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Yoga Helps Overweight Women to Fight Obesity |
Yoga therapy has innumerable physical and mental health benefits. It is a rigorous combination of physical exercise (asana) and deep breathing exercises (pranayama). It also happens to be a form of meditation. It seeks to invoke the spiritual self besides developing the physique. It involves stretching and toning of the muscles of the body. Yoga has a soothing impact on mind and body.
Recent studies have found that yoga can be of benefit to overweight women. Yes, regular yoga training can be helpful in reducing weight in overweight women in the age group of 45 to 55.
This age group is most vulnerable to the effects of variation in calories consumed. Practicing yogic poses and postures helped women in this age group to reduce 5 pounds. The women, who did not practice yoga, averaged a weight gain of ten pounds.
For overweight women, Yoga is not only helpful because of its calorie-burning potential, but it also helps develop self-consciousness. Yoga also offers inner strength to resist any kind of temptation. Thus, women who practice Yoga, develop the will power to stay away from high calorie food.
What accounts for Yoga's apparent fat-fighting potential? Kristal, a longtime yoga student, suspects, it has more to do with increased body awareness than the physical activity itself. One reason, she said, could be Yoga's effectiveness in building a gentle yet strong inner strength.
Although Yoga is effective, it is not easy and may bring mild discomfort in the beginning. Yoga is a physical challenge. The higher you go on the path of yoga, the greater you are able to build your tolerance level. |
