Bikram yoga - get hot and get a great workout
For anyone who has tried yoga and loved its ability to strengthen and tone the body, Bikram yoga could be an excellent next step.
Named after its founder Bikram Choudhury, this type of the discipline has actually been around since the 1970s, but it is now receiving a boost in popularity thanks to more publicity in the media (i.e. more celebs giving it a go).
For anyone who has not come across it, Bikram focuses more on the physical side of yoga and is a more difficult workout.
However, the good thing is that Bikram is the same wherever you go, so you won't have to struggle to pick up different moves if you start going to a new instructor or want to go to two different classes a week.
In fact, there are 26 poses and stretches, so they should be easy to memorise after a few sessions.
Not only is it more physical, but Bikram is hot. The workout is done in a room heated to 105 degrees F with 40 per cent humidity for 90 minutes, meaning that you will really sweat and clear those pores while burning plenty of fat.
Dr George Lunbers of the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control pointed out that the high temperature is good because it trains the body to cope better with heat and boosts lung capacity.
However, Bikram is not high-impact, meaning it could be easier on your body and joints than traditional cardio while still working virtually every muscle and ligament.
Not only this, but working the body in this way could have excellent benefits for the mind too, reducing stress, increasing mental clarity and increasing energy levels.
And if you needed any more encouragement to give it a try, the Sugababes' Amelle was recently spotted with a washboard stomach after taking up Bikram, telling Closer she loves the workout it provides.
All you really need to give Bikram a try is a pair of shorts and a light top, plus plenty of water to sip throughout - and no big meals beforehand!
Give it a try and see if you can burn fat while basking in high temperatures - it could be perfect if there's no Indian summer this year.
Named after its founder Bikram Choudhury, this type of the discipline has actually been around since the 1970s, but it is now receiving a boost in popularity thanks to more publicity in the media (i.e. more celebs giving it a go).
For anyone who has not come across it, Bikram focuses more on the physical side of yoga and is a more difficult workout.
However, the good thing is that Bikram is the same wherever you go, so you won't have to struggle to pick up different moves if you start going to a new instructor or want to go to two different classes a week.
In fact, there are 26 poses and stretches, so they should be easy to memorise after a few sessions.
Not only is it more physical, but Bikram is hot. The workout is done in a room heated to 105 degrees F with 40 per cent humidity for 90 minutes, meaning that you will really sweat and clear those pores while burning plenty of fat.
Dr George Lunbers of the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control pointed out that the high temperature is good because it trains the body to cope better with heat and boosts lung capacity.
However, Bikram is not high-impact, meaning it could be easier on your body and joints than traditional cardio while still working virtually every muscle and ligament.
Not only this, but working the body in this way could have excellent benefits for the mind too, reducing stress, increasing mental clarity and increasing energy levels.
And if you needed any more encouragement to give it a try, the Sugababes' Amelle was recently spotted with a washboard stomach after taking up Bikram, telling Closer she loves the workout it provides.
All you really need to give Bikram a try is a pair of shorts and a light top, plus plenty of water to sip throughout - and no big meals beforehand!
Give it a try and see if you can burn fat while basking in high temperatures - it could be perfect if there's no Indian summer this year.
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