Yoga poses, or asanas, are not only great for enhancing flexibility, strength, and overall well-being but can also help boost metabolism and aid in weight management. Experts suggest that incorporating specific asanas into your routine can stimulate metabolic processes, burn calories, and support a healthy weight.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, Founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa, shared some effective asanas for this goal:
1. Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation):
This dynamic sequence is a full-body workout that engages multiple muscles and elevates your heart rate. The flowing movements and deep breathing increase oxygen consumption and calorie burn, boosting metabolism.
2. Chaturanga Dandasana (Plank Pose):
Engaging your core, arms, and legs, this powerful pose helps increase muscle tone, improve posture, and rev up your metabolism when held for extended periods.
3. Virabhadrasana (Warrior Poses):
Warrior poses challenge lower body strength and engage core muscles, building lean muscle mass and increasing resting metabolic rate, which helps burn more calories at rest.
4. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose):
This backbend targets abdominal muscles, stimulating digestion and boosting metabolism. It also strengthens back muscles, improving posture and core strength.
5. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose):
Engaging arms, shoulders, legs, and core, this inversion pose strengthens the body, promotes circulation, and aids in weight management.
6. Navasana (Boat Pose):
Targeting abdominal muscles, this challenging pose strengthens your core, improves metabolic efficiency, and helps burn more calories throughout the day.
7. Halasana (Plow Pose):
This inverted pose stimulates the thyroid gland, crucial for regulating metabolism. It stretches abdominal muscles, aiding digestion and metabolic function.
Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar emphasizes the importance of combining these asanas with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle for optimal results. Consistency and dedication to yoga practice are key to benefiting from these poses. Consult a qualified yoga instructor to ensure proper form and technique, start slowly, listen to your body, and gradually increase practice intensity and duration.
