Bikram yoga is a challenging workout that has many purported health benefits. These include improved circulation, enhanced immune system function, stress reduction and relief from various medical afflictions, such as arthritis and chronic back pain. When combined with a healthy diet, Bikram yoga may also help normalize your weight.
About Bikram Yoga
Bikram yoga is a standardized sequence of two breathing exercises and 24 postures performed in a room that is heated to at least 105 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat, combined with 60 percent humidity, helps warm your muscles to facilitate stretching and prevent injury. Each posture is executed twice, with a period of rest in between. The entire sequence, which consists of standing postures, balancing poses, forward bends, backbends and one twist, takes 90 minutes.
Bikram Yoga and Weight Loss
According to Bikram's Yoga College of India, Bikram yoga promotes optimal function all of your bodily systems, including digestion and metabolism. Steady practice will help regulate your appetite and reduce unhealthy cravings. At least three classes per week are recommended to receive full benefits of Bikram yoga.
Energy Deficit
The National Institutes of Health recommends losing 1 to 2 lbs. per week for the safest weight loss. To lose 1 lb. of fat you need to achieve an energy deficit of 3,500 calories, which can be met through exercise and healthy diet. For example, if you reduce your calorie intake by 500 calories a day and burn an additional 3,500 through exercise, you can lose 2 lbs. per week.
Calories Burned in Bikram Yoga
Because of the intense nature of the workout, Bikram yoga tends to burn more calories than other forms of yoga. According to the QuickFit Yoga calorie calculator, a 175-lb. individual can expect to burn nearly 1,200 calories during 90 minutes of Bikram yoga. By practicing Bikram yoga every day, you can achieve an energy deficit of nearly 8,400 calories over the course of one week, resulting in a potential weight loss of 2.4 lbs. if you make no changes to your diet.
Considerations
Be sure to consume a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables, fiber, lean protein and healthy fats to sustain the energy necessary for daily Bikram yoga practice. After your first few classes, it is normal for your appetite to increase or decrease significantly -- but with regular pratice, your appetite should normalize. Also drink plenty of water before and after class to prevent dehydration.
Member Comments