Calories Burned in Hot Yoga

One of the exercise forms to have taken the world by storm is yoga, which originated in India. When one talks about the calories burned by yoga, it is important to know that there are different types of yoga, which evolved based on the treatise by Patanjali, who founded the philosophical school of yoga.

There are many different schools, which have emerged, based on the original foundation by Patanjali. One such type, which has become very popular is hot yoga. Let us know more on this form and how it helps in burning calories.

Bikram Choudhary invented this form of yoga. Therefore, it is also commonly called Bikram yoga. It is practiced in a room, where the temperatures are set to 100 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, while 40% humidity is maintained. The high temperatures leads to profuse sweating and the body warms up.

Hence, the name hot yoga. Each session is of 90 minutes, where 26 yoga poses are practiced along with 2 breathing exercises. There is a set format in which the poses are practiced. The most important benefit of hot yoga is weight loss. It also helps in promoting flexibility and aids in metabolism.

Although there are numerous hot yoga health benefits, most people are concerned about the number of calories burned. There are 26 poses, which are practiced in this form of yoga, that are repeated in a particular sequence. The number of calories burned depends on the intensity at which the poses have been done.

If the intensity of the exercise is higher, it is natural that more calories will be burned. According to the practitioners, the number of calories burned by hot yoga are around 500 to 1200 calories.

There are other factors, which come into play, when one talks about the calories burned. The weight of the person practicing the yoga form is one of the most important factor. For example, for a person weighing 180 pounds, the number of calories burned can be in the range of 1000 calories. For a person weighing anywhere around, 120 to 160 pounds, about 350 to 700 calories will be burned after hot yoga exercises practiced for an hour.

As compared to other forms of yoga, hot yoga burns more calories primarily because the heat in the class helps loosen the muscles, which in turn burns higher amount of calories. The heat relaxes the entire body, which results in deeper stretching of the different muscles and ligaments. Hence, the calories continue to be burn for long, even after the workout is over.

Instead of fretting over the number of calories burned, it is important to practice this yoga form regularly for the various benefits it has to offer. Better cardiovascular health and stronger muscles and bones are among the many benefits of hot yoga. It also detoxifies the body.

When practicing hot yoga, it is beneficial to wear cotton, and stretchable clothes, as they will also absorb sweat. Remember to carry your own yoga supplies with you, to avoid any infection problems.