actions for between 15 and 30 repetitions, total. Stop if you feel dizzy or uncomfortable.

5

Practice yamas or behavioral restraints. These include aparigraha or nongrasping. This yama can remind you to stop taking more food than your body needs to be healthy and strong. Also practice niyamas or observances. These include tapas which involves building heat within the body. Practice pratyahara or sensory withdrawal when you feel overwhelmed by stress. This can help you to avoid using food to soothe yourself. Continue to use meditation to find samadhi or bliss without the need for fattening foods.