Trust these 7 yoga asanas to boost your metabolism and speed up weight loss

Your metabolism is like a car’s engine that can make or break it’s mileage. An efficient engine makes for great mileage and lesser fuel consumption, while a damaged one might lead to a bad average and increase the money you shell out on fuel. 

Now, your metabolism is mainly responsible for determining how much of the energy released by the food you eat can be utilized in performing different bodily functions (such as pumping blood into your heat, breathing, digestion, and so on) as well as during physical activities (sitting, standing, walking, running, working out, etc.). A fast metabolism can ensure a greater calorie burn and thus, a faster weight loss. A slow metabolism, on the other hand, can lead to utilization of fewer calories for these processes and thus lead to slower weight loss.

If you’re wondering what could lead to this fateful slowdown of your metabolism, Ms. Shraddha Iyer, master yoga instructor at Sarva and Diva Yoga, Mumbai, blames lack of sleep, less consumption of protein, lack of physical activity, and unhealthy eating habits for this. 

However, Iyer is also quick to offer a solution to this problem in the form of these seven yoga poses that you can practice regularly to boost your metabolism and accelerate your weight-loss:

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1. Trikonasana

• Stand with your feet 3 feet apart facing the longer edge of the mat.
• Turn your right toe towards the shorter edge of the mat and the left toe towards the longer edge of the mat.
• Raise your palms at shoulder level, bringing your elbows, shoulders and palms in one line, with palms facing downwards.
• Inhale and extend your upper body to the right side without moving your lower body.
• Now, exhale and place your right palm on the floor and extend your left palm towards the ceiling
• Hold this position for a few seconds, repeat it on the opposite side, and finish 2-3 repetitions each.

Contraindication: People suffering from loose motions, chronic headaches, stomach pain, low blood pressure, and/ or heart diseases should avoid this asana.

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2. Marichyasana

• Sit with your legs extended forward, bend the right leg and keep the sole of the right foot on the ground near the groin.
• Keep your left leg straight at this point.
• Inhale and lift the left palm, exhale to hug the outer edge of the right knee and thigh.
• Twist and look back towards your right shoulder.
• Remember to lengthen your spine as you inhale and twist as you exhale.

Contraindication: People with severe knee, back, and spine injury should avoid this asana. People with any recent surgeries in the stomach or back should also refrain. 

3. Shalabasana

• Lie on your abdomen, with one cheek on the floor, and take your palms under the thighs.
• Inhale and lift your legs, knees, thighs, and toes, while breathing normally.
• Now hold this position and your breath for as long as you can.
• Exhale and relax to lie down with one cheek touching the ground.
• You can repeat the same 2-5 times.

Contraindication: People with back and hip injury/pain/a recent sugery as well as those suffering from high blood pressure, and heart issues should avoid this asana.

4. Janushirshasana

• Sit with your legs extended forward, bend your right knee and place the sole of the right foot close to your inner thigh (near the groin).
• Keeping the left knee cap engaged, inhale and raise your arms up
• Hinge from the hips, lengthen the spine, exhale and fold forward to hold the outside edge of your foot.
• Make sure both your shoulders are in one line and shoulder blades are together
• Look forward towards the toes and repeat the same 2 or 3 times on both sides.

Contraindication: People with severe knee, back and spine injury or those who’ve recently had a spine/stomach surgery should avoid this asana.

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5. Ustrasana

• Sit on your knees with your toes on the floor.
• Inhale and lift your hips up pushing your pelvis forward and the sternum towards the sky.
• Hold your right ankle with your right hand and then left ankle with the left hand, fingers facing out.
• Stay in this pose for a few seconds and repeat 2-3 times on both the sides.

Contraindication: People with knee issues can cushion their knees with the help of a towel while practicing this asana. People with hernia or recent back or stomach injuries or surgeries should avoid this asana.

6. Sarvangasana

• Lie down on your back, lift your legs up and use your palms to support your back, resting your elbows down and close to each other.
• Bring the buttocks, back, leg, and chest in one line.
• Tuck your chin into your chest and stay in this pose for a few seconds.
• To come back to the starting position, place your hips down with the support of your hand, and then place your body down slowly.
• Repeat this exercise 2 more times.

Contraindication: Avoid this asana if you have high blood pressure or cervical issues.

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7. Halasana

• Lie down on your back.
• Lift your legs up and use your palms to support your back, resting your elbows down and close to each other.
• Take your legs backwards, over your head and try to touch your toes to the floor.
• Your arms can be pressed down on the floor or interlocked behind the back, keeping the elbows straight.
• Stay in this pose for a few seconds, hold your lower back with your hands, and bring your legs back to lie down straight.
• Exhale while you do this and repeat this 2-3 times.

Contraindication: Avoid this asana if you have, high blood pressure or any cervical or back issues.