This is a compilation of the most asked questions asked about Yoga in Indusladies, and the answers are provided by the members, supplemented with relevant research on the topic.

1. Can Yoga promote weight loss?

Yoga helps you gain a leaner and flexible body by burning more calories with each Yoga postures. Top yoga poses for weight loss are:

  • Dhanurasana – Strengthens abdominal muscles, reduces tummy fat and improves strength.
  • Pavanamuktasana – Puts pressure on the abdominal muscles, which help in better blood circulation and burns the excess fat.
  • Uttanapadasana – Focuses on reducing fat in the stomach, thigh, waist and hips.
  • Paschimottasana – This posture is highly beneficial for women after childbirth. The forward bending posture reduces the fat from the abdomen and flexes the muscles of the leg and back.
  • Suryanamaskar – Series of postures, which tones the entire body and also aids in effective weight loss.

2. Does practicing Yoga cause lower back pain?

Though Yoga is highly beneficial for reducing chronic ailments including back pain, few poses can make the condition worse if the posture is executed incorrectly.

Twisting and stretching poses can result in spasms and spinal injury, if performed improperly. People with back conditions should avoid such poses and can modify the pose under the supervision of a trained yoga expert.

3. Can I practice Yoga during pregnancy?

Practicing yoga works wonders on the woman’s health during pregnancy conditions. Yoga helps smooth pregnancy as well as restores the body after childbirth. However, you, as a pregnant woman must take precautions such as letting the instruction know about the trimester of pregnancy. 

Avoid backbends, headstands, upwards bows, camel and balancing poses on one leg. Safe poses include Marjariasana, Paschimothanasana, Uttanasana, Butterfly Stretch and Baddhakonasana. Remember to check with your instructor before practicing different postures of yoga.

4. What is the right age for the kids to do yoga?

Yoga can help kids counter the pressures and stress that they face in today’s lifestyle.  Yoga enhances flexibility, coordination, body awareness and strength. It also helps in concentration, relaxation and sense of calmness. Introduction to Yoga can start at an early age for kids since their body is more agile and flexible. It is advisable to start yoga for kids by the age of 6 or 7 years.

5. Is Yoga beneficial for reproductive health?

Practicing Yoga also aids reproductive health and helps in fertility. If you are already practicing yoga, none of the poses will cause problems in conception.  However, you should be cautious once you get pregnant. 

Pranayama (breathing exercises), Dandasana, Malasana, Paschimottanasana, Upavistha Konasana, Janu Shirsasana and Supta Virasana are some poses recommended for fertility and reproductive health.

6. Which is better? Yoga or going to gym?

Both are equally rewarding. Yoga gives body strength, flexibility and energy. It also focuses on the calmness of mind. The results are long lasting when practiced regularly. Gym builds stamina and strength in a short period.

The exercises in the gym are designed to increase the heartbeat and burns more calories. Whichever form of exercise, you choose to follow, make sure you practice under a qualified instructor.

7. Can Yoga help trim tummy weight?

Urdhva Mukha Shavasana, Simhasana, Garudasana, Pavanmuktasana, Ushtrasana are some poses that help to get rid of tummy and waist fat. The postures tone and strengthen the abdominal muscles.

It also increases the metabolic rate, which aids in efficient digestion. Apart from the poses, breathing exercises are also effective in getting rid of tummy weight.

8. Can Yoga cure diseases?

 Increased flexibility, core strength, deep breathing, correct body alignment, better concentration, mood, conditioning of mind comes easily with the practice of yoga. Yoga is beneficial for chronic ailments such as arthritis, weight loss, asthma, heart disease, insomnia and diabetes.

9. Can I practice Yoga during menstruation?

Every woman differs with respect to menstruation. It is important to listen to your body during the menstrual cycle. Practicing inversions during this period is not advisable since the blood flows in the opposite direction, which could disturb the reproductive system and may lead to other problems.

Backbends, twists, kapalbhati and any asana that stresses the abdominal and pelvic region should be avoided.

10. Is there a best time to do yoga?

Early morning is preferable or 4 hours after lunch with no other foods in between is a good time to practice yoga.

Related threads that you may wish to read

http://www.indusladies.com/forums/keep-fit-and-maintain-shape/172980-yoga-and-its-benefits.html

http://www.indusladies.com/forums/keep-fit-and-maintain-shape/1867-yoga-you-all-about-yoga-4.html

http://www.indusladies.com/forums/keep-fit-and-maintain-shape/172820-yoga-practice-any-one.html

http://www.indusladies.com/forums/keep-fit-and-maintain-shape/87520-101-benefits-of-breathing-exercises.html

http://www.indusladies.com/article/338/How-to-Do-Surya-Namaskar-for-Weight-Loss

http://www.indusladies.com/forums/keep-fit-and-maintain-shape/68246-everyday-surya-namaskar-3.html

Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.