Does Hypnosis Work for Weight Loss?

You’ve heard the hype. Many products say that they can help you lose weight and there are many methods that people use. One of the most popular ways to lose weight was with hypnosis many years ago.

Today this is still a way that some people use to get rid of extra pounds but you might ask yourself, “Does this really work?” The answers are varied and it seems that it depends on the individual and what they want to accomplish.

According to the Mayo Clinic it really depends on the individual. There have been many studies done that show that there is some help for obesity from hypnosis but they have really been modest results. The challenge is that the studies have not been scientifically done so there is no real way to tell whether this can work.

However, the Mayo Clinic suggests that there is enough evidence to show that hypnosis can be helpful. The reason it can help is because hypnosis puts an individual into a state of relaxation that also provides heightened awareness. By doing this they are also able to be more focused on suggestions and behavior change.

If an individual looks at hypnosis as one method towards their weight loss it can be beneficial. It is not something that is a substitute for other methods. Experts say that hypnosis combined with better eating and a change in lifestyle can lead anyone towards their goal.

How Does Hypnosis Work
Many people think that hypnosis is an absolute cure to stop them from doing certain behaviors. They think that they will go to sleep, get some suggestions and then automatically (and miraculously) lose weight. This is not the case. The hypnotist will use relaxation techniques to get an individual into a very relaxed state.

The challenge is that the individual can fight the hypnosis and never get to the relaxed state where they need to go. Once there however, they can work on issues around their weight that might help them when they are out of their heightened state.

The hypnotherapist will also use relaxation tapes and may lend one to the individual to use when they are not in session. These tapes will be used for self-hypnosis and can add to the overall treatment.

Once an individual is in a very relaxed state the hypnotherapist will give them instructions to see themselves as thin or at their goal weight. They will use visualization techniques and suggestions during the course of the therapy to help the individual get into the frame of mind to keep moving on their weight loss plan.

But Does It Work For Everyone
Although hypnosis can work for many people it is not something that is a cure all. According to Dr. David Katz, a professor at Yale University, hypnosis can make a contribution to weight loss but it’s not the only thing someone should do (Source: ABC News).

Hypnosis cannot act as the magic bullet for weight loss and it isn’t a replacement for common sense. It doesn’t work for people who are resistant to this method because they are too hypersensitive to let themselves relax enough to be hypnotized.

Some people are afraid of hypnotism which is another reason why it would not work. It is important to note that this method is also a type of psychotherapy and as such it should be done by a health care provider who is credentialed in this method. There are a lot of people who are doing hypnosis who are not licenses or credentialed in the process.

Water Aerobics for Weight Loss

On any given day doctors around the country are telling their patients that they must exercise. The common thread is that they must do some type of aerobic activity. The challenge is finding something that is fairly easy to do but that also gives you an opportunity to move forward with your exercise program.

Water Aerobics is a fun activity and it gives quite an aerobic workout. The good news is that the water acts as resistance to the body and so you will also get resistance training. Although this sounds easy with a good aerobic instructor it still is a workout that you will remember.

Generally speaking because water aerobics also involves swimming you will improve your cardiovascular fitness while increasing your flexibility. You will also tone your muscles.

Benefits of Water Aerobics
There are several benefits of water aerobics that many people may not think about because it doesn’t appear to be a strenuous exercise. Here are a few:

? You do not get the stress on the joints that you may with other exercise
? You receive 40-50 minutes of exercise and you can go at your own pace
? All elements of a workout are incorporated — warm up, activity and cool down
? You get plenty of stretching during the workout
? You can start at your own pace and you can do more as you feel that you can.
? You can move through a variety of moves as you advance.

Most water aerobics programs offer music that you are lead through by an instructor. They are in the water with you and sometimes on the sideline making sure that you are getting the benefits of the program.

It is a good idea that you know how to swim when getting into the pool because you are in chest high water. You do have the use of floating devices for some exercises so it is important to understand your comfort level before you begin.

The experts say that you actually burn about 450 too 700 calories each time you partake or the process. For a beginner, this can be a great exercise because you get an overall workout that builds upon your stamina.

Where To Get Workouts
You can fine water aerobics at many recreation centers, community colleges or YMCAs. Usually there will be some type of water workout but it may be called different things. Often there are special classes for seniors as well as for children and everyone in between.

If you do not know how to swim many of these same places have swimming lessons so this would be a great way to get started. You could learn to swim as a way to begin your exercise program. The nice thing about learning is that you also get to learn various strokes and how to take care of yourself in the water. These techniques can help you as you move towards your water aerobics program.

Taking water aerobics at a designated time is a good idea because you will be lead through the moves that will give you the best opportunity to lose weight or to increase your cardiovascular fitness. With a guide you are also moved through a progression which takes the guess work out of your training. Classes are also usually small so you will get the individual attention you may need as a beginner.

Water aerobics also will help you develop the confidence you need for other types of exercise. It can be a gentle way to get started into a regular program of exercise without feeling stressed or strained. Also, don’t worry about how you look in a bathing suit — you are there to have fun!