Hot yoga, also known as Bikram yoga, is a popular form of yoga that is practiced in a heated room. The practice involves a series of 26 postures and two breathing exercises, all of which are performed in a room that is heated to around 105 degrees Fahrenheit with a humidity of 40%.
While hot yoga has been praised for its ability to increase flexibility, improve circulation, and reduce stress, many people are curious about the number of calories burned during a session.
For those who are looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy lifestyle, the number of calories burned during exercise can be a crucial factor.
The number of calories burned during a hot yoga session can vary depending on several factors, including your body weight, intensity of the practice, duration of the session, and individual metabolism.
Hot yoga, also known as Bikram yoga, is typically practiced in a heated room with temperatures ranging from 95 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit (35 to 40 degrees Celsius).
The heat can increase the intensity of the workout and potentially lead to increased calorie expenditure compared to traditional yoga practiced in a non-heated environment.
You can burn up to 200 calories per hour in traditional yoga for an average-weight person (150 pounds). However, you can burn up to 700 calories per hour in hot yoga. The calorie burn may be higher for someone weighing more, and for someone weighing less, the calorie burn may be lower.
While hot yoga can provide a challenging workout and potentially aid in weight loss, the primary benefits of yoga extend beyond just calorie burn. Hot yoga helps improve flexibility, strength, balance, and overall well-being.
How many calories do you burn with hot yoga?
The number of calories burned during a hot yoga session can vary depending on factors such as the intensity of the class, the length of the session, and your body weight.
Nonetheless, a 90-minute hot yoga session can burn anywhere from 330 to 620 calories, while a 60-minute hot yoga session can burn between 330 and 477 calories.
It’s important to note that these are estimates and the number of calories burned can vary from person to person based on factors such as age, gender, and fitness level.
Is hot yoga good for weight loss?
Hot yoga, or any form, can benefit a weight loss regimen combined with a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.
However, it’s essential to understand that weight loss primarily occurs through a caloric deficit, which means burning more calories than you consume.
Yoga, including hot yoga, can contribute to this caloric deficit, but it may not be as effective as higher-intensity cardiovascular exercises or strength training for calorie burning.
What are the Other Benefits of Yoga?
In addition to weight loss, below are some of the benefits of hot yoga.
1. Enhances your flexibility and strength
Yoga poses, known as asanas, involve stretching and lengthening muscles, which can improve flexibility and range of motion. Regular practice also helps to strengthen muscles, leading to better posture and overall physical strength.
Furthermore, the heat in the room helps warm up your muscles, making it easier to stretch and move deeper into poses. This can lead to increased flexibility over time.
2. Stress reduction and relaxation
Like other forms of yoga, hot yoga incorporates deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness techniques that can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. It encourages a sense of calm and peace, helping to alleviate anxiety and improve mental well-being.
3. Boosts circulation
Another interesting benefit of hot yoga is that it can improve blood circulation in the body. The heat in the room can also improve blood flow, which can help deliver oxygen and nutrients to your muscles more efficiently.
4. Increased body awareness
Hot yoga also focuses on the mind-body connection, allowing individuals to become more aware of their body, sensations, and movements. This heightened awareness can help improve coordination, balance, and proprioception.
5. Improves mental clarity and concentration
Through concentration and mindful awareness, yoga can enhance mental focus, concentration, and cognitive function. It promotes a state of mental calmness, clarity, and attentiveness.
6. Increases energy levels
Regular hot yoga practice can help increase energy levels by reducing fatigue and promoting better sleep quality. Combining physical movement, breathwork, and relaxation techniques can help rejuvenate and invigorate the body and mind.
7. Better sleep quality
Finally, engaging in hot yoga can contribute to improved sleep patterns and better sleep quality. Combining physical movement, relaxation techniques, and stress reduction promotes relaxation and can help combat insomnia and sleep disturbances.
Conclusion
While hot yoga can provide a challenging workout and potentially aid in weight loss, the primary benefits of yoga extend beyond just calorie burn. Hot yoga helps improve flexibility, strength, balance, and overall well-being. For effective yoga, join a yoga class or get a yoga tutor to guide you.
