Why Yoga Might Be the Perfect Workout After Bariatric Surgery

Why Yoga Might Be the Perfect Workout After Bariatric Surgery

A gym can be an intimidating place—especially for those who have struggled with body image or obesity. Exercising alongside fitness “superstars” lifting heavy weights and admiring themselves in 360-degree mirrors can be daunting, particularly if you have body image concerns.

The gym is supposed to be a place to get in better shape, but it may not be the most confidence-boosting environment right after your surgery.

Your doctor has likely emphasized the importance of regular exercise as part of your post-surgery lifestyle to maintain your health. If the gym doesn’t feel like an option right now, there are other ways to stay active—have you considered yoga?

Yoga Studios Are Welcoming

Yoga studios are known for their inclusive and supportive environments. Many studios offer beginner yoga classes designed specifically for those new to the practice. These classes move at a slower pace, helping you learn the movements and poses gradually, allowing you to become more flexible and improve over time.

Yoga instructors are often attentive to new students, offering one-on-one guidance with modified stretches and encouragement to help you acclimate to the practice. Additionally, other students are usually welcoming and helpful, and you may even find a couple of new friends to support your healthy lifestyle following surgery (Verywell Fit).

Yoga Has Powerful Mental Health Benefits

It’s no secret that yoga studios are designed to promote peace and relaxation. According to Psychology Today, yoga increases body awareness, reduces stress, eases muscle tension and inflammation, sharpens attention and concentration, and calms the nervous system. Yoga has been shown to help individuals dealing with anxiety and depression by impacting brain chemicals that regulate mood (Psychology Today).

Through deep breathing, meditation, and prayer, yoga elicits a relaxation response that relaxes the body on a cellular level. It sharpens the mind and fosters a better sense of self, which can be particularly helpful for those transitioning into a healthier lifestyle post-surgery.

Yoga Gets You in Great Shape

Yoga provides a full-body workout that burns calories, tones muscles, and strengthens a variety of muscle groups. Holding poses for extended periods increases flexibility while building strength in the muscles that support those poses.

Yoga classes range in intensity, but even at a beginner level, it offers a great workout. You’ll feel your body progressing over time, and as you advance, classes like Vinyasa or Power yoga focus on cardio and caloric burn. Bikram yoga, or “hot” yoga, performed in a heated room, is particularly beneficial for detoxification and calorie loss (WebMD).

Yoga is also beneficial for those with health conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure—common ailments among bariatric patients. A regular yoga practice can help manage these conditions and improve your overall well-being (WebMD).

Support Your Workouts with the Right Supplements

It’s important to follow your workouts with a quality protein and multivitamin supplement to assist your body in rebuilding muscle and recovering. Vita4Life! Supplements are designed to amplify your results, help prevent stiffness and soreness, and support your physical improvement, all while aiding in weight loss.

Give Yoga a Try!

If you’re looking for a welcoming, effective, and holistic way to stay active after bariatric surgery, yoga could be the perfect option. Not only does it improve your physical health, but it also offers mental and emotional benefits that support a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

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