Millions of people in the United States do yoga, and its popularity has only increased in recent years. Beyond just the physical benefits, it can also help improve mental well-being, as a large portion of yoga focuses on meditation and breathing in addition to the poses.
Many bariatric patients find yoga is the perfect addition to their workout routines due to its gentle, relatively low-stress nature. If you’re interested in trying yoga post-bariatric surgery, talk to your doctor before starting, and as with any workout, listen to your body to ensure you don’t harm yourself.
Benefits of Post-Bariatric Yoga
Improves Strength, Balance, and Flexibility
You don’t need to twist yourself into a pretzel to experience the physical benefits of yoga. Even simple poses require strength and balance to maintain, and regular practice can have a lasting impact on your physical ability.
Because yoga increases flexibility and range of motion by thoroughly stretching your body, it’s a great way to warm up before more strenuous workouts. It’s been shown to improve joint mobility, so it’s a good option for patients with arthritis or joint pain. In general, yoga is a low-stress activity, making it a good introduction into or back into exercise after surgery.
Reduces Stress
Several studies have shown that yoga may help lower your stress levels by reducing production of cortisol, the “stress hormone.” Because cortisol affects your metabolism, high levels can cause unwanted weight gain. Additionally, lower stress levels mean a reduced chance of falling victim to stress-eating.
After practicing yoga, many people report improved energy levels throughout the day, offering the extra boost you need to complete the rest of your workout or do the chores around the house. The combination of meditation and exercise also helps relax your mind and body, leading to better sleep, which is an integral and often-overlooked factor of weight loss.
Versatile
Because most poses can be adapted for an easier or harder workout, yoga is an activity you can continue to use throughout your weight-loss journey. There’s no shortage of poses and flows, so you can always try different routines to shake up your workout.
Getting Started with Post-Bariatric Yoga
Especially if you’re new to yoga, it’s advisable to have an expert walk you through your first session to ensure you’re holding poses correctly and breathing properly. This way, you can be sure you won’t injure yourself if you try yoga on your own. While gyms may not be offering in-person classes, plenty still host online sessions with a trained instructor present.
After mastering the basics of breathing, meditation, and simple poses, there are plenty of resources available for you to continue learning yoga at your own pace, including instructional books and free videos posted online.
At Lap-Band® of Louisville, our surgeons and nurses are committed to finding personalized weight-loss solutions that are right for you. For more advice on post-bariatric exercise, visit our blog or contact us online.
