Yoga The Fat Away

Yoga has many benefits and with many different types of yoga from Astanga to Hatha to Bikram there is bound to be one that is suitable for most people.

The more obvious physical benefits of yoga are increased flexibility, increased range of motion and muscle tone. The greatest benefits however are those you can not visibly see.  These include: Stress reduction, mental calmness and reduced tension. People who practise yoga regularly are known to sleep better, have a greater sense of body awareness, improved digestion and better respiratory function.

Best of all because yoga helps to reduce stress it has a positive effect on the ‘stress’ hormone, cortisol. Although we need cortisol abnormally high levels of cortisol are problematic. Continuous high levels of cortisol are said to raise blood pressure, lower bone density, reduce immune response and effect your sleep.

Research has also found there is a connection between losing weight and high levels of cortisol.  Clinical studies from Yale University, the University of Miami, the University of California and the University of Connecticut have shown that lowering stress levels and therefore maintaining normal levels of cortisol can reduce body fat levels, control blood sugar levels, and control appetite.

What to do? Take up yoga or another activity that will help to reduce stress and don’t sweat the small stuff.  Getting upset over little daily things simply increases your cortisol levels.  Next time you feel someone or something annoying you, take a deep breath and let it go.

Be Stress Free

Rocofit

ps.  If you haven’t signed up to updates be sure to not miss out by entering your email on the right sidebar.