In the ancient Indian language, Sanskrit, yoga means “to unite,” or “to yoke,” meaning it is a practice designed to unite mind, body and spirit. In the West, yoga is a great way to lose weight while becoming mentally more healthy. In the East, yoga is a lifestyle you practice all the time, but one of the benefits is weight loss as long as you are consistent with your practice of asanas, or poses.
Power Vinyasa Yoga
Created by Baron Baptiste, power vinyasa yoga is considered the Western spin on Eastern yoga. Baptiste, the son of a former yoga teacher, combined the traditions of Ashtanga yoga and added an element of heat to make it more of a physical workout. Because you practice in a heated studio — as hot as 100 degrees Fahrenheit — you will burn more calories and fat, promoting weight loss. Because power yoga is done in vinyasa form, you will be flowing form one pose to another, keeping your heart rate elevated to burn more fat.
Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga yoga is known as one of the oldest forms of yoga practice and is very beneficial for losing weight. Ashtanga yoga features poses that strengthen and lengthen each and every muscle group in the body. Asanas are held for at least five to 10 breaths, which helps strengthen muscles during standing and seated asanas. Ashtanga yoga practices follow a format of the primary sequence, which consists of up to 75 postures including standing, balances, seated, backbends and inversions. It is advised to practice the Ashtanga primary sequence for at least two years before moving to the intermediate and advanced series.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha yoga is the foundation from which Ashtanga and all other yoga practices are derived. In Sanskrit, Hatha refers to “the physical,” meaning it is the practice of physical yoga asanas. Hatha yoga is also the most gentle type of yoga practice, but very good for losing weight. It is extremely well-suited for those who are obese or overweight and looking to lose a significant amount of weight. It is also good for those rehabilitating from illness or injuries, as you will be more gentle on the joints, while still burning fat and calories as you move through your Hatha yoga asanas.
Bikram Yoga
Bikram yoga is also like power yoga in that it is practiced in a heated room. The higher temperatures allows the body to be more flexible, for toxins to be rinsed and cleansed from the body and for you to burn more calories during your practice. Unlike power yoga, Bikram yoga does not feature any vinyasas, or flows, between postures; poses are held for set amounts of breaths similar to Ashtanga yoga.
References
- "Illustrated Light on Yoga"; B.K.S. Iyengar; 2000
- Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga: About
- Bikram Yoga: About
Member Comments