Wouldn’t it be great to replace all that cardio exercise with the smooth moves of yoga? Yoga is an excellent replacement for those unable to engage in high impact cardio. Is it possible to feel the burn while doing yoga? Sure, you can, when certain conditions are met. With all the new types of yoga out there, is there an adequate replacement for cardio exercise? Are there certain types of yoga that better replace cardio? To answer these questions, you must know what cardio is.
What is Cardio?
Cardio is any exercise that increases heart rate by 60 to 80 percent and keeps it there for an extended period. Cardio is also known for working a variety of muscle groups. Yoga certainly does work muscle groups. Does it also increase heart rate sufficiently? It can, depending on the type of yoga you choose to practice and the intensity of your workout. Here are some different types of yoga that can replace cardio with ease.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga is a good place to begin. As far as a cardio replacement goes, a Hatha Yoga session will burn about the same amount of calories as walking at a normal pace. Remember, walking is considered cardio, since it raises the heart rate and uses large muscle groups. To increase a walking workout, one might pick up the pace. To increase the cardio value of hatha yoga, one might add more difficult positions or hold positions longer.
Ashtanga Yoga
Moving up on the scale of cardio benefits, we have Ashtanga Yoga. This method will increase cardio burn to a level equal to race walking. So, just below jogging and just above a normal walk speed. Since there are increasing levels and components of ashtanga yoga, your cardio benefits will increase as you go. Learn more about Ashtanga Yoga here.
Power Yoga
Power Yoga is a sort of hyped western version of Ashtanga Yoga. It’s intense, sweaty and highly cleansing. Definitely a contender when compared to conventional cardio. Power Yoga is similar to riding a stationary bike in intensity and caloric burn. You can learn more about Power Yoga here. Now let’s pump up the calorie burn with Bikram.
Bikram (Hot) Yoga
Bikram Yoga is by far, the best yoga replacement for cardio exercise. Also known as Hot Yoga, Bikram is done in a heated environment. The intense heat helps muscles flex to attain Bikram’s 26 poses. It also allows for increased sweating and purification. Bikram Yoga can be compared to fast paced jogging. You can learn more about Hot Yoga here.
Sources:
http://www.sanatansociety.org/yoga_and_meditation/hatha_yoga.htm
http://www.ashtanga.com/html/background.html
http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/styles-of-yoga/power-yoga.asp
http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/styles-of-yoga/bikram-yoga.asp
