Middle aged women who are suffering from the effects of menopause often are concerned with their weight and general appearance. Because most cannot afford the luxuries of celebrities, one must search for alternative methods of losing weight during menopause. Many such methods can be performed within the comforts of home and are incredibly inexpensive. Without having to hire a personal chef, trainer, nutritionist and stylist, one can produce similar results by use of simpler and less complex methods. This is especially important during menopause, as it is already an extremely distressing time for most women.
As middle age approaches, a woman’s metabolism slows considerably. Gone are the days of being able to consume huge holiday meals without consequence. The decreased production of estrogen and ensuing hormonal imbalance in the menopausal woman’s body causing a wild variety of unpleasant and irritating symptoms, many of which are very difficult to treat or prevent. One such symptom is weight gain, which at times is seemingly inevitable. However, weight gain can be at least limited by the use of yoga. Yoga is a generally unknown solution to many symptoms of menopause, as it is both physically and mentally beneficial.
For those unaccustomed to the traditions of yoga, it may seem a leisurely activity that consists of mere yawning and stretching. Those who have performed yoga, however, have a much better idea of what it entails. Yoga can be strenuous, especially disciplines such as Kundalini, in which you attempt to reach divine enlightenment through the awakening and chakras and the discovery of inner bliss. This may sound simple, but it is indeed sweat-inducing and requires much concentration, self-discipline and dedication. Some yoga rooms even implement heaters to promote increased perspiration and the expulsion of more toxins.
Yoga is an incredibly ancient and complex practice that cannot be mastered overnight. It is therefore helpful to find online guides and to browse selections of books pertinent to the discipline. The more information that is mastered regarding yoga, the faster you can perform different forms of yoga with relative ease. The following are two helpful yoga poses that stimulate the abdominal region, where fat often accumulates for menopausal women. Next, Yoga poses that promote weight loss before or after menopause.
The Utkatasana (or Chair Pose)
1. Begin by standing stoically in the Tadasana (or Mountain Pose) with the arms pointed toward the floor.2. Exhale completely and bend the knees, trying to maintain parallelism between the thighs and the floor. The knees should be over the feet, with the torso somewhat over the thighs, forming a right angle.
3. Tuck in the shoulders and lift the arms upwards. While keeping the back upright, push downward the tailbone.
4. Hold this pose for at least 30 seconds, with an entire minute preferable, then straighten the knees once more and inhale.
5. Return to the Tadasana (or Mountain Pose) and exhale.
The Bitilasana (or Cow Pose)
1. Commence in the tabletop position (all four limbs on the floor, with hands directly beneath the shoulders and knees beneath the hips). Center one’s field of vision on the floor.2. Inhale and lift the rear end and chest upwards (like a cow), allowing the stomach to sink.
3. Raise the head to look directly forward.
4. Exhale and return to the tabletop position. Repeat this exercise between 10 and 20 times.
If serious curious about yoga and its many forms, you should consider enrolling in a yoga class. Mats are provided, although they are very inexpensive (usually about $15) should you decide to purchase your own. The instructor will often allow payment by class, eliminating an obligation to attend a certain number of classes, although the latter may be preferable to ensure dedication. Each class typically has duration of an hour, consisting of 40 minutes of posing (or practice) and 20 minutes of silent meditation.
Yoga classes are a great way to motivate yourself to lose weight and maintain this weight loss during menopause. Yoga is not only good for weight loss, as it can also alleviate other symptoms of menopause through mental and physical wellness.
