Yoga can help you lose some weight, although results do vary, and also depend upon the types of yoga one does. Probably the most beneficial weight loss yoga is power yoga, which combines greater cardiovascular activity with traditional yoga. It is still not, in many experts’ opinions, as potentially successful as cardiovascular exercises like running, fast walking or swimming.
Bikram yoga is a challenging type of yoga where students are placed in a room that is heated to 104 degrees Fahrenheit for a total of 90 minutes of 26 different yoga poses. Losing weight may not be the forefront of what bikram yoga may be used for, however, it is definitely a possibility.
Benefits to The Lymph System
Many weight issues are related to a sluggish lymphatic system. Far infrared heating found in Bikram yoga classes is believed to work at a cellular level, positively affecting the lymph system for improved ability to lose weight. Drinking large amounts of water with a twist of lemon helps to replace fluids and some electrolytes lost through sweating. Flushing the body with ample fluids works to improve lymph effectiveness while providing a sense of fullness to reduce unhealthy cravings.
What Kind of Yoga Will Help Me Lose Weight?
The type of yoga you need to do is called vinyasa or flow yoga. This style of yoga is based on the performance of a series of poses called sun salutations. Vinyasa includes many popular, athletic and sweat-drenched yoga styles. For weight loss purposes, try:
Ashtanga
Ashtanga Yoga is a very vigorous style of practice with a few distinct advantages for those who want to lose weight. Ashtanga practitioners are among the most dedicated of yogis, and beginners are often encouraged to sign up for a series of classes, which will help with motivation. Another advantage is that once you learn the poses, Ashtanga Yoga is ideal for home practitioners.
Power Yoga
Power Yoga is extremely popular, because it provides a very vigorous cardiovascular workout.
Hot Yoga
Vinyasa yoga done in a hot room ups the ante by guaranteeing you’ll sweat buckets.
Keep in mind that if you are just starting to do yoga, are very overweight, or are quite out of shape, always choose a beginner-level class.
Use of Bikram Yoga for Weight Loss
- Go to bikram yoga at least 3 times a week or 10 times a month. Going any less can not produce the kinds of results you are looking for with weight loss. Many avid participants of bikram yoga frequent the classes from 5-6 sessions a week and see optimum results.
- Take advantage of the yoga poses in class. Try to hold the poses the length of time the instructor tells you to hold for. Bikram yoga is known for burning anywhere from 500-1000 calories a session; however, this is most indicative of how much effort you put into the class: the weaker your poses, the less calories you will burn.
- Eat 4 hours before class. This gives time for food to settle while not leaving you on an empty stomach.
- Hydrate yourself the day before and the day of your bikram yoga class. Otherwise, you will not experience the full benefits of bikram yoga or the maximum potential of weight loss.