Yoga is believed to have started in India around 5,000 years ago. It was later popularized by western celebrities in the late nineteenth century. It is a type of exercise that is ideal for boosting strength, flexibility, and breathing in order to benefit both your physical and mental health. You can burn between 180 and 460 calories during a yoga session depending on the kind of yoga you're practicing as well as the length and intensity of your session, along with your age and gender.
Aside from the benefits mentioned above, several studies have shown to improve the following aspects:
- Cardiovascular fitness
- Balance
- Flexibility
- Overall quality of life
- Reduces stress
- Reduces anxiety
- Reduces physical pain
- Falls asleep faster and longer
Since yoga is considered as a form of exercise, we’re sure that you’re thinking of this question, “Can yoga help me lose weight?” According to a study conducted in 2016, yoga may have a variety of impacts that make it a viable alternative for long-term, healthy weight loss. Researchers also suggests that people may benefit from establishing mindfulness through yoga in the following ways:
- Resist unhealthy foods
- Resist comfort eating
- Resist stress eating
- Be more in tune with their body so they’re aware when they’re full
- Have fewer cravings
- Have a reduced appetite
- Have improved self-esteem and mood
Upon knowing the benefits of yoga, are you ready to jumpstart your yoga session? Here are some yoga poses that you may practice at the comfort of your own home. Try it now and see the benefits for yourself!
Written by: NO I Jhanna Camela C. Torres
References:
National Health Service - U.K. (2021). A Guide to Yoga. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/guide-to-yoga/#:~:text=Yoga%20is%20an%20ancient%20form,strength%20and%20flexibility)%20and%20breathing.
Wei, M. (2016). New survey reveals the rapid rise of yoga — and why some people still haven’t tried it. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/new-survey-reveals-the-rapid-rise-of-yoga-and-why-some-people-still-havent-tried-it-201603079179
Ross, A., Brooks, A., Touchton-Leonard, K., & Wallen, G. (2016). A Different Weight Loss Experience: A Qualitative Study Exploring the Behavioral, Physical, and Psychosocial Changes Associated with Yoga That Promote Weight Loss. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2016, 2914745. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/2914745
Healthline. (2019). How Many Calories Does Yoga Burn and Can It Help You Lose Weight? Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/how-many-calories-does-yoga-burn
