Restorative yoga and weight loss?

Ever wish you could nap away those extra pounds? A new study featured in Yoga Journal shows that restorative yoga was almost three times more effective than stretching exercises for reducing subcutaneous fat. This is big news as subcutaneous fat, or the fat most commonly found around the abdomen, is more difficult to burn than visceral fat as it is most influenced by hormones such as cortisol and insulin.

The theory here is simple: reduce stress with restorative yoga, balance cortisol levels, and relax an inch off your waistline.

For more on how hormones affect your size, read this thorough article by Huffington Post's integrative health specialist Dr Jade Teta.