Yoga practice comes in various forms and intensities. Bikram yoga, which is performed in a room heated to 105 degrees, is one of the most intense forms of yoga. Many people begin Bikram yoga in the hopes of losing weight and improving physical fitness. Because of the high intensity of the exercise, Bikram yoga may provide increased weight loss benefits when compared with other, less intense forms of yoga.
What is Bikram Yoga?
Bikram yoga is named for its creator, Bikram Choudhury. This intense style of yoga involves 26 postures, or asanas. The postures are performed in a room that is heated to a temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the ABC of Yoga, the 26 asanas in Bikram yoga are each typically performed twice.
Bikram Yoga Benefits
Bikram yoga, like most other forms of yoga, helps increase flexibility and strength. Performing yoga poses in the high heat of a Bikram yoga room is thought to help increase flexibility of the muscles and joints, allowing for more difficult poses. The intense heat utilized in Bikram yoga also induces sweating which is thought to release toxins from the body.
Bikram Yoga and Diet
In addition to increasing strength and flexibility, Bikram yoga helps reduce stress. This reduction in stress can lead to more mindful choices when it comes to diet. Reduced stress leads to less bouts of stress eating or eating out of boredom. Exercise, such as Bikram yoga, also helps reduce appetite and regulates blood sugar, which can help facilitate weight loss.
Weight Loss Benefits
Bikram yoga provides additional benefits to aid in weight loss. An effective weight loss exercise should increase heart rate and cause some amount of sweating, both of which occur during Bikram yoga exercise. Bikram yoga increases strength and muscle mass, which raises resting metabolism and allows calories to be burned more quickly. According to YogaToHealth.com, Bikram yoga regulates body systems and processes such as digestion, endocrine, lymphatic, respiration and elimination, which helps regulate appetite and reduce food cravings.
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