So you're curious about whether yoga is the piece you've been missing to meet your weight loss goals. I will say that yoga in my opinion is the single best springboard for anyone of any fitness level.  It is a practice (not quite an exercise in my opinion) that meets you where you are and builds a solid foundation to grow from. 

First, let's acknowledge that weight loss is a complex and multifaceted process that involves many factors, including diet, exercise, genetics, and lifestyle. Therefore, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of which workout is best for weight loss.

That being said, plenty studies and millions of dollars (not mine) have been spent investigating the effectiveness of yoga for weight loss. Science proved what we could already see... that regular yoga practice was associated with a decrease in body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, and waist circumference in overweight individuals. Another study showed that yoga was as effective as aerobic exercise in improving body composition and cardiovascular health in overweight adults.  

So, why is yoga effective for weight loss? One reason is it can increase mindfulness and awareness of your body, which can help you make healthier food choices and avoid overeating. Additionally, certain styles of yoga, such as power yoga or vinyasa flow, can be quite vigorous and burn a significant amount of calories. (Do not try these on day 1.  They are technical, and to start here is to set yourself up for failure even if you are athletic.  Get some fundamental skills in first and get to know how your body moves.)

However, it's worth noting that other types of workouts, such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or weightlifting, may burn more calories in a shorter amount of time than yoga. HIIT, in particular, has been shown to be effective for weight loss and improving cardiovascular health. Weightlifting can help build muscle mass, which can increase your metabolism and help you burn more calories throughout the day. So, if your goal is solely to lose weight, incorporating a variety of workouts into your routine may be the most effective approach.  According to studies...

That being said, it's crucial to choose a workout that you enjoy and can stick to in the long term. If you find yoga to be more enjoyable and sustainable than other types of workouts, it may be the best choice for you. Moreover, practicing yoga has several other benefits, including reducing stress, improving flexibility, and promoting overall health and well-being.

So let me level with you here, I have not gone on my own weight loss journey, but many of my students and friends have.  Here is what I have noticed among all my students regardless of their level of athleticism, weight, fitness goals, etc. we all had to eat a big piece of humble pie when we started. Your body is like an instrument, and you need to learn how to play it, how it moves, and how to adapt, yoga will show you that.  And just like with a new instrument don't expect to play a masterpiece day one. 

What is waiting for you on the other side of taking on yoga to lose weight?  Well weight loss.  But not just through the calories burned, sweat poured, or that deep muscle burn.  It comes gentle with time.  I see my students fall in love with themselves, and as they do they make healthier choices, with consistency they do movements you would find absolutely incredible and they carry themselves with the confidence as well they should.  

So start easy, check out my blog for beginner poses, or drop me a follow or a line on Instagram  - @vince_ghost or follow the biz @2ndwindhealth

Vince