When most people think of yoga, they think of gaining flexibility and relaxation. Yoga is great for lengthening muscles and creating a relaxing atmosphere, but there are three types of yoga that aid in weight loss. These three forms combine the regular advantages of yoga with calorie blasting benefits.
Many male and female celebrities are already benefiting from these three kinds of yoga:
Ashtanga yoga
Ashtanga yoga originated in Mysore, India, and was brought to the U.S. in 1975. Ashtanga is the perfect type of yoga for those looking to lose weight because it provides a cardio effect. It flows nonstop from one move to the next. Men looking for yoga classes should try Ashtanga. It was originally created with teenage schoolboys in mind. Ashtanga is an advanced form of yoga that is known for demanding movements. To prevent injury, beginners should take several Ashtanga classes before trying the moves at home. Celebrities who partake in Ashtanga yoga include Woody Harrelson and William DaFoe. Randal Cunningham and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar are former athletes who practice Ashtanga yoga.
Power Yoga
Power yoga and Ashtanga yoga are sometimes considered one in the same, yet there are differences. Power yoga is an adaptation of Ashtanga, which is probably why the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Power yoga began in the late ’80s to catch the attention of Westerners who were obsessed with aerobics. The sequence of poses change in power yoga and set it apart from Ashtanga. The sequence of poses will change depending on the class and instructor. Power yoga boosts metabolism by using isometric exercises that involve every muscle of the body. Power yoga is responsible for helping Drew Barrymore lose weight. The actress lost 20 pounds.
Bikram (hot) yoga
Bikram yoga is also known as hot yoga, and it was invented by Bikram Choudhury. Bikram yoga combines 26 yoga moves with a room 40 percent humidified and heated to 105 degrees. Every part of the body is worked during hot yoga, including organs, muscles and ligaments. The body becomes more flexible when it is warm, which is why Bikram takes place in hot rooms. Bikram yoga flushes out impurities as you sweat. If you enjoy steam rooms and yoga, Bikram yoga is for you. Bikram allows you to burn between 350 to 600 calories per class. Many celebrities enjoy Bikram yoga including Madonna, Jennifer Aniston and Goldie Hawn.
Are you ready to stretch and relax while you burn calories? If so, try one of these three forms of yoga.
More from this contributor:
Five highly effective exercises
The many benefits of interval training
Total body health for athletes
Rebecca completed courses in Medical Terminology, Administrative Medical Assisting and Coding and Billing. She is recognized by the National Healthcareer Association as a Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) and Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA).
Sources:
Women’s Health Magazine
Seventeen Magazine
Yoga 4 Beginners
Bikram Yoga
Fit Sugar