There is a wide debate out there as to whether you can use yoga and pilates as a major weight loss exercise.Those who believe that yoga can result in great weight loss argue that practicing yoga will help to build muscle and strength. This has the effect of increasing your metabolism and thus helping you to lose weight.

Those who disagree are quick to mention that many forms of yoga do not raise the heart rate enough to result in rapid or significant weight loss. The argument is that you will not burn as many calories as you would with another form of exercise that raises the heart rate more than yoga, like walking uphill for instance.

There are certain kinds of yoga that will make you work up quite a sweat. Ashtanga yoga, power yoga and hot yoga are particularly known for there energetic pace and tough demands on the body. These kinds of yoga may not be right for a beginner.

Pilates is a kind of resistance training that has become very popular in the last few years. When most people talk about pilates, they talk about it in connection with creating a “long lean” appearance to your body.

Pilates is credited with being able to burn calories, create lean muscle mass, and tone and shape the body.

If you do want to use pilates for weight loss, some recommend increasing the pace of your workouts. Stating that this will increase the heart rate contributing to weight loss.

Those who support pilates for weight loss also emphasize the importance of correct breathing as well as centering, noting that these two principles of pilates will help you to maximize the effects of your workout.

Tom Venuto’s book, Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle, goes into great detail on what you can do to maximize your workouts.

He discusses the benfits of cardio and strength training, specifically mapping out workout routines as well.

To request your copy of Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle, Click Here!