Yoga for weight loss?

I've been doing a lot of running the past few months and have lost a good amount of weight but still have a ways to go. Everyone keeps saying that I would love yoga. I've tried it and I do enjoy the stretching and taking a break from the cardio but I feel like I am wasting my time in the weight loss department. I know I can do both but with 2 jobs and 2 kids, I'm lucky if I can get in 30 minutes of exercise every other day - so my question for you Yogis out there is - are there any benefits to sticking with it for weight loss?

Re: Yoga for weight loss?

I never lost weight w yoga, but I like it in addition to weight training and cardio. I lost a lot of inches w pilates. Maybe try that?

Re: Yoga for weight loss?

I've know people who lost with hot yoga BUT diet also had a lot to do with it and they also were basically living at the studio. I love hot yoga but actually did not renew my membership this year primarily because the time commitment. It's ALOT of money and I'm lazy to begin with so that's always working against me...but throw in basically a 3 hour day commitment between the drive, getting there early for a spot, time if class runs over and then a shower....I don't have time for that right now as a mom. If you are curious though maybe do the beginners package at a studio....they often charge like $20 for 10 days in a row. I also know some people who have the ability to go early in the AM or the odd afternoon class. I could really only make 8pm and if I'm home at 5:30......yeah it's rarely happening.

Re: Yoga for weight loss?

I think it depends on the class/type of yoga and the instructor.

Also when you do yoga for a period of time you feel more relaxed and calm and in tune with your body. This may naturally cause you to eat less, less junk, more natural foods and less emotional eating. So in that way you could lose weight.

Yoga for weight loss?

I would go for a heated vinyasa/power yoga class. You will be moving and working the whole time- strengthening and lengthening, and the heat helps to make you sweat. You can also lose weight from Bikram, but I don't like it. I also think it is too hot.
Don't know where you are, but Breathe N Flow Yoga in Freeport has good heated power/vinyasa classes.

Re: Yoga for weight loss?

Thanks for all the replies. I should have been more clear - there is no way I could ever take a "class" due to work and the kids. I would have to get videos and practice on my own at home. Not ideal, I know.

Yoga for weight loss?

Since classes are not accessible for you, do fast paced sun salutations bunch of times. This gets your heart rate up and can be good cardio. Focus on your breathing too. Check if your cable company has free videos on your tv. You tube had some free videos too.

Re: Yoga for weight loss?