Yoga has a well-deserved reputation for helping to improve balance and flexibility and for inducing calm and relaxation. But when it comes to weight loss, many people assume that other types of exercise, like cardio or strength training, will be more helpful. While you might not burn as many calories by practicing yoga as you would by running or doing some other high-intensity aerobic activity, yoga can still raise your heart rate and help build muscleand, at rest, muscle burns about twice as many calories as fat does.
"Studies show that aerobic forms of exercise, which is any exercise that uses your large muscle groups and raises your heart rate, are beneficial for weight loss," says Sally Sherwin, a yoga teacher with the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Yoga. "Power or vinyasa yoga, a type of high-intensity yoga, fits this category." Just how many calories you burn varies depending on how long and intense your workout is, as well as other factors, such as your weight, age and gender. But according to Erin Casperson, lead faculty with the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, practicing yoga can also help you burn more calories long after you hit the mat, even if you don't do more intense forms of yoga.
That's because yoga's other benefits can help with weight loss too. Here's more about how yoga is a complete body and mind workout.
Reducing Stress, Reducing Pounds Yoga helps manage stress, and studies show that high levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, can lead to an increase in abdominal fat. Cortisol surges can also increase your cravings for high-fat and high-sugar foods and drinks while simultaneously reducing your muscle mass.
This story is from the December 2022 - January 2023 edition of Reader's Digest US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 2022 - January 2023 edition of Reader's Digest US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
GOTCHA!
We asked for it: What's the best prank you ever pulled?
KITT THE COURAGEOUS K-9
Officer Bill Cushing needed a partner. His dog needed a purpose. Together, they rescued each other.
Let's Dance!
It's good for your body, soul and even your brain
DISASTER ON THE RIVER
Two canoeists struggle to keep themselves and their friendship-afloat
WHAT HAPPENS TO ALL THE STUFF WE RETURN
Think your rejects go back on the shelves? Think again.
Words to Live By
Poems offered me an anchor as I lost my son, so I shared them
LOST, FOUND, HOMEWARD BOUND
A collection of heart-thumping, tail-wagging, zoomies-inducing pet reunion tales
Paging Dr. AI
IF YOU'VE EVER Googled symptoms (and who hasn't?), you've probably scared yourself with a dire diagnosis, with no doctor there to vet the source and put the information in context. But we can't help ourselves. So can AI help?
The HEALTHY WELLNESS FROM THEHEALTHY.COM
A vaccine is finally on the way. In the meantime, here's how to protect yourself from ticks.
How to Speak Like a Midwesterner
FROM THE BOOK A GUIDE TO MIDWESTERN CONVERSATION