What is metabolism, and why would you want to boost it? Simply put, metabolism is a mix of chemical processes that keep our bodies functioning, moving, and alive. According to Wikipedia, metabolism is “the set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms.” Its three main jobs are: turning food into energy for cell functions, converting food into building blocks for proteins, fats, DNA, and some carbs, and getting rid of waste.

When people talk about “speeding up” or “boosting” metabolism, they usually mean helping the body convert food into energy (calories) faster. Those calories either get used (not just for movement, but for everything your body does to keep you alive—breathing, pumping blood, firing brain signals) or get stored as fat for later.

Fun fact: Even sitting here reading this, you’re burning calories. That’s because everyone has a “basal metabolic rate”—the number of calories your body uses at rest just to keep you alive. Some theories suggest that regular movement and exercise can increase your resting metabolic rate, meaning you burn more calories even when you’re just chilling—possibly at a faster rate than if you hadn’t worked out earlier.

So, yoga in general helps with processing food and energy. To give it an extra boost, certain poses can also aid digestion, which goes hand in hand with metabolism.

Twisting Prayer Lunge

Start in a high crescent lunge, palms pressed together at your heart. Twist toward your front leg, aiming to bring your opposite elbow or tricep to the outside of your thigh. Hold for 5–10 breaths, then switch sides.

Twisting Prayer Chair

From chair pose, press your palms together at your heart. Twist to one side, working to bring your opposite elbow or tricep to the outside of your thigh. Hold for 5–10 breaths, then repeat on the other side.

Eagle Pose (Garudasana)

From chair pose, cross your right leg over your left, then wrap your right arm under your left. Squeeze everything toward your center. Hold for 5–10 breaths, then switch sides.

Knees to Chest (Apanasana)

Lie on your back and hug your knees into your chest. Squeeze gently. Hold for 5–10 breaths (or longer).

Supine Twists

From the previous pose, let your knees drop to one side and stretch your arms out in a T-shape. Hold for 5–10 breaths (or longer), then switch sides.

These poses focus on twisting and compressing—movements that directly affect your gut and intestines. Doing them helps stimulate digestion, supporting your metabolism.