Yoga and Weight Loss, Part One

Unfortunately, in our society, much emphasis is placed on an unrealistic standard of physical beauty. As a result, many people take up some form of physical exercise with the intention of losing weight. Certainly, maintaining a healthy weight is an important part of overall well-being, and physical exercise is an integral part of maintaining good health.

The sad part of this trend, however, is that many people focus only on weight loss, and ignore the effects on their overall health. This preoccupation with weight loss can have devastating physical and mental effects. Many people needlessly injure themselves while trying new exercise "trends," which aren't necessarily physically sound. Even with safe workouts, too much of a good thing can lead to overuse injuries that can sideline fitness plans for weeks. Perhaps even more injurious, however, is the effect a preoccupation with one's weight can have on one's mental well-being. The "no pain no gain" approach to exercise discourages many, making them feel like fitness failures, reluctant to try any exercise program at all. And a poor body image can lead to terrible self-esteem, overall. Too often, thinking "I'm a fat person" leads to thinking, "I'm a bad person" - and that can lead to anxiety, depression and eating disorders.

Numerous studies show that those who successfully lose weight and keep it off (and reap the greatest health benefits in the bargain!) are those who follow certain principles. Among these are following a sensible exercise regimen, losing weight gradually, maintaining a balanced approach, and rewarding yourself for your achievements every step of the way.

For these reasons, yoga is an ideal system of exercise to include in a weight loss program. Yoga is not a "fad." In fact, it is considered by many historians to be the oldest system of physical exercise. Fortunately, many celebrities here in the West are "rediscovering" yoga, and demand for yoga studios and information has increased accordingly; but although it is a trend it is by no means new. Thousands of people over thousands of years have tested its efficacy.

Yoga is well suited for practitioners of every level, from neophyte to guru. Anyone, no matter how young or how old, how fat or how thin, how fit or how out of shape, can practice yoga in some form. And a caring, qualified yoga instructor is nothing like the "drill sergeant" exercise instructors who can scare less fit people away. Any experienced yoga instructor knows how to modify each exercise for special needs, and how to encourage participants of all levels.

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