Winters are the time of the year where we all invariably start feeling more lethargic and dull. We tend to binge on Christmas treats and special winter delicacies and skip out on workouts because our blankets seem to be calling to us.

According to Ayurveda, however, we should actually be exercising double the usual amount during winters. This is the only way to achieve the same effect. If we keep doing our summer exercise or yoga routines during winters, we are bound to lose out on our progress and start gaining weight.

Yoga is the best way to combat winter lethargy and weight gain. With its slow, relaxing movements combined with deep breathing, yoga gives you the chance to be active and mindful even during the cold months.

Here are some yoga asanas to help you be more active this Christmas – so you can enjoy those festive treats without fear of gaining weight!

Virabhadrasana (Warrior Pose)

Benefit: Tones arms, legs, and lower back. This is a full upper-body workout.

1. Stand with your feet wide apart.
2. Bend your right knee sideways while keeping your left leg and back straight.
3. Inhale deeply and reach up to the sky with your arms, arching your back.
4. Exhale and relax.
5. Repeat with the left knee.

Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)

Benefit: Reduces belly and waist fat. Aids digestion.

1. Stand with feet well apart.
2. Stretch your arms sideways parallel to the floor.
3. Extend and bend on your right side. Bring your right hand towards your right foot.
4. Left-arm should be stretched straight towards the sky.
5. Hold this position for a few seconds.
6. Repeat on the left side.

Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Dog Pose)

Benefit: Tones arms and legs. Stretches calves and hamstrings.

1. Kneel with hands on the floor. Knees should be directly below the hips and hands should be a little in front of your shoulders.
2. Lift your knees from the floor, making your legs straight and pushing your torso upwards. Arms should be straight with palms flat on the ground. The Head should be between the arms.
3. Your body should form an upside-down V shape.
4. Breathing deeply, hold this pose for a few seconds.

Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)

Benefit: Tones your belly by strengthening your core.

1. Lie face down.
2. Bend your knees such that you can hold onto your ankles with your hands. Your knees should be hip-width apart.
3. Inhale deeply and lift your chest and thighs off the floor.
4. Hold this pose for 20 seconds.
5. Exhale as you relax.

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose)

Benefit: Improves metabolism. Aids digestion. Burns fat.

1. Lie down on your back.
2. Keeping your feet flat on the ground, lift your torso by bending your knees, inhaling deeply as you do so.
3. Palms stay flat on the ground, underneath the hips and head and neck should also remain on the ground.
4. Exhale and relax.

These asanas are meant to ground you and help you maintain a healthier lifestyle. While they will help you reduce belly fat and tone your muscles, you must also remember not to treat yoga as a means to an end. Yoga involves making good, healthy choices. So, eat as healthy as possible and don’t mess up your daily routine during the holidays.

To stay on track with your fitness goals, you can sign up for online yoga classes with Yog Love. You will practice yoga with me and learn to align your body’s cravings with your body’s real needs. There is no better form of self-care.