I always gain a few pounds through the winter. But this time it was an awful lot. And on top of that I got injured and couldn’t keep up with my advanced yoga. I got so desperate that when I saw a slimming pill program at the GNC store, I had no second thoughts. I had to buy it.

Normally, I wouldn’t. But this time I somehow fell for it: 12 times more calorie burn, 6 times more weight-loss, 3 times hip and waist reduction. Quite a promising product, I thought. I took it as suggested for a week waiting for the quick fix. Nothing got fixed. Not only. I got heart palpitations, and my pulse went up the roof. I even had to see the doctor, only to discover that the slimming pills were packed with caffeine and other toxic stimulants that only faked faster metabolism.

Discouraged by the whole experience, I turned back to my good old yoga. I found a combination of resistance stretching and calisthenics, and coupled it with new highly effective moves for burning fat. Of course, I watched my diet, and made sure I alternated my weight-loss yoga with some interval training and cardio workouts. The results were not instant, but gradual. I started to loose weight consistently, not dramatically.  Now, two months after I am very close to my desired shape.

The beauty of this new routine that I can’t wait to share with our Yogea followers is the “no-impact” of the resistance workout. The isometric contractions that burn calories alternate with rapid pulsing, and reps to help you build muscles while shedding fat. And it doesn’t only target the abs. It works the core in conjunctions with all other muscle groups, to promote a very lean and chiseled figure. It takes the resistance based concept of strength and flexibility training to a different level, as it adds a push-pull and curl action in every set of poses. This way the body does not move in a flat way – it feeds on the vortex mechanism of the spiral to create space in the joints, stability through the muscles so you can achieve your desired definition.

This new toning mechanism creates an inner dome at the core by scooping the abdomen, while twisting and locking. The locks are facilitated by elbow, shoulder, hand, and joint hooks – to amp up the metabolism and increase the range of mobility through all body parts. The sequencing flows from rapid to static to pulsing, and the change of rhythm and intensity raises the heart rate in a healthy and controlled way. It is safe and fun. The organic transitions make the flow so seamless that it doesn’t feel like a workout, but more like a dance.

The effect is visible. Two months after – and I am a size down. I still have work to do, but the effect is very rewarding and it has taught me so much patience and perseverance. I never believed in instant diets and pills, but in a healthy combination of targeted yoga, wholesome food choices and daily aerobic activity. Some are mislead by yoga’s static asana. Asana is just a tool. It is up to you how you combine the asana, how you break the conventional pattern and integrate complimentary modalities to address your target. Yoga is an amazing way to help you stay fit not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally. And unperturbed by mood swings, with a calm mind, strong will and a tested method you can be in top shape.

Next time you get tempted by stars advertising you slimming pills on TV, think twice. Opt for the healthier option: weight-loss yoga, vibrant nutrition and your favorite type of dynamic exercise. In no time, you’ll be a size down.

15-min Weight Loss Yoga: Size Down

This slimming routine combines flow yoga with static isometric stretching, interval training and calisthenics to help you burn stubborn fat, while building strength and flexibility.