Bikram Yoga to Reduce Lower Abdomen Fat

Bikram yoga, also called hot yoga, is said to come with a host of benefits, including reducing stress, detoxifying the body, improving flexibility and healing chronic pain. Fat reduction is another positive outcome. In a study done by Colorado State University and reported in a 2013 issue of the "Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research," researchers reported that people who did this type of yoga for eight weeks experienced decreased body fat. While reducing abdominal fat specifically may be a personal goal for some Bikram participants, a better approach may be to work toward reducing overall body fat and simply enjoying the health benefits that result from this type of yoga.

  1. The Spot Reduction Myth

    • It is important to understand that targeting just one area for fat reduction isn’t realistic, contrary to what many fitness equipment manufacturers would have you believe. In fact, in a study done by the University of Massachusetts, researchers discovered that exercising just one area of the body – the abs, in this case – did not result in a marked decrease of fat in that particular area. Rather, there was similar fat reduction in several areas of the body. Even though working out one area specifically may not give you the results you imagined, you still get the benefit of the overall improvement that comes with working out. If your goal is to whittle away belly fat, give Bikram yoga a shot. Chances are you will lose some belly fat – along with chub in your thighs, butt and other problem areas.

    The Impact of Stress on Abdominal Fat

    • Stress is directly linked to weight gain and fat accumulation – specifically in the midsection. When you’re chronically stressed, your body releases the hormone cortisol, which causes you to store more visceral, or belly, fat. Bikram yoga can help with this on two levels: First, this type of yoga has been proven to reduce body fat, and second, it will help reduce stress. Going through the Bikram yoga poses, stretching your body and concentrating on your breathing will relax you and and bring down your stress level, which will ultimately help in your battle against abdominal fat.

    Increasing Muscle Mass to Burn More Calories

    • Bikram yoga will help you build lean muscle, which can also have a direct impact on your battle against the bulge. Muscle burns more calories than fat, so increasing your muscle mass will help you blast through excess calories. Plus, your metabolism will speed up as you put on muscle, which will also help you burn fat faster – in your midsection and other areas.

    Poses to Try

    • There are 26 poses, or asanas, in a Bikram yoga class sequence, and while all are beneficial in terms of stress relief and fat reduction, some may help more than others, especially in terms of belly fat. Locust pose is said to increase your metabolism, which will in turn burn fat. This pose also opens the chest and elongates the spine, so your entire core is involved. Bow pose can aid digestion, improving the function of the small and large intestines and keeping your metabolism going strong. Eagle pose is another that is said to help with digestion and metabolic function. It also energizes the body and improves flexibility.