Bikram Yoga and Weight Loss

Yoga is a traditional, physical as well as mental discipline. This form of exercise and life originated in India. According to some, the practice of yoga is said to have evolved from Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Over a period of time, different types of yoga have evolved. They are Ashtanga Yoga, hatha yoga, Iyengar yoga, Vinyasa yoga, power yoga, Bikram yoga and others. It is important to note that the basis of all forms of yoga is primarily Patanjali Yoga Sutras.

If you have to break the word yoga into two parts, it means 'to control and to unite'. In most forms of yoga, the emphasis is usually laid on different yoga poses, as well as meditation. The poses practiced in the different forms of yoga may vary from one another slightly. Of all these forms of yoga, Bikram yoga has garnered a lot of interest in recent years due to its ability to bring about effective weight loss. Let us get into the details of the same in the following sections.

Bikram yoga (aka hot yoga) is a type of yoga that was brought into existence by Bikram Choudhury, a yoga practitioner. It is said to be a synthesis of traditional yoga practice that came to be popularized around the early 1970s'. The workout sessions in this form of yoga last for 90 minutes--they consist of 26 postures which are coupled with 2 breathing exercises.

This yoga is practiced in a room which is heated up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, while humidity is maintained at 40%. There are numerous benefits of Bikram yoga. It promotes general wellness, leads to deep stretching, prevents injury, and reduces stress and tension. At the same time, regular practice also leads to other benefits of yoga, like stimulating the system, improving blood circulation, and restoring health.

The exercises practiced in this form of yoga are a combination of basic, standing, and advanced yoga poses. Practicing these poses causes a person to sweat immensely and thereby helps in detoxifying the body and leading to a strenuous workout. In this, the heart rate is elevated, and the muscles are warmed up--both these help in burning calories and fat.

Bikram yoga, it is said, takes care of two important aspects of any exercise routine--it makes the person sweat, and it increases the heart rate. It is a well known fact that when the muscles are warm, the fat burning capacity increases and the muscles become stronger as well as supple. When one practices this yoga form, both these factors are enhanced and helps in the weight loss process.

Like we mentioned earlier, this yoga form helps in detoxifying the body and thereby keeping the circulatory system healthy. And a healthy circulatory system leads to a great metabolism which essentially helps in burning calories faster and thereby leading to weight loss.

Apart from the circulatory system, regular practice of this yoga also aids the digestive and respiratory processes, and the endocrine and lymphatic systems as well. Many people report a decrease in appetite, and less craving for unhealthy food.

Practicing yoga increases the willpower and mental strength of a person, and help in controlling the urge of indulging in different temptations--all of which goes a long way in the weight loss process.

500 to 1000 calories are burned in every session of Bikram yoga. The intensity of the practice will determine the number of calories burnt. Along with practicing this yoga, it is also important that the person consumes a sufficient quantity of water, as well as follows a healthy diet for positive results.