How to lose weight naturally at home: 4 effective Yoga asanas that will help you burn stubborn belly fat

How to lose weight naturally at home: 4 effective Yoga asanas that will help you burn stubborn belly fat  |  Photo Credit: Thinkstock

New Delhi: One of the the first steps to achieving successful weight loss is to understand the reasons for weight gain, and then accordingly target the problem areas. The causes of weight gain may be many. Improper eating, unhealthy lifestyle, stress and anxiety, which, in turn, trigger several coping mechanisms such as emotional eating, oversleeping, etc.  Yoga has, what other weight loss programs cannot, the ability to affect the mind along with the body.

The first big hurdle of conquering weight loss is mustering the courage to acknowledge the problem and then setting the finicky mind to this task. With techniques in meditation and breathing, Yoga is useful in preparing the mind for weight loss. It systematically trains the mind, body and the breath into surrendering and even enjoying the process of weight loss.

Yoga asanas that help you lose weight and burn belly fat

Yoga asanas first help cut down on stubborn body fat, such as belly fat, and then chisel the body, said Grand Master Akshar, an internationally acclaimed Yoga Master, Lifestyle Coach & Spiritual Guru. Complementing the practice of yoga with a sensible eating plan will certainly help you get there faster. Follow a balanced diet which contains vegetables and fruits, avoid packaged food items, including sugary juices and carbonated drinks.

Santolanasana (Plank Pose)

How to get into the posture

• Lay flat on the floor with your palms next to your chest.
• Raise your whole body up, balancing on just your palms and toes.
• Knees are straight and avoid raising the pelvis.
• Keep your neck straight.
• Breathing Methodology: Gentle inhalation and exhalation.

Vasisthasana (Side Plank Pose)

How to get into the posture

• Begin in Santolanasana.
• Slowly shift to your left palm, and lift your right arm up in the air.
• Make sure your entire body is aligned in a straight line, your outer side of the left foot is firmly rested on the ground.
• Place your right foot on top of your left foot, heel on heel and toe on toe.
• Ensure that your right hand is in line with the shoulder. Gaze at your right palm.
• Balance your body and keep your arms and legs straight.
• Repeat this on the other side.
• Breathing Methodology: Breath normally.

Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff Pose)

How to get into the posture:

• Begin in Santolanasana.
• Exhale lightly and bend your elbows such that your shoulders are slightly ahead of your palms.
• You are on your toes behind.
• Breathing Methodology: Exhale while assuming the final position. Hold on exhale.

Chakrasana (Wheel Pose)

How to get into the posture:

• Lie down on your back and fold your legs.
• Place your palms under your shoulders and reverse them to point your fingers toward your shoulders.
• Inhale deeply and using the strength of your arms and feet, lift your pelvis up.
• Allow your head and neck to drop back and relax.
• Breathing Methodology: Inhale while lifting your torso upward.

Yoga has been scientifically proven to reduce stress hormones. This makes it easier to focus on overall weight loss when you are able to make healthy choices for yourself happily, in self-acceptance, and self-love.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.