Fitness of You

A person of normal weight takes a diet which is sufficient to sustain daily activities without storing energy in the form of fat tissue. Putting on weight, however, means there has been a change in our lifestyle that is conducive to storing energy (calories) in the form of fat tissue. Also, when we speak of obesity in yoga, we refer not only to the physical body, but to all the aspects of our being and the way in which we nourish and mobilize them. In most cases aim of yoga is not just reduction of weight, but this is bound to happen as an outcome of our increased self-awareness.

The best asanas for obesity are the Pawanamuktasana series for the digestive system which help to remove extra fat from the abdomen, hips and thighs, and activate the energy in the lower panic centers.

In yoga therapy the body is the instrument, not the end; it is the means, not the aim. So, it is not just the techniques that are important, but also the attitude with which we undertake them, how disciplined and regular we are in the practice.

Surya Namaskara
The dynamic series known as surya namaskara (salutation to the sun) is most important for the treatment of obesity. Surya namskara is a complete practice in itself because it includes asana, pranayama, mantra and meditation. This practice has a unique influence on the endocrine and nervous system, helping to correct metabolic imbalances that cause and perpetuate obesity. Being a dynamic practice, it is also an excellent exercise equated to cycling, jogging or swimming.

Instructions:

*Lie down on your back and stretch both your legs. Now leaving the left leg stretched on the ground bend your right leg at the knee and bring the bent knee near the chest. Now inhale and press your bent leg on your chest with both hands, which should be interlocked for 90 this purpose.

*Keep the breath full in your belly and go on pressing the leg on it. Stay in this position for some time. Now start exhaling, lift your head and try to touch your bent knee with your nose. Inhale and bring your head back in the normal position; also take the leg down and exhale. Concentrate on Maniptir Chakra. Repeat this process with your right leg and then with both the legs.
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Keeping fit is a lifestyle.

Staying fit means making sure your body is getting exactly what it needs to function well. When this happens, your mind responds with increased focus and psychologically you feel happier, more content, balanced. To keep fit you must embrace a lifestyle of healthy choices. Consider it a way of life, not a list of do's and don'ts.

Get Enough Sleep

When you sleep, your body heals and repairs what was broken during the day. Getting enough sleep is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick.

Avoid Stress When Possible

We can't control everything that happens to us, but we must take responsibility for the decisions we can make about how we live our lives. If something creates a lot of stress in your life, consider changing it or, at the very least, consider ways to help you deal with the stress (like taking up yoga or kickboxing, seeing a therapist, meditating, etc.).

Wash Your Hands

Avoid catching whatever is going around by washing your hands often. Being dirty once in a while will help your body build up its immune system defenses; however, being sick all the time isn't fun, either. Find a balance that's healthy for you.

Exercise

Keep your metabolism revving by exercising a little bit every day. Walking briskly for 30 minutes each day is one of the easiest exercises we can do. However, more exercise is a good idea. Consider home gym equipment, a club membership, exercise videos, or sports leagues. Park your car far away from your destination and walk. Take the stairs.

Drink Lots of Water

Your blood flow and digestion are affected by how much water you drink. Make sure both are working smoothly by giving your body enough water.

Eat Good Fat

Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found olive oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, nuts, and avocados are the good fats. These are necessary for improving your immune function, lowering total cholesterol, and regulating hormonal production.

Eat More Vegetables

The nutrition available in fresh vegetables cannot be found anywhere else. Luckily, vegetables come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and flavors. Don't be afraid to try vegetables you're unfamiliar with.

Eat Breakfast

Regulate your eating cycles and start each day with a healthy breakfast. By doing so, you'll actually eat less during the day. If you've never been a breakfast person, you'll find that breaking this unhealthy pattern is actually quite easy. Start with something small like a piece of toast and build up from there.

Eat Complete Meals

Each meal should ideally include all three basic food groups: carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein. Your body uses all three to effectively absorb the nutrients it needs. If you leave out a food group, you are short-changing your body.

Eat Slowly

It takes about 10 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain that it has had enough. Eat slowly, chewing your food well and drinking plenty of water, so you don't eat more than you need to. If you think you want to go back for seconds, wait 10 minutes and make the decision again.

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