Although yoga is 5,000 years old, Bikram yoga is a newer discipline founded by Bikram Choudhury in the early 1970s. Yoga isn't considered a vigorous form of exercise usually associated with burning fat, but Bikram yoga raises the heart rate and builds muscular strength. Proponents of Bikram say it rids the body of toxins and helps reduce the symptoms of diabetes and obesity associated with excess weight.
Bikram Yoga
Bikram yoga has its origins in hatha yoga, but differs in that it focuses on only 26 poses -- in a specific order and done twice in a 90-minute session. Bikram yoga further differentiates itself by performing the poses in a room set to 105 degrees and 60 percent humidity, giving it the name hot yoga. Bikram practitioners say the heat loosens the muscles, allowing for greater flexibility. The increased sweating also can eliminate toxins from the body.
Calorie Burn
Proponents of Bikram yoga say it can burn 1,000 calories per hour, though Harvard Medical School's health publication says hatha yoga burns 120 to 179 calories in 30 minutes. That equates to 240 to 358 calories an hour, which still assists in weight loss. Bikram yoga also builds muscular strength, which increases the metabolism and helps calorie burn during everyday activities.
Water Weight
While Bikram offers only moderate calorie burn for fat loss, it reduces water weight. The 105-degree room increases the amount of perspiration, which opens the pores of the skin to detoxify the body. Ridding the body of toxins that can slow down and block fluid flow through the body decreases water retention and bloat that accompanies excess pounds.
Warnings
Bikram yoga increases flexibility and muscular strength, but like all exercise regimens, it has risks. Bikram yoga's most significant risk factor is the heat and ensuing water loss. High heat forces the heart to work harder to regulate temperatures. The greater the water loss, the harder the heart has to work. Dehydration is unsafe, particularly for individuals who are overweight or obese, have heart issues or are pregnant. Warning signs in Bikram yoga include a lack of sweating, flu-like symptoms and dizziness.
References
- Bikram Yoga: Bikram Choudhury
- Vanderbilt University; Bikram Yoga; David Schlundt, Ph.D.
- Bikram Yoga: About Bikram Yoga
- Harvard Heatlh Publications: Calories Burned in 30 Minutes for People of Three Different Weights
- Spine Universe; Strength Training for Weight Loss Success; Deborah L. Mullen, C.S.C.S.; March 2010
- Quick Fit Yoga; Hot Yoga: Physiological Concerns While Exercising in the Heat; Leslie S. Funk; 2004
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