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People lose extra pounds when they start practicing yoga. Many calories are burned in active yoga classes, because students flow from one pose to another quickly. People, who attend gentle yoga classes, where a lot of time is spent relaxing on the floor with blankets and other props, also become leaner and stronger.

People experience weight loss from all types of yoga classes, because practicing yoga relaxes the body. Stress can increase your cortisol level. Chronically high levels of cortisol hormone can make losing weight more difficult. Stress eaters will be less likely to overeat, when practicing yoga lowers their anxiety level.

Practicing yoga makes people feel more connected to their bodies. When we feel more connected to our bodies, we want to nourish ourselves with healthy foods and avoid foods that harm our bodies.

Performing certain asanas (yoga postures) benefit a weight loss program. Shoulder stand, plow, and fish pose increase metabolism by stimulating the thyroid and parathyroid glands. Practicing sun salutations, warrior poses, headstands, and handstands will burn a lot of calories, improve balance, and increase muscle mass.

If you are new to yoga, these asanas should be learned from an experienced teacher. Do not turn your head while you are in a shoulder stand or plow position. You can hurt your neck.

Experienced yoga teachers know how to teach students to work up to these poses with the use of props. Many teachers use blankets for shoulder stand to help protect the neck. The wall may be used to assist students with balance while practicing shoulder stand, headstand, or handstand. Wait for your teacher to help you. Be safe and protect your body.

Do not limit your practice to these asanas. Practicing a variety of asanas will strengthen all parts of your body and build muscle. When you have more muscle tissue, your metabolism increases. This is why men have an easier time losing weight than woman.

Crash diets and intense exercise programs will make you lose weight fast, but your health may suffer and the weight will probably return. Losing weight by making yoga part of your life may be slower, but your body will feel great and you are less likely to gain the weight back.

Learn more about this author, Linda Shortell.
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