Yoga for better metabolism

With asana practice, losing excess weight is not about ‘spot reduction’ or counting calories. The idea is to make the metabolism faster and more efficient, and to introduce efficiency in digestion to rule out unnecessary fat storage. Yoga addresses the root cause rather than the symptoms, working from the inside out. With regular asana practice, the working of internal organs is vastly improved. This goes a long way in assimilating nutrients from the food and not storing it as excess fat. Here is a simple asana sequence you can practice every day to rev up your metabolism and bring strength to your core. Hold each pose for about five to ten breaths. Keep the breath easy, steady and smooth. Remember to keep the effort in your muscles, not in the breath.

For anyone looking to lose excess weight, stress is the first thing to address because it has become the mainstay of modern life and stress hormones encourage fat storage. Use this asana sequence to de-stress and centre yourself, and lose excess weight in the process.

Phalakasana
Plank pose
Stretch your legs out straight behind you, keeping the wrists, elbows and shoulders in a straight line perpendicular to the floor. This Asana works all the abdominal and low back muscles, and is excellent for toning the entire body. A strong core allows you to hold the plank for at least two minutes.

Extended side angle pose

Utthita Parsvakonasana
Extended side angle
Keeping the legs active and feet pressing down, stretch the right arm out over the right ear. Move the chest up and back to keep it in line with the hip and the leg. This Asana reduces fat around the waist and hips. It also increases peristaltic activity and makes the digestive system function better.

Boat pose

Navasana
Boat pose  
Draw the navel in towards the spine and balance on your sitbones, lengthening the front of the torso. Keep the chest lifted. If the hamstrings feel tight, bend the knees a bit. This Asana deeply challenges the abdominal muscles and strengthens the low back. It stimulates the abdominal organs, improving digestion.

Seated half spine twist pose

Ardha Matsyendrasana
Seated half spine twist pose
This Asana tones and strengthens the abs and obliques. It massages the abdominal organs and encourages the secretion of digestive juices. Lengthen the spine before you begin to twist. Cross your right foot over your left thigh and place it on the floor outside your left knee. Fold your left leg in, with your foot outside your right hip. Hold your right knee with your left hand, and place your right hand on the floor diagonally behind you. Twist the torso as you draw your elbow down on the outside of your right thigh.

The writer is a yoga practitioner and expert