Calories Burned by Yoga

Unlike most cardiovascular activities, yoga is a form of exercise done at a moderate speed. In spite of this, regular sessions of this exercise have been recommended by most of the doctors around the world. Let's get to know the number of calories you can burn by performing its different types.

The word 'Ashtanga' stands for eight limbs referring to the eight spiritual practices that are outlined in the Yoga Sutras. The Yoga Sutras is an original yoga text which holds relevance even to this day. In Ashtanga yoga, there are 6 sets of postures in which the difficulty level goes on increasing as you progress. It is also called Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. It burns approximately 300 calories per hour and is equivalent to an hour of brisk walking.

Power yoga is a western version of Ashtanga yoga where the poses are intensified by moving more rapidly between each stance. In some cases, it can also refer to a shortened version, where the duration of the class is 45 minutes as opposed to the normal range of 60 to 90 minutes.

However, the benefits derived of this type do not vary much as the pace of the class is quickened. The number of calories burned by Power yoga are also similar to Ashtanga yoga, that is about 300 calories an hour.

It focuses on basic postures, emphasizing on breathing techniques as well. Since this is a gentle form of yoga, the number of calories burned are less as compared to Ashtanga Vinyasa and Power yoga. About 175 calories are burned per hour, which is roughly equal to an hour of slow walking.

Here, there is a connection between the traditional yoga postures. The main postures which are used in this form are from the Sun Salutation series. This form burns about 445 calories an hour. The number is equivalent to an hour of cycling (moderate speed).

Also known as hot yoga, Bikram yoga is practiced in a room which is heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity is maintained at 40%. There are 26 postures which are a part of the class, guided by specific dialog and breathing techniques.

The number of calories burned are highest at 630 calories per hour, which is equal to jogging for an hour. However, number of practitioners in this field are of the opinion that this is not the right way to burn calories, and advise not follow this particular method.

Be it of any form, yoga is definitely one of the healthiest exercises today. Following a healthy diet, along with performing this exercise will yield better results.