Postpartum Weight Loss- New to Yoga, What Style to Do to Lose Weight

To Sara of Fit by Sara: “I’m am a mom of 3, and want to lose at least 20 lbs. I have heard raving reviews about yoga. I was wondering what style you would recommend to a newbie.”

There are many different styles of yoga from hot yoga to hatha (relaxation) yoga to chose from. Because you’re wanting to lose weight I would recommend a high engery yoga which combines cardio to burn a lot of calories, strength moves to tone muscles, and stretching to lengthen your muscles. My personal favorite style of yoga that does just that is Vinyasa. Vinyasa is a flowing style of yoga that combines postures in a sequence which results in an increase in your heart rate and ultimately weight loss. Others really enjoy heated yoga because you sweat a lot so you feel like you’re working hard. The problem is just because you’re sweating due to a heated room doesn’t mean that you are burning a lot ofcalories.  On the other hand, if a room is warm but not hot, and you get hot, then you are burning more calories because your body is burning calories/energy which creates heat.  I suggest trying several different types of classes and teachers until you get the right fit. When you come to class be sure to tell the instructor that you are new and let her know if you have any limitations. If you are consistent with yoga, meaning 3 times per week you WILL notice weight loss, muscle tone and a positive difference in how you feel day to day. Namaste, Sara Holliday MFT, CPT

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