THREE FORMS OF EXERCISE THAT CAN HELP

There are three forms of exercise which are different from the regular gym exercises that can help you in many ways. These are Yoga, Tai-Chi and Pilates.

Yoga

Yoga and ancient Indian form of gentle exercises which help build the mind-body connection can help you to some extent in weight loss. However, there are some things to remember before you take up yoga - on its own yoga will help tone your body and muscles, but may not offer great cardiovascular benefits. But yoga will help discipline your mind and help you stick to your diet.

Also newer forms of yoga like Ashthanga yoga, Hot yoga and Power yoga do offer vigorous exercise practices. You should go to a class held by a professional and start at the beginner's level.

Even if you do gentle yoga stretches and exercises you will find that your agility will improve and if you add some aerobic/cardiovascular exercises to your exercise regime, perhaps on alternate days you will find immense benefit with yoga.

Tai Chi

Tai Chi in an ancient form of Chinese exercise techniques based on martial arts which comprises slow movements. Like yoga it disciplines the mind and body. It is a low impact form of exercise and works by increasing muscle tone and metabolism.

However, Tai Chi should be combined with more vigorous exercise which will yield faster results. Tai Chi is suitable for people with health problems because it helps restore balance in the body and also boosts the immune system.

Pilates

Pilates is another form of gentle exercise that helps by strengthening and toning your core muscles and the trunk of your body. You have to work out in a disciplined manner and start at the beginning and then work your way upwards.

Pilates works on the whole body and improves posture, helps balance your body and also increases muscle strength. Unlike yoga and Tai Chi, at advanced levels, Pilates uses resistance equipment and even free weights at higher levels to give your body a better work out method.

Whichever method you want to add to your repertoire of exercises do keep in mind that ideally you should combine a few different types of exercises to get the most benefit particularly as far as weight loss in concerned.

And you do have to eat healthy nutritious food and give the boot to junk food in order to be slim and trim. Both exercise and diet are necessary not only to lose weight but also keep it off