Yoga for Mental and Physical Health

By: Scottsdale Weight Loss Center

Published: March 25, 2014

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As you begin your medical weight loss program, your Scottsdale Weight Loss Center doctor will recommend that you start implementing exercise into your daily routine. Low impact activities, such as walking, swimming and yoga are great ways to get active without being overly difficult or physically demanding. Yoga, particularly, has many mental health benefits that other forms of exercise can’t always offer, making it an excellent choice as you lose weight in Scottsdale and Phoenix.

What Is Yoga?

Yoga is a mind and body exercise, consisting of stretching, holding poses and breathing exercises. It’s an accessible form of exercise that you can perform at your own pace. Yoga is about more than just working out; it promotes overall health and wellness through its breathing and meditative practices.

Yoga poses. Yoga poses—also called postures—are movements and stretching positions designed to increase your strength, flexibility and balance.
Breathing exercises. Yoga teaches that controlled breathing helps align the mind and the body. Yoga breathing exercises can be relaxing and don’t necessarily have to be practiced along with yoga poses.

Benefits of Yoga

While yoga doesn’t always have as much calorie-burning-potential as aerobic exercises like running, it can still help you lose weight and benefit your overall health.

Some of the physical and mental health benefits of yoga may include:

Improved posture
Alleviated neck, back and shoulder pain
Improve digestion through stretching
Strength and muscle training
Increased flexibility
Increased stamina
Reduced stress levels
Enhanced mood
Improved anxiety

How to Get Started

One way to begin is by signing up for a yoga class. While yoga is accessible to beginners, the various aspects of it may seem overwhelming, so if you decide to take a class, try to find a good instructor with whom you feel comfortable. If you aren’t comfortable going to a yoga class, there are many at-home resources that you can take advantage of, such as YouTube videos or entire beginner yoga courses on DVD.

As you try to find the best yoga class and routine during your medical weight loss program, be sure to keep your own needs in mind. More physical routines, such as ones requiring difficult poses, are great for weight loss, but simple yoga practices, such as breathing exercises, may be better if you’re just looking for stress relief.

nick weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Nick's Story

"I wish I would have come here first. We spend all our time reacting to the next great weight loss tip or program. It might work for a while, but does not last and we end up yo-yoing from one fad to the next – as we gain more weight." Read More

gina weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 44.5 lbs

"I had no trouble adhering to the meals and they really helped catapult my progress! The classes were so beneficial to me because they helped change my thinking about how I viewed health, nutrition, and fitness.

I will always have my relationship with Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. They truly helped me change my life forever." Read More

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Lost 60 lbs

"Dr. Ziltzer and everyone who I have come in contact with at the Scottsdale Weight Loss office have been so encouraging and I look forward to seeing them each week. It is now a year and 2 months later since I started. I am down 60 lbs., which is the average amount a 9-year-old weighs, it is crazy to think I lost a whole person! I feel amazing, I hit my goal weight in November 2021 just before Thanksgiving. Nothing on my body hurts anymore..." Read More

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Lost 66 lbs

"The best thing I did was call the Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. I have a lot more energy, I'm not hungry, and it feels great.

You can take it from me that this is a program that produces results. The staff is always positive, supportive, and never judgmental.

Your visits always result in positive reinforcement, no matter if you had a good week or a bad week." Read More

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Lost 101 lbs

"Here I am at the lowest I have been since high school weighing in at 155lbs. I have lost 101 lbs, BMI of 39 when I started, to 21.6, and of course at body fat % of 47.1 to 26.5%. I told myself by my 30th birthday I wanted to be confident in the way I look and I owe it all to SWLC. The entire staff is so welcoming and they are rooting for you just as much as you are rooting for yourself...." Read More

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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr Robert Ziltzer! He helped me reach my ideal weight and more importantly maintain it for over 2 years. He has also helped me keep my blood pressure exactly where my internist wanted it. Dr Ziltzer is not only exceptional in weight management but also a truly gifted internet’s. His knowledge, kindness, and dedication are remarkable. I am deeply grateful for his care and recommend him whole heartedly!
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The staff at the Phoenix office are great! My experience with Dr deGuzman has been wonderful. Miriam has always been very helpful and makes the office visits pleasant and personal. The medical assistants have always been professional and great to help meet my goals.
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really felt comfortable with Kristen at my initial appointment.  Everyone at the center was caring and friendly, from Bianca, at the front desk, to Lily, who is the MA.  Kristen listened to my frustrations and prior disappointments about what has not worked, and is confident that she can help me achieve my goals of weight loss.  I am looking forward and excited to see the success I will attain.
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My weight loss is going well because of Scottsdale Weight Loss Center.  I couldn’t do it without them
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'd lost 20 pounds on my own and struggled to keep it off.  I decided GLP-1 meds were the next step in losing more and keeping it off.  I wanted a medical doctor supervised program and chose SWLC. I am so very glad I did!  The team in Glendale is so supportive and kind; and when I feel discouraged, they pick me up with positive energy and input.  They really do a great job with encouragement all the time. 6 weeks in I've lost 17 pounds, and am approaching weight loss with a very new perspective.  Also knowing that when I reach my target goal, they'll be there through maintenance and beyond is encouraging as well.  Good to not feel alone on this journey.
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They have encouraged and been there through every tough situation. Definitely the team to lean on.
     
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