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Can Yoga help me lose weight?

Answered by Kathleen Kastner, founder of Maya Yoga studio in Kansas City, MO.

I am planning to take a course in fundamental yoga. I’m worried because I weigh 256 pounds and I'm 5'1" and 46 years old. Do you think I will benefit from this course if I stick to it, and lose weight? How can I make the class best work for me?

I think you will TOTALLY benefit from your course in fundamental yoga, cheers to you! Your weight and age should not be a factor, just move at your own pace, make sure you are connecting your movements to your breath, so you move mindfully, and don’t get in a hurry. Your teacher should give you modifications of some postures, so you feel comfortable working at a level that works for your body.

A regular yoga practice, 2-3 times a week, it should help you lose weight, especially if you combine it with a daily walking routine of 20-30 minutes. Being conscious of what you are eating and how much you are eating will also help you with your weight loss. Your yoga practice will subconsciously help you with your relationship with food as well, so your eating habits may slowly begin to change for the better.

Kathleen Kastner has been teaching ashtanga, vinyasa and power yoga for ten years and is also the owner of Maya Yoga studio, in Kansas City, MO.

Comments

Karen
08 Jan 2008, 23:05

YES! I agree it will help. I am 52 and I started practing yoga six months ago after my shoulder arthoscopic surgery.I had put on weight and I had no flexiablity and was stiff and achy, but after practing for a few months I was waking up each morning with a "spring" to my step. I have lost weight and I feel better about myself now than I have for years. Keep practing, and I know you will feel better and the weight will come off.

iYogaLife Staff
09 Jan 2008, 08:33

Karen,
Congratulations! That is so wonderful that you found results you love with yoga. Keep it up!

Faith Shepherd
12 Jan 2008, 14:53

Are there any free or low cost yoga classes in manhattan

iYogaLife Staff
17 Jan 2008, 09:40

Faith,
Yoga to the People is a donation-based studio on St. Mark's. Great classes but it gets crowded!

Sue
21 Feb 2008, 20:05

I know yoga will help with weightloss. I am 52 years old. I started a weight loss plan 32 weeks ago. Mid September I added yoga to this plan as one part of the exercise routine. As of today I have lost 81 pounds. Yoga has many benefits beyond helping with weight loss.

iYogaLife Staff
25 Feb 2008, 09:11

Sue,
81 pounds- wow! We think it's awesome that you've lost that much weight but we are excited that you're finding benefits beyond the physical. Keep it up!