What is the best type of yoga for weight loss?

If you’d like to tone, shape and lose a little weight, swap joint-straining cardio sessions for low-impact yoga classes.

Yoga has kept people healthy for thousands of years through pretzel-like postures and dynamic breathing techniques. There’s an emphasis on building strength, flexibility and mobility in unison. Plus, you’ll work from the inside out, calming the nervous system with meditation and relaxation exercises.

Once only practised by priestly Brahmins, yoga has become more accessible to the masses. You’ll find countless studios offering jam-packed timetables full of fancy Sanskrit words. The choice can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if you’re starting a brand-new health and wellness journey.

Luckily, we’re here to help. Keep reading as we reveal the best yoga for weight loss. We’ll also run through several beginner-friendly yoga postures to keep you looking and feeling your best.

What are the benefits of yoga?

Yoga’s benefits are multifaceted and, at times, unbelievable! It takes a holistic approach to your wellbeing, harmonising imbalances in your mind, body and spirit.

Meditation, relaxation and breath work sets yoga apart from other movement styles. When you follow the inhalation and exhalation, there’s no room to fret about tomorrow’s to-dos. Instead, you become fully absorbed in the present moment and intricately connected to your internal landscape.

If you’ve already found your Zen, you might prefer yoga for weight loss. It’s one of the most accessible practices for people with arthritis or back pain because it prioritises low-impact, bodyweight conditioning. You’ll build a sweat while protecting vulnerable vertebrae and elevate your heart rate without overloading joints.

Best of all, fat burning yoga focuses on functional movement. Forward folds will help you tie your shoelaces. Twists make it easier to grab something from the backseat of your car. Alongside dropping pounds, you’ll notice a newfound lightness and flexibility in your daily activities.

Also Read: Is a Weight Loss Retreat Right For Me?

What is the best yoga for weight loss?

Yoga is an umbrella term similar to athletics – underneath, there’s a wealth of disciplines! Some classes are slow and restorative, with plenty of passive stretches. Others encourage weight loss through energetic, fast-paced sequences.

Finding a class and teacher that complements your goals can take time. To streamline your search, here’s a quick breakdown of the best yoga for weight loss.

1. Ashtanga yoga

Ashtanga is one of the oldest forms of yoga, inspiring the vinyasa flow and power classes we love today. It’s a set sequence that never changes, comprising tricky arm balances, upside-down inversions and burpee-esque sun salutations.

In total, there are six series that get progressively harder. Your teacher will guide you through the sequence step-by-step, giving you plenty of modifications along the way.

2. Vinyasa flow

Vinyasa flow is one of the most popular fat burning yoga classes. Unlike Ashtanga, the sequences are more creative, so you’ll have ample opportunity to target different body parts. Usually, there’s an upbeat playlist to keep you motivated. And most studios have beginner to advanced level classes to please every personality.

3. Power yoga

Power yoga combines the freedom of vinyasa flow with the intensity of Ashtanga. You’ll often hold postures for up to a minute, challenging large muscle groups with isometric contractions.

What’s more, there’s an emphasis on cardiovascular health. Teachers might include non-traditional movements like sit-ups, squats and press-ups to get the blood pumping.

4. Hot yoga

Hot yoga is perhaps the best yoga for weight loss. It blends demanding postures with heat and humidity for an unbeatable detoxifying effect. Bikram is a form of hot yoga that follows a set sequence, whereas non-specified hot yoga classes are different every time.

Also Read: What Is a Personal Wellness Coach & How Can They Help You

Yoga exercises for weight loss

1. Downward Dog

Downward dog is a beginner-friendly yoga posture that spans all styles. It’s especially good at toning your shoulders and arms while stretching your hamstrings.

Start in an all-four position, tuck your toes and reach your hips towards the ceiling. Your arms should be as straight as possible, but feel free to bend your knees and keep your heels off the floor. Remember to plant through the hands and fingers, and look back between the legs.

2. Plank

Plank is a ubiquitous movement that you might have met before. As well as strengthening the shoulders, you’ll develop abs of steel!

Start in an all-fours position and straighten your legs, keeping your bum in line with the rest of the body. Press through your hands to keep the shoulders moving away from the spine. Engage the legs by pressing back through your heels. You can always drop the knees and cross the ankles before entering the full posture.

3. Warrior 1

Warrior 1 is a powerful standing posture that engages the legs. From a downward dog position, step your right foot forward between the hands and come up to standing. Pivot the back heel down and press through the outside edge of the foot.

Keep your hips square to the front of the mat and sink into the front leg. Your front thigh should be parallel to the floor. Lastly, raise your arms above your head and look towards the ceiling. Step back and repeat on the left-hand side.

Supercharge weight loss with a residential stay

If you’d like a more comprehensive approach to weight loss, pair our fat burning yoga classes with a residential detox package. We’ll help you break unhealthy habits through several targeted therapies, including infrared sauna benches and stimulating massages.

Plus, we’ll teach you how to eat well with informative food demonstrations. Our chefs know how to cook tasty, microbiome-boosting food that’ll leave you feeling body-confident.

Yoga classes, daily Nordic walking and cardio sessions are also included. Most importantly, you’ll receive a personalised diet and exercise plan from one of our knowledgeable practitioners tailored to your exact needs.

Also Read: The Benefits of Nordic Walking

Nourish your body with our fat burning yoga classes

Now we’ve run through the best yoga for weight loss, all that’s left to do is book a yoga class. Our friendly teachers will support you every step of the way, offering expert advice to combat pain and tone tired bodies.

For more information, contact us today.

What is the best type of yoga for weight loss?

What are the benefits of yoga?