An alternative to the fast-paced gym lifestyle, yoga seems to be thriving due to its straightforward nature and simplicity.

As you know, yoga can be performed anywhere; a quiet place with a little bit of greenery to get you into the zone. Granted, it is not confined to places with this setting. Any space that makes you feel comfortable with room to breathe will suffice.

Many people share their doubts that yoga isn’t swift enough to burn the number of calories that a robust gym workout can. On the other hand, there are people who only practice yoga and swear by it as the best method for weight loss.

Everyone is entitled to their opinions; different body types require different approaches to reach desired outcomes. Age also plays a part in how vigorously one’s body maintenance program can be conducted, and the time spent in practicing the routine.

If you are looking for a new method to go about weight loss, try yoga. It might be just what you need. There are thousands of variations from a multitude of poses. The duration of practice sessions is based on how comfortable you feel and how much mass you’re willing to lose.

Still not convinced to give it a shot? Dana Edison, a yoga instructor and director of her own yoga institution in Massachusetts says, ‘’Yoga is a phenomenal way to put you in touch with your body the way nothing else can, and yes, it can help you lose weight. We have seen it in ourselves, we have seen it in our clients – yoga can give you a real workout even if you are a beginner.”

“It makes you more susceptible to influence for change – so if you are thinking you want to change your lifestyle, you want to change the way you think about food, you want to get over destructive eating patterns, yoga will help give you the spiritual connection to your body that can help you make those changes.”

It seems easy enough, wouldn’t you say? How to get started

Assembling an environment, physically and mentally

Practice in a room with no mirrors, focus on the internal working of your body rather than the outward performance. Breathe, slow down and learn to experience the sensation of movement. The flowing of limbs in sync with the body.

Search for your edge; reach the peak of your body, where it recognizes a challenge but not so much that it overwhelms you. Keep an open, accepting and relaxed state of mind. Combine the practice with positivity through self-talk, reassurance, and appreciation.

Rest when needed but do not slip into procrastination. Realize that it is also your mind that is expanding existing emotions like patience, discipline, wisdom, and composure.

If no teacher is available, search online for yoga tutorial videos. Make sure you find the right one that you feel offers a balance between tame and fierce. Someone who motivates you to practice.

Attending a yoga class or a workshop program is a step in the right direction where interaction with others will increase your sight of mind.

Exercises tailored to weight loss

These few yoga poses are for people looking to reduce weight

The Upward Plank Pose

Benefits include strengthening of legs, triceps, wrists, and back. Burns the fat content around arms and relaxes nerves.

To start, lie on your back with legs stretched. Put your arms behind and push the top part of your body up, the angle of your hands should be straight when holding your body up.

This allows your heart to rise high and puts pressure on your wrist and arms while balancing. If you have a wrist injury, then this pose should be avoided.

The Downward-Facing Dog Pose

Benefits include strengthening arms and shoulders, increasing blood flow to the brain and face. It improves overall flexibility and increases weight loss.

To start, stand straight with arms stretched. Gradually come forward to a position where your hands touch the floor. Your body should be in the shape of the letter, ‘A.’

This pose burns fat around arms and strengthens hand muscles as it is supporting the weight of the entire body. If you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, avoid this pose.

The Standing Forward Bend Pose

Benefits include a reduction in lower back pain and stomach fat, improved digestion, and less fatigue and stress.

To start, stand straight with arms stretched and fold your body in half. Bend all the way down where your face is below your knees. This is a warm-up pose that gets perfected over time. Increasing blood circulation and faster heartbeats.

The Cobra Pose

Benefits include firmness of buttocks, stretching of chest, lungs, and heart muscles, improved digestion and fat reduction in the stomach region.

To start, lie face down, with your hands, push the top part of your body up with your lower body still in contact with the floor.

It also relieves pain in the lower back and neck region. If pain is experienced while stretching, relax and stretch within your limit.

The Wheel Pose

Benefits include strengthening of abdomen, legs, shoulders, arms, and chest. Removes buildup of fat and tightens hip muscles. This is a whole-body flex pose.

To start, stand straight with arms extended, bend backward until your arms touch the floor. Your body should be in an, ‘A’ shape.

If you feel that your lower back is hurting, do not hold the pose. Also, avoid this pose if you suffer from high blood pressure and frequent headaches.