Is Yoga Or A Gym The Best Way To Lose Weight? Making a case for both

 

For many in today’s culture, weight-loss goals are becoming a trendy and life-changing experience.
We plan, exercise, and diet according to the most appealing opportunities, some which work and
others don’t (particularly the ones that focus on diet or exercise with exclusion to one or the other). The question left to many is which is the best way to lose those extra pounds? Certain methods and practices promise the best results, but for each individual, a certain style may prove to be the better choice.

A case for yoga.

Yoga has grown in popularity especially for those that wish to shed a few extra pounds. This method
targets the ability to work at your own level- which is attractive to new-comers in the practice of weight
loss.

Yoga is most beneficial when the body and mind are working together, and is attained through stretches
and poses combined with a serene environment. Perhaps its most renowned characteristics are the
breathing techniques combined with static poses that help to achieve body and mind wholeness.

Though commonly thought of as relatively limited in activity, there is the new Power Yoga technique,
which maintains the importance of body and mind togetherness but also includes aerobic activities to
improve weight-loss.

Additionally, Yoga is renowned for its improvement on blood circulation. Because of the stretching,
breathing, and physical positioning, the heart and associated circulatory system gain tremendous
benefit, improving the body’s natural well-being and ensuring quality physical and mental functions due
to improved oxygen circulation within the body.

Yoga practices have been known to help shed pounds, but more importantly it helps prevent the
practitioner from gaining weight back (which is an important part to ensuring continuing health).
The environments are often serene, but it isn’t always practiced in group environments. Yoga can be
practiced easily in solitude, as group effort is not big factor.

The mind’s effect on the body is perhaps the most effective weight-loss tool, which is the main
aspect Yoga strives to put across. In many cases, it takes ongoing focus and determination to continue
to pursue weight loss goals and achieve well-being. What the mind wills, the body will do- and a good
relationship between the two is crucial.

Then there is the gym workout, which in many cases is the most popular method fitness seekers choose
to lose weight.

A case for the gym

Fitness gyms come in many formats, from traditional environments of self-achievement to those that rely on group support to help each individual find the right motivation that meets their needs. Additionally, there are also certain activities and teachings that each gym incorporates in order to deliver the best workout attainable, that make it unique to others.

Cardio techniques? Strength training activities? There are several different applications by which a gym helps an individual attain their fitness goals, and not all will be the same. Ultimately, it comes down to the environment and teachings that make a gym workout beneficial.

The best facilities will focus on teaching the importance of nutrition and healthy dieting as two parts of
a whole. Diet is an important part of weight-loss, and isn’t to be overlooked in any situation. Gyms often
offer quality training and guidance, allowing an entry-level practitioner the opportunity to learn and
benefit from others’ experience at the facility.

One of the most prominent benefits of a gym is that it provides the opportunity to regularly exercise
the body. Continuous activity is necessary to keep the body functioning properly and is a key element
to losing weight. Though dieting is important, without proper activity levels the body would not be able
to function effectively or use up the fuel (carbohydrates) you supply it. Additionally, activity is also
beneficial for improving circulation, assisting the cardiovascular system.

Basically, it is the teachings of the instructor and gym facility that ultimately decide how advantageous
it will be to an individual’s weight-loss goals. Finding the right environment is a necessary task for each
individual, and it is important to keep in mind that not all gym facilities are the same.

When it comes down to weight-loss and fitness centers, there are several different options each person
has available to them. In some cases, combining the best from each can be the best solution, so long as
the person finds it in themselves to remain focused and determined to achieve their goals and maintain
the practice of healthy living.

Julie Kennington is the owner and operator of Drenched Fitness a fun, group focused fitness center
with a ‘club like’ atmosphere in Westlake Village, California. She and the trainers at Drenched Fitness
provide practical weight loss, get fit and get active tips each week on the Drenched Fitness Blog.