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Written by Navneet Kaur, M.Sc. Nutrition & Dietetics

Exercise

Walking Vs Yoga: Which is Better for Weight Loss

Now and then, weight loss crosses our mind. Each one of us has different health goals however, losing weight is the target for most of us.

Introduction

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Along with a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet, any form of physical activity is also recommended so that the calorie output would be higher than calorie intake.

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Walking and Yoga are both popular forms of exercise that have numerous health benefits, such as managing cardiovascular health, blood glucose regulation, mood and mental clarity, etc.

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Walking is an aerobic exercise that requires minimal equipment. It can be done at any time of the day and at your own pace by people of any age and social stature. Even overweight elderly people or people who haven't exercised for a long time can opt for walking. 

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With walking, we do not need to be worried about vigorous exercises and moves. Walking is known to increase cardiovascular and pulmonary fitness, reduce heart diseases, manage blood pressure, help in weight loss and improve balance.

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Yoga is a spiritual discipline based on subtle science, which focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body. Based on the style and intensity, yoga can be classified into aerobic and anaerobic exercise.

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Yoga improves strength and flexibility and may reduce levels of stress and inflammation, contributing to a healthy heart. It relaxes and helps in better sleep.

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On comparing both, walking burns more calories per session as compared to yoga. However yoga offers a more holistic approach to fitness as it focuses on building muscle strength, flexibility and balance.

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When we talk of weight loss, burning calories is the primary objective. However, when choosing a workout, the sustainability and consistency of the chosen regimen are also an important factor. Walking is perceived to be much easier to integrate into your daily routine, while yoga might require more dedicated time and practice to master poses.

Conclusion

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