Calories Burned by Yoga

Yoga is a wonderful form of exercise, as in addition to its various benefits, it also connects you to your inner self. However, not to everyone looks at this aspect. To most of the people, it is more important to know the number of calories burned by yoga. People ask questions like 'does yoga really burn enough number of calories', and 'is it a good supplement a cardio workout', etc. Well, scroll down to find out the answers to these questions.

How Many Calories are Burned by Yoga

There are different types of yoga practiced, and the number of calories burned by the different forms of yoga are different, as the aim of each of these forms are different. Now let's see the number.

Ashtanga Yoga
The word 'Ashtanga' stands for eight limbs, which refers to the eight spiritual practices that are outlined in the Yoga Sutras. Yoga Sutras is the original yoga text which holds relevance even to this day. In the Ashtanga yoga, there are 6 set series of postures, in which the difficulty levels go on increasing as one progresses from one set to another. This form of yoga is also called Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. Approximately 300 calories per hour are burned by this form of yoga. This is almost same as an hour of brisk walking.

Power Yoga
Power yoga is a big hit all over the world. It is actually an Americanized version of Ashtanga yoga, where the yoga poses are intensified by moving more rapidly between one pose to another. In some cases, Power Yoga can also refer to a shortened version of a yoga class, where the duration of the class is 45 minutes as opposed to 60 to 90 minutes of a normal class. However, the benefits derived from this form of yoga, do not vary much, as the pace of the class is quickened. The number of calories burned by power yoga are also similar to Ashtanga yoga, that is about 300 calories an hour.

Hatha Yoga
This is a gentle form of yoga and also the most common form of yoga. It focuses on the basic postures and there is emphasis on breathing techniques as well. For most people in the West, when you refer to the yoga it simply means Hatha yoga. This form of yoga is practiced for mental and physical well-being. Since this is a gentle form of yoga, the number of calories burned by this form of yoga are less, as compared to Ashtanga Vinyasa and Power Yoga. About 175 calories are burned per hour, which can be compared to an hour of slow walking.

Vinyasa Yoga
This is a dynamic form of yoga, where there is a connection between postures. The connection is created between the traditional yoga postures, due to which a dynamic flow is achieved between postures. The main postures which are used in this form are the Sun Salutation series. This form of yoga burns about 445 calories an hour. The number is equivalent to moderate bike riding for an hour.

Bikram Yoga
Bikram yoga is also known as 'hot yoga'. This form of yoga is practiced in a room which is heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity is maintained at 40%. There are 26 postures which are a part of the class and they are guided by specific dialog and breathing techniques. The number of calories burned in this form are highest at 630 calories an hour, which is equal to jogging for an hour. However, a number of yoga practitioners are of the opinion that this is not the right way to burn the calories.

Now that you have seen the number of calories burned by yoga, you can relax and continue with your practice of yoga and derive maximum benefits from it. I have only lately started practicing yoga, but trust me, I feel healthier, lighter and toxin free because of the practice.