These days the words "weight" and "loss" seem to naturally go together and nearly leap out at us from the page and grab our attention with gusto. And so it goes with Yoga. Yes, we can use a fitness modality known for creating inner peace and tranquility as a means to lose weight and maintain a healthier body!

How does that happen?

First, making a plan to begin learning about Yoga is always best. This gives you something new and interesting to delve into and can spur you on to reach your fitness goals. Yoga in itself will not magically melt away extra poundage, but it does provide you with a way to create your own inner place to steady your balance (and your reslove) when you want to binge on chocolate cookies and ice-cream.

Pranayama, the act of purposeful and meaningful breathing, is a vital part of Yoga. Deep, regular breaths give the body a boost in oxygen, the mind an easy focus point and take the stress level in your life down to a more reasonable place.

Emotional eating is one of the leading causes for weight gain, especially for women, and Yoga strengthens your ability to cope, through regular practice, using the ancient art of meditation, and positioning the body to create a feeling of well-being and an outflow of negative "vibes". And all this, without one single dose of any drug or using the latest add-water-and-stir meal substitute!

Is Yoga easy?

Most certainly. Anyone with the willingness to learn how to make her body healthier in a simple, risk-free way, can practice Yoga. The most common way to begin is by going to a class. Note that this should be one geared for the novice, and not a mixed group, initially at least. Being around those who are more experienced can make the beginner feel uncomfortable and oftentimes that becomes the first and last class you ever take, so be sure to ask very specific questions before you show up!

You can also learn how to practice Yoga from the comfort of your own home as well, by using a combination of video tapes and books, many of them found here online, at sporting goods stores and some department stores as well. Read about the authors and, once again, be sure that you are purchasing information aimed at the novice.

How does this add up to weight loss?

Any fitness modality will contribute to weight loss by building muscle and Yoga is no exception. Muscle tissue at rest uses more energy (calories) to maintain itself than does fatty tissue, therefore more muscle equals at least some weight loss in a healthy individual simply by building it up.

But Yoga offers much more than simply gaining muscle tone. Yogis can and do achieve a higher awareness of their bodies and gain a kind of confidence that other modalities may not provide. Yoga in itself is a way of life - a celebration of fluid movement, purposeful breathing and concentration that not only strengthens the body, but the mind as well. And when you get your mind set on how you want to live - and knowing that bringing healthier daily habits into your life is the key to happiness and success - then you can surely reach any goal you have in front of you.