Question

Which of the following asanas is used for curing obesity?

• A. Sukhasana
• B. Shavasana
• C. Vajrasana
• D. Shalabhasana

Hint:

Yoga poses involving core muscle engagement, like Shalabhasana and Dhanurasana, are effective for reducing obesity.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

To answer the question about which of the following asanas is used for curing obesity, let's analyze each option:

1. Sukhasana: Commonly known as the "Easy Pose," Sukhasana is primarily used for meditation and promoting mental well-being. It involves sitting comfortably with crossed legs and is not specifically aimed at curing obesity.
2. Shavasana: Also known as the "Corpse Pose," Shavasana involves lying flat on the back with legs apart and arms relaxed by the sides. This asana is primarily used for relaxation and stress relief. It is not typically associated with curing obesity.
3. Vajrasana: This is a simple sitting pose known for improving digestion and posture. It involves kneeling and sitting back on the heels, but it is not specifically recognized for reducing obesity.
4. Shalabhasana: Known as the "Locust Pose," Shalabhasana is an asana where the individual lies on the stomach and lifts the legs and arms off the ground. This pose strengthens the back muscles and stimulates the abdominal organs, thereby aiding in weight reduction.

Considering the specific benefits of each asana, Shalabhasana is the correct answer as it helps in strengthening the back muscles and reducing obesity. The act of lifting and holding limbs in this pose requires significant energy and strengthens the muscles, which can contribute to weight loss.

Hence, the correct answer is Shalabhasana.

Answer 2

Looking closely at the physical position and muscles used in each asana makes it possible to judge which one is actually demanding enough to help with weight management.

1. Sukhasana: The body stays still in a simple cross-legged seated position, with essentially no muscular exertion involved beyond maintaining posture, so it has no meaningful effect on fat reduction.
2. Shavasana: The body lies flat and completely still, with muscles deliberately relaxed rather than engaged, making this the opposite of an exercise that would burn energy or build strength.
3. Vajrasana: The body sits upright on folded legs, a position that mildly aids blood flow to the digestive organs but again involves very little muscular work from the limbs or core.
4. Shalabhasana: Lying face down and lifting the legs, and often the upper body, against gravity forces the lower back, glutes, hamstrings and abdominal muscles to contract and hold the position, which is genuine physical work. Repeated practice of this kind of muscle engagement contributes to toning the core and burning more calories than a passive or seated posture ever would.

Among the four, only Shalabhasana requires the body to actively resist gravity using major muscle groups, which is precisely the kind of effort associated with managing excess body fat.

Therefore, the correct answer is Shalabhasana.