When is the best time to do yoga for weight loss? Yoga has plenty of benefits for health and well-being. It is a great way to calm down, build strong muscles, burn lots of calories and lose weight.
But when is the right time to practice yoga? Is it in the morning as many people advocate? Or maybe the evening is the best time to relax after a busy day.
You want to get the most out of your yoga practice. So you should find out when is the best time. The right answer would be to practice as often as you can when you have time.
If you missed a morning practice, you may want to do it in the evening. The moment you practice yoga is entirely up to you. But there are a few considerations to keep in mind when deciding to exercise.
If you practice in the morning, you will get plenty of energy and feel refreshed for the rest of the day. The evening may be easier for you to take a moment for yourself to quiet down and focus.
The golden rule is to cultivate a sense of self-awareness in your life. Listen to your body closely and find out what works best for you. Even the shortest amount of practice time is beneficial.
Try to exercise regularly to keep a routine and progress. Do what you enjoy the most to make it sustainable long-term. Here are some insights to help you decide when to practice yoga.
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Why should you practice yoga in the morning just after waking up?
The best time to do yoga might be in the early morning for you. Yoga is not like any other type of exercise. It is physical, mental, and spiritual. It is best to do it when you have nothing on your mind.
Doing yoga right after you wake up has many advantages. Wake up as early as you can before everyone else to find serenity and calm a lot easier.
On an empty stomach is also the best time to practice yoga poses. It is more convenient in the morning for that reason alone. At least three hours after the last meal are required to let digestion end.
Moreover, you will not find many distractions in the morning. Many people feel energized in the morning and tired in the evening after a busy day at work.
But it all depends on what type of yoga you choose. A vigorous morning practice boosts your metabolism, provides a lot of oxygen and energy for the rest of day. Sun Salutation is a great morning sequence.
A more gentle routine such as Moon Salutation is great in the evening to get rid of stress, anxiety, and worrying thoughts. This allows you to ease into sleep and have a restful night.
The many benefits of a morning yoga practice
Is the morning the best time to do yoga for weight loss? Here are some of the many benefits of early yoga practice:
- Increases flexibility for the rest of the day.
- Releases stiffness and tension improving mobility.
- Raises metabolism and calorie burning rate.
- Promotes better digestion and detoxification.
- Reduces blood sugar levels and insulin resistance.
- Provides plenty of energy to go on with the day.
- Clears the mind and boosts productivity.
- Improves blood circulation and heart health.
- Increases strength, stamina, and endurance.
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The disadvantages of practicing yoga in the morning
Practicing in the morning has some drawbacks. But they can easily be compensated by making small changes in your schedule and lifestyle. To practice after you wake up, you will need some preparation.
Make sure to drink water beforehand to hydrate your body. Lemon water is a great choice to kick-start your metabolism. Hydration before exercising is very important, especially after 8 hours of sleep.
Being cold in the morning, you will need a good warm-up before jumping into the challenging postures. You can practice Surya Namaskar a few times as it provides a great warm-up.
Going to sleep early is essential. The morning might not be the best time if you feel fatigued and sleep-deprived. You need to be in your optimal state to reap all yoga benefits.
Why should you practice yoga in the evening before bed?
Is the evening the best time to do yoga for weight loss? You might have trouble practicing challenging poses after spending your energy at work.
The evening is not an optimal time to practice vigorously and burn calories before heading to bed. You need some time to cool off and finishing eating dinner before sleep.
It is important to finish digesting food to let the body rest in bed. A full stomach prevents deep sleep and a restful night. Finish dinner at least three hours before heading to bed.
If you practice yoga right before bed and on an empty stomach, it can only be a gentle and relaxing practice. But it is also helpful to lose weight. You do not have to burn massive amounts of calories to get fit.
Practice often and with a commitment to see results. You do not always have to sweat and feel sore to see positive changes in yourself. Even slow-paced exercises have a tremendous impact on wellness.
Try to alternate challenging practices with more gentle ones. If you want to have a vigorous and intense yoga session, early morning may be the way to go.
The many benefits of practicing yoga in the evening
Restorative yoga is fantastic in the evening to relax, find inner calm, and ease into sleep. Here are some benefits of an evening yoga practice:
- Improves relaxation and inner calm.
- Gets rid of stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Promotes better deep sleep.
- Releases any muscle tension in the body.
- Brings balance, harmony, and inner peace.
- Cures mental disorders and insomnia.
- Improves mood and happiness.
- Increases flexibility of muscles and joints.
- Lowers blood pressure and heart rate.
- Prevents emotional eating and overeating.
- Clears the mind and increases focus.
- Raises mindfulness and self-awareness.
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The disadvantages of an evening yoga practice
The evening might be the best time to do yoga for weight loss if you practice often. Make sure to do it on an empty stomach. Choose gentle poses before bed or a more vigorous practice before dinner.
Do not practice high intensity and vigorous flows before bed. They could disrupt sleep and your ability to rest. The evening is more suitable for a meditative practice.
Make sure to do your best to clear your mind and avoid distracting thoughts. Focus on your breath and your body. Try out guided meditation if you are a beginner.
To wrap it up
It is important to find the best time to do yoga for weight loss. Practicing at home is easy if you keep a few recommendations in mind.
A morning routine helps you start the day on the right foot. Evening practice is great to relax after a busy day. Find out what is the best time for you and what type of yoga suits you best.
Creating a healthy habit is a sure way to succeed. Practice often and stick to your schedule to see progress. Motivation will come when you start seeing results.
With a bit of patience and commitment, you will reach your body goals. Choose an activity that you enjoy most and make it sustainable in the long run.
Do what works for you best. Listen to your body closely and do what feels right for you. Being honest with yourself will bring enthusiasm and positivity into all areas of your life.
What is the best time to do yoga for you? What do you prefer? I would love to know. Comment below.
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About the Author: Alex Assoune
Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.
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