In this article Ellie answers the question, Does Restorative Yoga burn Calories? Yes! Believe it or not, even though this is one of the most passive forms of yoga it is also good for weight loss. But more of this later.
Let’s start by asking, what is Restorative Yoga?
The purpose of Restorative Yoga is to relax the body and mind, relieving the build up of stress and tension. It does this by using many of the poses that you find in a regular yoga class, but the poses are supported and held in place with lots of props such as bolsters, blankets, straps and blocks. In most poses you are led on a mat and you hold each pose for between 5 and 15 minutes. The support of the props allows your body to release tension in the places targeted by the pose.
Tension is created by the body when it stores stress. It is held in every part of the body, particularly the neck, shoulders and lower back. How often do we wince and place a hand on one of these parts of the body during the day? And of course stress is held in the mind, which has a direct impact on the body, creating the build up of tension.
So where does the weight loss come in?
When the brain reacts to stress, it floods the body with chemicals such as the steroid hormone called cortisol, which builds up in the body and leads to fat, particularly abdominal fat. In Restorative Yoga, even though you are lying still in most of the class, you are reducing the amount of cortisol in your body and therefore reducing fat. You would need to practice consistently to see any visible results.
An American study in 2013* compared the weight loss of a group of women undertaking Restorative Yoga with a group undertaking basic stretching exercises over a six month period. The group undertaking Restorative Yoga lost an average of 31 centimetres of fat compared to an average of 12 centimetres in the other group over this period.
Another reason for weight loss is possibly linked to sleep**. Restorative Yoga leads to a calm and relaxed mind by reducing cortisol levels and therefore promoting a better sleep pattern. Sleep aids the burning of calories, particularly during the REM stage (rapid eye movement). Conversely, the body responds to lack of sleep by raising stress levels, producing cortisol and holding on to fat.
So overall, is Restorative Yoga good for you?
Yes! Restorative Yoga is a fabulously blissful and soothing form of yoga that helps to reduce stress by calming the mind and relaxing the body. It reduces the level of cortisol in the body and promotes some weight loss in doing so. It also often leads to a better sleep, which also helps to burn the calories. As it is a very passive form of exercise, it is an accessible way in which to introduce exercise if you struggle to get started and it’s great for anyone who is overweight and finds it difficult to start with more rigorous exercise.
At Ellie Stafford Yoga, we focus on what you can do in yoga, not what you can’t do. My Restorative Yoga classes are an ideal way to experience yoga for the first time. Classes are small and your mat and all the props are laid out ready for you in a darkened, peaceful room surrounded with candles. For timetable and bookings: www.elliestaffordyoga.co.uk/timetable. Your first 90 minute Restorative Yoga class is just £10, free on-site parking.
Cont:-
Next time: Is Restorative Yoga Good For You?
Ellie Stafford
500hours Advanced Yoga and Restorative Yoga Teacher
Registered Yoga Alliance
www.facebook.com/EllieStaffordYoga
**https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/how-your-body-uses-calories-while-you-sleep