For many years, people looking to lose weight have been bombarded with advice about the necessity of intense cardio workouts. However, there has been a significant change in this perspective. Nowadays, strength and weight training are widely seen as more effective methods for weight loss.
That said, cardio is still important and beneficial, and it should definitely be part of our fitness routines. But relying solely on cardio isn’t the most effective way to shed pounds quickly and maintain that weight loss. Interestingly, yoga is an excellent non-diet approach to losing weight. Many overlook yoga as a weight loss tool, thinking it’s just about stretching and breathing. While it can be that if you choose, yoga has the potential to be whatever you want it to be.
Personally, I use yoga to build muscle and burn fat, and it works wonders! Yoga is one of the oldest and most effective forms of strength training. If you’ve seen some of the challenging poses people can do, you’d understand its strength-building capabilities. But let’s be honest—you’re here to lose weight!
It’s important to note that not all yoga styles are equally effective for weight loss. Some forms focus more on meditation and gentle breathing rather than strength training. The CDC recommends that adults engage in moderate to intense strength training activities that work all major muscle groups at least twice a week.
And while it doesn’t literally say this, the idea is to push your muscles to the point of fatigue. So, if you’re considering yoga for weight loss, opt for a more vigorous style that makes you feel that muscle burn!
Another key advantage of weight training is that your body continues to burn calories even after your workout. Research shows that your metabolism can stay elevated for up to 38 hours post-exercise. Yes, even if you spend that time resting!
With that in mind, here’s a list of online yoga programs, classes, or videos you can explore. We’ve included options for everyone, with some being free and others requiring payment. DOYOUYOGA has built a large global community and offers something for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi.
Their user-friendly dashboard lets you filter classes by experience level, duration, and focus area. You can even track your progress and the time spent on your yoga practice. For those who enjoy community, they have a social media feature to connect with fellow yogis. Their extensive library includes both free and paid classes, with a reasonable membership fee of $15 per month, plus a free month to try it out.
One O Eight, led by Yoga Girl Rachel Brathen, offers a platform that covers nearly every type of yoga practice. It promotes a holistic lifestyle with recipes, talks, and guides, encouraging you to diversify your routine. Membership costs $14 per month, with a 10-day free trial.
The Yoga Fat Loss Bible is a program specifically designed for rapid weight loss, featuring poses that target fat burning across all major muscle groups. It’s beginner-friendly but also includes advanced poses. This program is available for a one-time fee of $67, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Adriene’s YouTube channel offers a vast library of yoga videos, including a dedicated weight loss section. Her channel has gained nearly 5 million subscribers and over 400 million views since 2012, with new videos added weekly—all for free.
While paid programs tend to be more organized and goal-oriented, yoga can sometimes come with a lot of spiritual or mystical elements that may not appeal to everyone. If you’re focused solely on the physical benefits, Dirty Yoga offers intense classes, though they also have a beginner section.
My Yoga Works features top-notch instructors and allows you to set specific goals, providing tailored class recommendations. Membership is $15 per month for unlimited streaming.
Yoga Vibes connects you with well-known instructors and offers a vast selection of videos, with over 5,000 options available. Their subscription is $19.95 per month, with a 15-day free trial.
Yoga Glo, based in LA, offers a wide range of classes, allowing you to choose between slower-paced or more intense workouts. Their subscription is $18 per month, also with a 15-day free trial.
Gaia, an offshoot of Gaiam TV, provides a streaming library of yoga content, including several series focused on weight loss. Their membership is $9.95 per month, with a 30-day trial for $0.99.
Lastly, Udaya offers challenges and a variety of classes, with a 30-day free trial and a monthly fee of $12.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to try yoga for weight loss? These are just a few options available to you! Remember, you don’t have to engage in intense workouts; even restorative yoga can help burn fat and promote weight loss.
And don’t forget to check out our program at Avocadu — The Yoga Fat Loss Bible! If you enjoyed this article or have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below! We’d love to hear from you!