Weight loss with Yoga is possible but also involves eating a balanced diet and performing some postured based exercises. There are cases where obese individuals have lost weight while performing Yoga, but the primary requirement is dedication. If one simply performs Yoga without a change in lifestyle, you will be greatly disappointed.

O It reduces weight in a lasting and permanent way without causing any side effect to health, beauty and physical or mental condition. O It doesn't cost to correct obesity. There is no disturbance to your normal life or a possibility of regaining the same weight even if yoga practice is discontinued.

To lose weight with the practice of Yoga means that you have to exercise for at least 10-20 minutes on a daily basis. In the beginning, one can select some of the more basic postures but as you get more acquainted with the techniques, one can uses more advanced procedures. Like any exercise, it is recommended that you warm up prior to your yoga. This involves stretching the body and relaxing. The best form of relaxing exercise before starting Yoga is to lie on the floor with arms at the sides and with legs slightly apart. Relax your mind and have good thoughts.

Then close your eyes, take a deep breath and try to relax your mind. This may take a few minutes to get adjusted to in the beginning. The most important thing to do is to pay attention to your breathing- which should be regular and deep. Prana is derived from Sanskrit and means energy. This energy will allow you to maintain control of your breathing even when you are in the sub conscious. It is this energy which is the key to life.

Breathing is essential to life: the absorption of air by the inhalation of oxygen and its expulsion by the exhalation of carbonic gas (carbon dioxide). The yogic breathing consists of three parts as explained below. Always inhale and exhale through the nose. The abdomen: Inhale and allow the abdomen to expand like a bow. The lungs fill with air during exhalation. This is an excellent exercise for abdomen, which regularizes the functioning of the intestines and stimulates digestion.

The middle part of the chest (thorax): Put the hands on either side of the ribs. Inhale slowly inflating the sides thoroughly, then exhale and repeat several times. The process purifies blood, improves circulation and calms the heart. One can also place the hands as far high as the clavicles or collar bones. Then one can breathe and feel the front of the chest expand. This method also involves the use of stomach muscles. With each deep breath, the abdomen is pushed in and then one slowly exhales. This form of deep breathing can help revitalize the body over time.

Yoga and meditation go hand in hand to provide you with best of the ability to stay calm and focussed , and keeping the body in equilibrium. Yoga Butterfly Asana (pose), just like Hatha Yoga Back Stretching Pose, is recommended as an exercise that should be an integral part of your meditation practice.

There are no rigid rules to Yoga but there are certain guidelines. These include: * one should avoid Yoga classes until after the age of 10 * yoga exercises are recommended for both genders * Yoga exercises are best performed in a serene environment * One should wear comfortable clothes during Yoga. Tight clothes can make the Yoga exercises difficult and uncomfortable

O Practice on empty stomach, two hours after breakfast and four hours after a meal, and an hour after having a cup of tea or coffee. O Start practicing for short periods and gradually increase the duration. The practitioner should be a vegetarian as far as possible.

Prior to beginning any Yoga classes, it is important that one warm up. This means stretching the muscles of the hands and legs. While any form of stretching exercise can be done to warm up the body, one can also for briskly for 10-15 minutes to get the same result. Once the Yoga classes are complete, it is important to rest and let the body cool down. Most people will feel relaxed, agile and calm after a yoga exercise. Some describe the feeling as flying in space. Individuals who are obese or over weight should not risk jogging for fear of causing joint injury or falls. Some exercises like weight lifting can also lead to excessive damage of the joints.

O Cool down after exercising a session with slow and gentle stretches. O Consult a doctor or a yoga teacher before embarking on any yogic exercise program, especially when you are above 45 years of age, pregnant, have a personal or family history of high blood pressure or heart problem. Too much and too fast yogic practice does not provide instant results; these simply lead to injuries, aches and pains.