Re: Yoga more effective than aerobics in treating obesity: Study

December 31, 2006

I'm curious, does any post-op people do yoga instead of aerobics? How

has your success been with it?

After I lose a significant amount of weight I would like to try yoga,

but I am not sure if that will be instead of aerobics as well.

Thanks in advance,

>

> Yoga more effective than aerobics in treating obesity: Study

> Mumbai | December 30, 2006 10:35:35 AM IST

>

> Yoga is more effective in controlling weight and treating obesity

than aerobics, according to a recent study. Obesity is the most

common nutritional disorder and causes numerous complications,

including Diabetes Mellitus, Coronary Heart Disease and Hypertension

among others, the research conducted by Dr T K Bera, Assistant

Director of Research at the Kaivalyadhama Yoga Research Institute,

Lonavala, stated. Emotional and psychological disturbances are

also associated with obesity as it carries a social stigma. The

fundamental determinant of problems in body weight and body

composition is the calorific imbalance. When the intake of calories

exceeds their expenditure, the body gains weight. Fasting and

extreme diet restrictions cause substantial loss of water and lean

muscles. High resistance exercise programmes may lead to gain in lean

weight. However, intensive exercises regimens have been found

''harmful'' especially for the lesser fit individuals.

> Also, obese people, if put on these strict exercise regimens are

exposed to a risk of orthopaedic injury. Therefore, the intensity

of exercise should be maintained at or below the 65 per cent of

maximum heart rate recommended for improvement of cardio-respiratory

endurance. Research has revealed that yoga practices never allow the

heart to be ''over-burdened''. Instead, a slow but steady

cardio-respiratory endurance can be experienced. Also, thyroid

problems are evident in the obese and yoga is a good means to gently

''massage'' the thyroid gland to reduce such related complications,

says Dr Bera. Yoga practice provides progressive muscular stretching

with slow dynamic movements followed by static stretch and leads to

greater range of motion, which is beneficial for treating obese

patients. High resistance movements in aerobics, on the other

hand, may put the obese to risk of injury of hampering

cardio-respiratory systems. As yoga does not consider high

> resistance in moving body parts, it entails no such risk.

People on aerobics are able to reduce excessive body fat in quick time

but if in the long-run the practice is discontinued, the fat level and

body weight start increasing. Whereas, yoga, which is a slow and

smooth process, puts low to moderate pressure on cardiovascular system

which is useful in treating obesity. Dr Bera says daily practice

of Pranayama alters eating habits of the individual by influencing

satiety centre in the hypothalamus, contributing to reduction of body

weight. ''Yoga does not only have long term effects but also

consistency, which is not the case in aerobics,'' he said. Dr

Bera's research also revealed that obese patients practicing yoga had

comparatively reduced anxiety levels than those doing aerobics.

Dr Bera, however, stated a combined approach on the basis of the two

regimens may prove better in the treatment of obesity.

>

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December 31, 2006

Hi Shauna,

Interesting article! I bought a DVD a few years ago, and a brand new

yoga mat...but never tried it. The DVD is called Yoga for the

inflexible person. It was the closest I could find that seemed the

easiest for the beginner.

Long ago, I used to be really flexible.

I'm sure I can get it back again.

Thank you for posting this article, because it reminded me of a tool

that I have that I can use after surgery....aside from trying to do

some walking.

Happy New Year,

Hugs,

Cathy

butterfly in training