6 Free Calorie-Burning Yoga Poses

There are many ways you can achieve burning calories. However, do not under look Yoga. We are listing 6 some of the Calorie-Burning Yoga poses you can try on your own.

1. Surya Namaskar

Surya Namaskar is a dynamic asana sequence that has been done for thousands of years since Vedic times. Commonly a part of Vinyasa classes, this 8-12 posture sequence is dynamic and ever-changing, fusing breath with movement in order to fully warm the muscles and create more energy hence a Calorie-Burning Yoga activity.

Each transition is facilitated by an inhale or an exhale. For advanced practitioners or those who want to burn the maximum number of calories, the sequence can be sped up or slowed down with longer, challenging holds.

Begin in Tadasana (mountain pose)


6 Calorie-Burning Yoga Poses


Inhale the arms upward into the sky for Urdhva Hastasana (upward salute)
Exhale down into a forward fold (Uttanasana), feeling the hamstrings begin to open

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Inhale and step back one leg into a low lung (Anjaneyasana)


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Exhale and step back your other foot into plank pose, holding for a few breaths to burn more calories
On the next exhale, lower down as if into a low pushup for Chaturanga Dandasana (four-limbed staff pose), engaging the upper body and core

Inhale into upward-facing dog pose (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana), keeping the glutes and legs engaged as you stretch your heart open

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Exhale back into downward facing dog (Adho Ukha Svanasana)


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Step forward with the left leg and repeat on the other side


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2.Plank Pose (Chaturanga Dandasana)

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Regular planks are great, but what about Chaturanga planks? You are basically holding the lower part of a pushup and engaging every muscle in your body. This pose burns mega calories, tones your abs, and improves arm strength

3.Headstand (Sirasana)


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Don’t worry, headstands(Sirasana) are far less dangerous than you would think. In fact, our research into the science of yoga headstands(Sirasana) showed that the risks of injuries during headstand(Sirasana) are comparatively low to other more intense forms of exercise.

Holding a headstand(Sirasana) requires supporting your full body weight with your arms, head, and abdominal muscles. The longer you hold, the more calories it burns.

If you’re feeling a little nervous about trying headstand(Sirasana) on your own, consider taking a class with an experienced teacher or practicing with a padded yoga stool.

4.Warrior I and II (Virabhadrasana)

Warrior poses I and II are strength building poses that challenge your quads, glutes, and arms. The longer you hold, the more you will feel that “yoga burn” that really gets calories burning.


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To burn even more calories during Warrior poses, focus on deepening your lunge by inching the front foot forward (being sure to always keep your knee above your ankle for alignment). Activate the legs and push the edge of the back foot into the floor to add balance.

5.Chair Pose (Utkatasana)

This underrated pose can really rev up your calorie burn once you hold it for 1-3 minutes. Simply start with the feet hip width apart, engage the legs, squat backwards as if sitting into a chair, and keep the arms extended upwards with shoulder blades tucked down the back. Keep your abs and quads squeezing as tightly as possible.

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This is a strengthening pose that will generally burn as soon as you get past the 30 second mark. Press your thighs into a yoga block or hold a block above your head for even more challenge. You can also try twisted chair and other variations.

6.High Lunge

As one of the most powerful standing yoga poses, high lunge (sometimes called crescent lunge) opens the heart, stretches the hips, and strengthens the entire lower body.

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To burn more calories, you can pulse the back knee up and down as if doing a reverse squat. You can also deepen the lunge and hold longer for more muscle engagement and hip opening.

How to Use Yoga for Weight Loss
At the end of the day, if you want to lose weight and burn more calories during yoga, you have to combine more rigorous yoga styles with a lower caloric intake. By eating fewer calories and simultaneously challenging your body with yoga workouts at least 5 times a week, you can steadfastly work toward your fitness goals while feeling more peaceful and less stressed at the same time.

Overall, yoga is an incredible workout for both body and mind. Read more from our entire section of Weightloss Yoga on our page. Has yoga helped you lose weight?
Namaste!

Commonly Asked Questions for weight loss yoga

You can have a nutritious snack after yoga. It could be scrambled eggs and toast or a smoothie with nuts and fruits. Vegetable salad with soup also makes a good meal after a yoga session.  

Yoga works on the mind and body. People who practise yoga develop a better sense of when they are hungry, tired, or feeling full. Also, yoga may help increase one’s metabolic rate, which leads to burning more calories.

Consistency is key when it comes to yoga and weight loss. Aim for 3-4 yoga sessions per week, targeting at least 30 to 60 minutes each. However, individual needs vary, so listen to your body and adjust your practice accordingly. Shorter, daily practices can be effective, and remember to take rest days for optimal recovery.

Here's a breakdown based on your experience level:

  • Beginners: Start with 2-3 shorter sessions (20-30 minutes) per week, focusing on gentle styles like Hatha or Yin Yoga. Build your foundation gradually before increasing frequency or intensity.
  • Intermediate: Aim for 3-4 sessions per week (30-45 minutes), exploring diverse styles like Vinyasa or Power Yoga for more calorie burn.
  • Advanced: You can practice 4-5 times per week (45-60 minutes), incorporating higher-intensity styles or challenging sequences.

Platforms like Flexifyme offer a wide range of classes for different levels and time commitments, making it easy to find the perfect practice for your needs. Remember, it's about building a sustainable habit, so choose a frequency that fits your lifestyle and motivates you to stay consistent.

The first step is to find a good instructor. Flexify Me has qualified, trained yoga instructors on the platform who can guide you and create a weight loss plan. The classes can be scheduled as per your convenient time slots.

Morning yoga practice is ideal to achieve maximum benefits. Practise 3-5 times a week for results. 

Weight loss yoga can be done at home or through online platforms such as Flexify Me. Or, you can have a yoga instructor come home and teach you. Along with the asanas, the yoga teacher will also guide you on diet tips for weight loss

For a comprehensive yogic solution for weight loss, you can put your trust in Flexify Me. It’s a one-of-a-kind application that connects you to various yoga experts to get a customised yoga regime for weight loss.

Yes, you can definitely lose weight with yoga. The yoga asanas are specific for each part of the body. Regular practice under the guidance of a yoga trainer will help with weight loss. Yoga also helps tone the body and develop firmness, so overall, the person develops agility and does not appear overweight.

Ashtanga, vinyasa, and hatha yoga help with weight loss. Power yoga can be quite effective, too, but only under strict guidance.

Indeed, even 30 minutes a day of yoga can be beneficial. What is important is to be regular and practise at least 4-5 times a week, if not more.

Yes, yoga can help reduce fat. Consult the yoga trainers on Flexifyme, who can suggest specific exercises to help reduce belly fat. Diet and portion control also has to be practised for better results.

There are specific yoga poses, such as warrior pose, cobra pose, chair pose, etc., that directly target the belly. However, they should only be guided by an expert yoga practitioner, and losing a tummy depends on the uniformity of practice and bodily metabolism.

Although weight loss depends on a person’s age, lifestyle, and diet, it has been found that regular yoga practice and a healthy diet can help lose up to 3-4 pounds of weight in 3 months.

  • Mountain pose (Tadasana): This seemingly simple pose strengthens your core and improves posture, a foundation for weight-loss efforts.
  • Downward-facing dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): This full-body workout strengthens your arms, core, and legs, boosting metabolism.
  • Plank (Chaturanga Dandasana): Similar to downward-facing dog, plank engages core and upper body muscles, promoting strength and fat burning.
  • Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II): This standing pose opens hips, strengthens legs, and improves balance, contributing to weight management.
  • Cobra (Bhujangasana): This gentle back-bending pose strengthens back and shoulders, promoting flexibility and improved posture.

Remember, listen to your body and modify poses as needed: Focus on proper form and breath awareness rather than pushing yourself beyond your limits.

Power yoga helps burn calories, and it is like doing a cardio session. Like any other yoga style, you can easily do it at home. The only things required are a yoga mat and a device. Connect with a good yoga instructor through apps like Flexifyme, and you will be on your weight loss journey.

Regular practice of Vinyasa yoga helps with high-calorie burns and muscle building. This effectively leads to weight loss.

Modifying poses is crucial for safe and effective weight loss with yoga. Here are some tips:

  • Use props: Blocks, straps, and bolsters can support your body and allow you to access the full benefits of the pose without strain.
  • Listen to your body: Don't push yourself beyond your comfort zone. If a pose feels uncomfortable, modify it or take a break.
  • Focus on alignment: Proper alignment ensures you're targeting the right muscles and maximizing the pose's benefits for weight loss.
  • Seek guidance: Platforms like Flexifyme offer classes with modifications demonstrated by experienced instructors. You can also consult a certified yoga teacher for personalized modifications.
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Dr. Koshal Rathore
Dr. Koshal Rathore

With over 8 years of experience as a Yoga Therapist, I blend ancient Yogic wisdom with contemporary research to manage chronic pain and improve overall well-being. Holding a Master's in Yoga Therapy and currently pursuing a PhD, my expertise extends to areas like weight loss, flexibility, stress, diabetes, and prenatal care.

My research on the effects of Yoga on Musculoskeletal disorders was recognized in the 'UGC Care Journal'. As the Head of Yoga at FlexifyMe, my dedicated approach supports individuals globally, offering specialized online Yoga and Physiotherapy sessions, emphasizing a vision of a pain-free world.

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