If you’re new to yoga in general, you might be surprised to find it can really help you tone up, burn fat and lose weight, despite the fact it isn’t really a cardio workout!
Most people see yoga as way to stretch out, get more flexible or relax and restore, and yes yoga can and does all of those things, but another key benefit you will experience is weight loss, if that’s something you are looking to achieve.
Some of these poses can be challenging and if you haven’t practiced yoga before, I recommend you incorporating these into an easy sequence to help you transition into each one. This will also help warm up and open up the body, which in turn will help you go deeper and hold each pose for longer.
Try and hold each pose for 3-5 breaths, or 20-30 seconds, or build up to this if you are just starting out. Like anything, the more you do it and the longer you do it for, the quicker you will see the results :-)
Practice these poses for stronger, longer, leaner and more toned arms. You can hold each pose for as long as you want, I recommend between 20-30 seconds or 5 rounds of breath and build up to an increases time frame if you can. If you can hold for longer, then go for it!
Sitting forward fold (Pattichmotasana)
This pose is amazing at opening the hips and stretching all the areas connected. It is also great for opening up the hamstrings, so if you do a lot of cardio then this one if for you. It can also help to stimulate the internal organs through the compression of the forward fold as well, massaging and stimulating weight loss.
Butterfly Pose (Baddha Konasana)
This pose can help improve posture, so as you start to tone up and lose weight, the alignment of your body is improved meaning you will naturally seem taller and longer. This pose will help to stretch and open the hops, thighs and lower back, encouraging flexibility and motion which in turn can help to burn off any excessive fat.
Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Shvanasana)
A great weight loss pose! This pose can help you burn off all those unwanted calories. It’s another pose that is great for posture, by opening up all different parts of you body from your chest to your spine and backs of legs.
Upward Facing Dog (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana)
This can be a challenging pose as it does require some upper body strength and core strength, and you can always build up to this pose by practicing cobra pose as a variation. This pose uses your arms and engages your core (so really working those abdominal muscles), so you will really feel the burn in this pose, but it’s worth it!
Boat Pose (Naukasana)
This pose is an overall great pose for toning the whole body. It helps with so many things, but one of the key areas it will work on is stimulating your kidneys and pancreas, which will aid with overall weight loss. You should also notice after time string hips and spine which in turn will improve your core strength, balance and posture.
Plank Pose (Kumbhakasana)
If any yoga pose is going to support you in burning calories and fat to help with weight loss, then this is it! This pose will get you working a ton of different muscles all at the some time, not only increasing your core strength, but helping you to get a flatter tummy!
Plank Pose (Kumbhakasana)
If any yoga pose is going to support you in burning calories and fat to help with weight loss, then this is it! This pose will get you working a ton of different muscles all at the some time, not only increasing your core strength, but helping you to get a flatter tummy!
Practice these poses for stronger, longer, leaner and more toned arms. You can hold each pose for as long as you want, I recommend between 20-30 seconds or 5 rounds of breath and build up to an increases time frame if you can. If you can hold for longer, then go for it!
For more beginner poses, or if you want a more in-depth practice and want to find out more, then get in touch!
You can also download my free beginners guide to yoga, that includes my top tips on how to start your practice, and some poses I recommend. Click here to get your FREE guides now.
