Any yoga experts here?

Question

I tend to overeat everytime after doing strengeous exercise eg, jogging or aerobics. Because I get more hungry after exercising and will thus eat more, this makes it pointless to exercise in the first place. Does anyone know if yoga will produce the same effect? Or any other exercise that wont make you get more hungry after that and can lose weight more effectively?

Answer 1

I am a yoga instructor and have been practicing yoga for many years. Before that, I used to go to the gym, do aerobics, and play volleyball. Like you, I was always hungry after doing these strenuous exercises, and actually gained a bit of weight in the process.

Each and every one of us respond differently to exercise. There are many who maintain or loose weight from jogging or aerobics, and there are some whose bodies have a harder time adapting this kind of program.

It seems that we react very similarly to strenuous exercises. Since I have taken up yoga, I have actually built a deeper awareness and connection with my body that I now have a balanced and controlled appetite. I have lost weight from doing the Sun Salutations (surya namaskar) and various standing poses because these poses stimulate your digestive system and improve your metabolism. In my experience, yoga doesn't make me feel hungry after exercise.

Best of all, through yoga, I learned acceptance and self-love with my physical body, and my entire being.

Answer 2

I think the issue for you is not the kind of exercise you are doing, but how you are eating before your workouts, and what you are eating. The experts agree that the more small meals you can have a day, the better to keep your metabolism up. A lot of programs say 5 times, my trainer says 7 times (!). Small portions of lean protein, small amount of whole grains for carbs, and lots of vegetables/fruits. This for me, otherwise known as the 40/30/30 approach, works super well. Are you eating enough and the right food before you work out? Or are you eating nothing or some fruit?

Also, if you are exercising first thing in the morning, and then get really hungry, that's okay! Because your metabolism is bumped up for the whole day, and you can burn more.

Now, what are you eating when you say you eat double? Again, it is good to have plenty of protein and veggies a workout with some whole grains. Please avoid the whole bag of Sun Chips or whatever :).

Lastly, depending on the kind of yoga you do (some are more "power" oriented and aerobic, some are a slower pace and hang out longer in each pose), you can certainly burn fat. Will you still get hungry? I don't know. But I can tell you that you do tone your muscles in yoga, when done correctly, and building muscle always helps you burn more fat and ignites your metabolism. For the true benefit of yoga as it was intended, try a slower pace, non-power, non-vinyasa (they emphasize transitions more than each pose) and work your muscles in the poses. You will feel a wonderful sense of peace afterwards!

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

It's not pointless!

For one thing, exercise is GOOD, even if you don't lose weight doing it. So don't stop.

Immediately after exercising, your metabolism is working/running at an increased rate for a while. So if anything, that's the best time to eat.

It is also true that your appetite may increase once you begin an exercise program. You may just have to exert some sort of willpower to get through this. If you are simply hungry, find something healthy to eat in mass quantities. If it's a combination of physical and mental hunger (the latter being the nastier of the two), have something you crave and take up the slack with something healthy.

So don't give up. You also need to give it time to happen. It may take longer if you can't control your appetite, but it WILL happen.

Answer 4

I face the same problem, i get very hungry after working out in the gym and i stuff myself like crazy. As you've pointed out, there is really no point in losing weight. I've been practicing yoga for some years now, though am no expert. The weight loss with yoga is gradual but effective. This pranayam called 'Kapalbhati' really helps in loosing weight. You won't feel hungry after practicing 1 hour of yoga, rather you will feel calm and peaceful. Yoga benefits you both mentally and physically.

Answer 5

I do Bikram yoga (105 degree or Hot Yoga) and they say NOT to eat before class but I have a fruit or snack before class since it is 1 and a half hour long class. I bet if you eat more healthy snacks during the day. When you get out of class you will not be as hungry. Or schedule your dinner's after class and let it digest before going to bed. If you exercise, you wont be bothered by eating too late since you will be burning dinner off from the night before. Good Luck!!!

Answer 6

Dear friend,

Please understand that Yoga is not something which can be learnt or done with some online help.

Yoga is a 'way of living' and dont consider it as a quick remedy for some ailment. If u are really serious abt Yoga, please find a good yoga instructor around. And start practicing personally.

And I am sure that Yoga can help you out from your current problem.

Cheers

Onlinebaby

Answer 7

Yoga will release tension, and nervous energey. It won't burn the calories that other exercises will, such as aerobics, but it is quite effective in toning your body. When our class started several years ago, all of us were overweight and flabby. Now not one of us are. You're relaxed after the exercise, and if you do eat, you're more aware of your body and will probably eat healthier foods, such as salads. Good luck dear.

Answer 8

you should eat several times a day not just 3 times....if you eat more your metabolism speeds up to match it...if you eat less your body thinks it needs to store up the energy so converts it to fat for the coming "drought" ....yoga is an excellent way to stay in shape and it rarely puts undue stress on your body and gets the oxygen flowing in your muscles so that any excersize you do will have greater benefits....

Answer 9

just keep exercising. It will help. Exercise is the key to good health

Answer 10

no answer