Yoga is a time proven practice to lose weight if done regularly and in proper manner. Especially after the age of 40 you should start yoga for weight loss. Yoga put less strain on your joints and is a very good stress buster. So no need to spend a huge amount of money in gym you just need a yoga mat, comfortable clothes and sound environment to perform yoga poses for weight loss. There are various yoga asanas for weight loss and we will discuss the 5 best and most effective of them.

5 Yoga Asanas for Weight Loss:

Surya namaskar (Sun Salutation):

It is a set of 12 yoga aasanas done in sequence. It is highly effective in weight lose since it comprises a mixture of forward and backward bending aasanas that bend and stretch the whole spinal column giving a deep stretch to the whole body. It is believed that surya namaskar is the complete body workout. It has a deep effect in detoxifying your internal organs. Practice this asana daily in the morning while facing the sun.

[Read: Best Yoga Asanaas for Depression]

Bhujangasana (Cobra pose):

This yoga pose works on your buttocks, back and tone the abs. Cobra pose can be performed in following manner.

• Lie face-down on the floor, with the tops of your feet flat against the ground.
• Place your hands under your shoulders, palms down and fingers spread apart.
• Lift your head, chest and upper back off the mat.
• Push back your shoulders and feel the stretch spread evenly along the length of your spine.
• After a few deep breaths, relax and lay down back on mat.

Dhanurasana (Bow Pose):

This is very good yoga asana for weight loss from arms, legs and abdominal area.It can be carried out in following way:

• Lie down on your stomach; bend your knees so that you can grab your feet with hands.
• Pull in your stomach and extend your feet upward, raising your upper body at the same time.
• Hold for as many breaths as you can and then relax.

Pawanmukatasana (Wind releasing pose):

This yoga asana targets fat on your abdominal area.

• Lie down on the yoga mat and bring your knees up to your chest with your ankles together.
• Clasp your arms together over your knees as you bring your chin near to your knees.
• Breathe deep and remain in this pose for 1 minute.
• Feel the stretch on your abs and then relax and slowly lay down back on your mat.

[Read: It’s all about weight management]

Badhakonasana (Cobbler pose):

This pose helps you to reduce weight from inner thighs. It helps to strengthen your lower back and knees. It also helps in reducing menstruation discomfort.

• Sit with your legs stretched out in front of you.
• Keep your spine erect and bend your legs at the knees
• Now with your hands pull your legs in so that your heels touch each other. Bring them close to your pelvis.
• While holding your legs at the ankles, move your thighs up and down, just like the wings of a butterfly.

Other then these traditional Yoga Asanas you can also do bikram yoga weight loss. It will take you through the series of yoga asanas but in the heated environment with temperature around 105F.

[Read: Best Yoga Asanas for Senior Citizens]

Yoga exercises for weight loss are the time proven and are considered best after your 40s. Remember it is a slow process but is very effective in cutting the weight.