Even if there are numerous yoga styles, the differences are mostly about emphasis, like focusing on the alignment of the body, maintaining postures, or the flow from one posture to another. Different yoga styles cater to the personal preferences of yogis.

Ananda

Ananda Yoga is a basic style of hatha yoga that utilizes asana and pranayama to stir up and easily control the subtle energies within one’s body, especially the chakras. It aims to properly utilize those energies to unite the body, mind and emotions, and most of all, to adapt oneself to higher levels of awareness.

Anusara

Anusara (a-nu-SAR-a) means, “to step into the current of Divine Will”, “following your heart”, “flowing with Grace”, “to move with the current of divine will.” John Friend developed this style of yoga which is heart-oriented, spiritually uplifting and emphasizes outer and inner body alignment.

Ashtanga

Ashtanga is the best option for those who want a vigorous workout. K. Pattabhi Jois developed this style of yoga and intended it to be physically difficult. Yogis go through a series of poses, jumping from one posture to another to increase, strength, flexibility and stamina.

Bikram

Bikram Choudhury’s yoga is hot and makes you sweat. The thermostat is purposefully cranked up, then yogis do a series of 26 asanas specifically made to warm up and work out muscles, ligaments and tendons.

Integral

Developed by Swami Satchidananda, who came up with the original chant “Om,” Integral classes focus as much as pranayama and meditation as they do on postures.

Hatha

Hatha generally encompasses most of the physical kinds of yoga. Hatha style yoga is slow-paced and calming and aims to introduce the basic yoga poses.

Vinyasa

Like Hatha, Vinyasa is a general term that is used to describe many different types of classes. Vinyasa emphasizes breath-synchronized movement and is usually more dynamic and is based on a series of poses known as Sun Salutations, in which movement is synchronized with one’s breathing.

Iyengar

Originating from the teachings of the yogi master, B.K.S Iyengar, this style of yoga focuses on body alignment. Alignment pertains to the specific way in which your body is supposed to be positioned in each pose to optimize wellness and prevent injury.

Kundalini

This style of yoga focuses on breathing combined with physical movement and aims to liberate energy in the lower body, enabling it to move upwards. In Kundalini, it is important to study the effects of the breath on one’s postures.

Viniyoga

Viniyoga centers on adaptation. It is adapted from the guru/student model, wherein an experienced teacher focuses on each student, coming up with a personalized yoga program for them based on their health, age, and physical condition, including past or current injuries.

Bikram yoga is an intense and challenging way to help you lose weight. However, doing this alone won’t be enough to help you achieve your desired weight loss results. You need to be very religious in practicing the routine, coupled with healthier eating habits and exercise. Bikram yoga weight loss is possible because it allows you to stretch, move, control and respect your body, which makes it easier for you to embrace a healthier lifestyle.

So how can you use Bikram yoga for weight loss?

The Heat

Bikram yoga is also known as hot or fire yoga. When practicing yoga, students are placed in a room heated up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. For a total of 90 minutes, you will execute 26 different yoga poses, which will help you achieve a deeper stretch and better workout. This also helps you detox your body by opening the pores and help increases heart rate.

Take advantage of the yoga poses. They will help you burn 500 to 1000 calories per session. Nonetheless, it still depends on how much effort you put when doing the poses. If you perform them weakly, the results will be less evident.

Practice

Practicing yoga once or twice a week won’t produce the kind of results you want if you intend to lose weight. As much as possible, practice Bikram every day for two months. If you can’t make time to do yoga every day, you can practice at least three days a week. According to founder Bikram Choudhury,  ”with a devotion to a regular practice, that “digestion and respiration, as well as endocrine, lymphatic and elimination systems will begin to work harmoniously.” All these things, he said, will lead to weight normalization.

Balanced Eating

Bikram yoga for weight loss is more effective if you’re having a balanced diet. Eat four hours prior to your yoga class. This gives time for food to settle while not leaving you feeling empty. After, eat light meals only. Practicing yoga will also help you respect your body more. As a result, you will choose to feed yourself healthy and nutritious meals only. You’ll start to refrain eating unhealthy food on your own, and you’ll learn to regulate your appetite and control cravings.

Hydrate Yourself

Make sure to drink lots of water the day before and the day of your Bikram yoga class. If you fail to do so, you’ll feel weak and fail to experience the full benefits  or the maximum potential of Bikram yoga weight loss.

As you can see, Bikram yoga is an effective way to lose weight. But then, the results are not seen abruptly; there are no shortcuts. It takes a lot of self-discipline and willpower. Make sure to follow the steps and ways stated above for the best positive results.

You can’t use your yoga mat forever, even if it’s the most expensive variety in the market and no matter what it’s made from. The more you use it, the flatter it becomes. Once the mat is flat, it can no longer support your weight; you may have a hard time performing the different yoga positions. However, you don’t have to simply throw it away. What you can do is to learn how to recycle a yoga mat. Here are possible ways:

1. Clean your mat.

If your mat is lightly soiled, rub the soiled areas first. You can use a spray bottle, damp sponge/terry cloth rag and apply two cups of water with four drops of dish soap. Wipe the mat with clean water and rub with a dry towel. However, if it’s heavily soiled, submerge it in warm water and mild detergent. Hand-wash the mat carefully and rinse in clean water. Squeeze out the excess water, lay the mat on a dry towel and roll the mat together with the towel. Step on to the rolled up mat, so you can squeeze more moisture out of the mat and into the towel. After, hang the mat to let it dry.

2. Donate the yoga mat to social advocates.

Most yogis have no idea what to do with the yoga mats once they’re no longer fit for use. To make sure that those yoga mats aren’t put to waste, you can contact social advocates so the mats wouldn’t go into landfill. Some social advocacy groups have a yoga mat reuse program, wherein they collect worn-out yoga mats and turn them into reusable materials.

3. Contact the animal shelter in your area.

Animal centers and animal rescue groups can use yoga mats in lining the animals’ crates. You can talk to a representative about donating your mat.

4. Explore the Internet and find other groups that accept yoga mat donations.

There are a lot of social groups nowadays that make use of yoga mats for different causes. You can find them all on the Internet. They accept yoga mats made from plastic, jute, PVC, natural rubber or even latex; they can recycle them all.

Give your yoga mat a second life before they decompose. Not only are you being ecologically conscious; you’re also helping different groups by supporting their advocacies. So I suggest that you go over these steps on how to recycle a yoga mat.

Bikram yoga is commonly referred to as “hot yoga” because it’s practiced in a heated room. It’s a challenging yoga, doing a sequence of 25 Hatha postures to enhance flexibility and strength along with cardiovascular exercise. Burning calories is one of the main Bikram yoga benefits, since it involves physically strenuous bodily movements. This is the reason why people who aim to lose weight choose this type of yoga routine.

Calories Burned

QuickFit Yoga created a calculator that computes Bikram yoga calories burned. According to the calculator, a person who weighs 150 lbs. is expected to burn about 1,000 calories per Bikram session, which is the same number that one can burn by running 6 mph for 90 minutes. In general, a 120- to 160-pound person is expected to burn at least 350 to 700 calories per hour of practicing Bikram yoga.

However, it still depends on the person. The more effort he/she puts into practicing Bikram, the more calories are burned. On the other hand, if he/she is executing the poses weakly, the results are less visible. It’ll take a lot of time and sessions before actually feeling weight loss.

Doing it the Right Way

Once can’t fully feel and experience Bikram yoga benefits if he/she isn’t practicing it properly. Make sure that you follow these simple tips for better results:

• Turn it into a cardiovascular workout. Do not cheat. Put your utmost effort when holding each 26 Bikram poses for the entire count.
• Be consistent. If your goal is to lose weight, make sure that you practice regularly. Go to your classes as often as possible. For best results, it’s advisable that you practice the routine at least three times a week.
• Embrace the heat. Do not hate the 105 degree temperature; the heat actually enables the muscles to better reorganize, increase heart rate for best cardiovascular benefits, detoxifies the body and thins the blood.

Practice with Caution

When doing Bikram, it’s not only necessary to be equipped with the right attitude; applying the correct practices is as important.

• Beware of the heat. Sometimes, heat makes you feel that you’re more flexible than you really are. It prevents you from feeling pain, so you need to be aware all the time. You might be injured already without knowing it.
• Take advantage of the mirrors. Studios usually have mirrored walls. Observe your body, and see whether you’re executing the poses correctly.
• Focus on yourself. Yoga is about developing confidence in one self, so eliminate any competitiveness in you. Refrain from comparing yourself to your yoga classmates in any way.
• Listen to your breathing. Use your breathing to measure how your body’s doing. If your breathing is quick, shallow or strained, stop doing a pose and rest before you go on.
One of Bikram yoga’s benefits is helping one to lose weight by burning calories. However, to achieve the best results, it’s important that the routines are executed correctly. Also, to avoid being injured or being wrongly exhausted, it’s necessary to observe some guidelines. Lastly, as always, a positive disposition goes a long way with yoga.

More and more people these days consider yoga retreats as their alternative vacation option. Generally, guests buy an all-inclusive package that accommodates  the practice of yoga and overall wellness. Depending on the type, yoga retreats differ according to accommodations, price, settings and activities. But whether you are looking for a budget-friendly and no-frills escape or something sassier and more elaborate, the following types will help you decide:

1. Yoga Retreat Vacation

The beauty of a yoga retreat vacation is that it inspires people to get in touch with their inner peace and calm, where deep healing and quantum shifts come to pass. It is supposed to offer you the opportunity to relax  and take a break from your crazily hectic lifestyle.

2. Surf Yoga Retreat

This type of yoga retreat offers individuals the opportunity to become one with nature while surfing the ocean. It focuses on establishing a connection between the mind, body and spirit all through the wonders of surfing, yoga and raw vegan cuisine.

3. Bikram Yoga Retreat

Bikram Yoga is known for its excellence in reshaping your body through strength improvement,  weight loss and tone and flexibility. Whether you opt for a weekend in a local setting or go all the way to an exotic destination, this retreat will help you be in a focused and stress-reduced mental state through the merging of Bikram yoga and environmental inspiration.

4. Spa Yoga Retreat

Spa Yoga is thought to prevent  specific maladies and diseases by keeping the life energy flowing and energy meridians open.  In fact, it can be used to lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve coordination, flexibility, concentration, sleep, and digestion. Also, it can serve as supplementary therapy for conditions like cancer, diabetes, asthma, AIDS and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

A mind-soothing journey to a yoga retreat is, without a doubt, a treat for the senses. However, at the end of the day, regardless of what type you prefer, the most important thing is that you regain that seemingly elusive, but well-deserved, balance in your  personal and work life.

Bikram yoga is considered as the most intense type of yoga. It involves 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises within 90 minutes that are performed in a room heated to 105 degrees. Lately, this has been the most popular routine because weight loss is made easier with this type of yoga. Since muscles are warmed, fats get burned easily. After a time of practicing this in the nearest wellness center or at home, they take the next step by going to Bikram yoga retreats. They say that doing so is an amazing experience that every Bikram yogi should try.

What are the Benefits of Attending Bikram Yoga Retreats?

• You can devote yourself to all aspects of the practice without distractions. By joining a Bikram yoga retreat vacation, you’ll be able to really immerse yourself in the physical, spiritual and emotional facets of the practice without disruptions of everyday life and activities. You don’t have to worry about the phone ringing or your kid coming home in an hour. You can just relax and meditate with your full attention.
• You can fully enjoy and take advantage of the serene environment. When going to a Bikram yoga retreat vacation, you will often travel to locations far away from where you live. Ideally, it’s a calm and peaceful place without the hustle and bustle of the city. During the retreat, you’re not expected to stick to a rigid schedule, so you’re free to wander, explore and just breathe in the beauty of nature.
• You are given more individualized and personalized attention. You’re paying more for Bikram yoga retreats, so you can expect the instructor to  pay closer attention to you. Consequently, you’ll receive more in-depth feedback from him/her, and you’ll know whether you’re doing it the right way or whether you have to work on some poses.
• You will have the chance to bond with other Bikram yogis. Other than your classmates in your studio, who are often familiar faces in the neighborhood, you’ll be able to meet more Bikram yogis from different places. Meeting other yogis is always a pleasure, since you’ll learn a lot from them and their experiences. And who knows, they might probably make very good friends even after the retreat.

How do you Join a Bikram Yoga Retreat?

If you’re currently enrolled in a Bikram yoga class at the center near you, inquire whether they hold retreats. If not, you can try asking other studios. Usually, local studios organize these retreats that take place in other states or countries. However, if you don’t see any attractive package offered by the local studio, you also have the option to travel with a group of people you know. They may be your yoga buddies who also want to experience a great Bikram yoga retreat vacation. Try exploring your vacation options in the Internet and book flights and accommodations in advance.

Bikram yoga retreats are a great way to dedicate yourself to the practice while unwinding. You can enjoy extra yoga without worrying about other things, and in the end, achieve total contentment and peace of mind.

A yoga mat is a yogi’s best friend. It is an integral part of  yoga’s regular routine as it protects  your spine and knees from a hard floor and prevents you from hurting yourself during those tricky body postures and positions.

A standard yoga mat is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), latex, plastic or a blend of materials. But with the increasing number of people putting the environment first in mind, a regular mat simply won’t do. Rather eco yoga mats are the way to go.

When choosing the best eco-friendly mats, it is better to take into consideration the following factors:

1. Durability

Because mats are made from natural materials rather than industrial plastics, they have the tendency not to last longer than regular mats. However, there are still quality yoga mats out there made with superior green materials that can withstand wear and tear that cheaper mats normally can’t.

2. Performance

Environmentally friendly yoga mats can be slippery or sticky, thick or thin, hard or soft, rough or smooth — all of which affects one’s performance. For instance, your mat should be thick enough to make practicing your yoga positions more comfortable while both sitting and standing. You also don’t want it too thick, just somewhere around a quarter of an inch is fine.

3. Cost

There are plenty of yoga mats available in a wide price range. Decide on what your budget is and stick to it. Just keep in mind that eco mats are likely to be more pricey than the standard ones. However, if you think about it, they are definitely worth the extra money, both for the environment’s sake and one’s own health.

Finding the best suitable mat helps you do the practice of yoga in a better way. But ultimately, it is even more rewarding knowing that you are doing it for a greater purpose: environmental preservation.

Learning how to clean a yoga mat is one of the foremost things that practitioners must learn. The mat is going to be something that will see use very often and must be maintained. There are a number of products out there that can be used to clean it, keeping the stickiness constant despite years of extensive use. However, there are a few who want to learn how to clean a yoga mat without relying on chemicals that can cause damage to the environment after they’re done. Fortunately, as one of the oldest practices in the world, there are a number of ways to clean yoga mats.

* The Solution

Part of how to clean a yoga mat naturally is making the cleaning solution used. A spray bottle and around 20 to 30 drops of tea tree essential oil will be needed. Fill the bottle with water and mix in the oil. This will create a perfectly natural cleaning solution that can also be carried anywhere.

* Regular Maintenance

Spray down the entire mat after every session. Use a towel to dry off the mat afterwards. This daily cleaning procedure is basic maintenance for the mat, keeping in clear of filth that comes with regular use. Tea tree essential oil also has potent anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, which make it the only substance for cleaning the mat that most people will ever need.

* Deep Cleaning

A washing machine is a good tool for deep cleaning, which is a detail about how to clean a yoga mat that many never learn. There are times when the tea tree oil isn’t enough, particularly for a mat that has been in storage for some time or for troublesome stains. The idea is to drop the mat into the machine and wash it “cold.” After that, hang the mat out to dry for roughly two days. Putting the mat in the dryer can cause damage, because most mats are made of rubber.

* Bathtub Cleaning

As an alternative, many people learn how to clean a yoga mat in a bathtub or other suitably large container. Submerging the mat into the tub and letting it soak is very good for cleaning it. As with the machine, air it out to dry.

* Scrubbing

Use a clean kitchen sponge whenever scrubbing the mat. After the scrubbing, let the water drain and fill it again, allowing the mat to soak. Repeat this process until the water runs clear after rinsing the mat, to ensure the removal of all the dirt. Afterwards, remove the mat and use a towel to dry off excess water. Remember that it still needs to be aired out for a day or two to fully dry.

It isn’t very difficult to learn how to clean a yoga mat in a natural manner. All it usually takes is some time and a sprayer with a mix of tea tree essential oil and water. More intensive cleaning is also relatively simple and can be done in a bathtub or washing machine.

Most people don’t know it, but you can also lose weight with yoga. This article discusses the specific poses of yoga that are most effective for weight loss, best strategies for practicing yoga and the diet that should be followed in a weight-loss routine.

Can you Lose Weight with Yoga?

Most people don’t think of yoga as a dynamic form of exercise and are doubtful of its ability to help people lose weight. Yoga usually burns up to 150 calories per hour for the normal person.

Which Form of Yoga Works Best?

Most yoga practitioners prefer more vigorous types of exercise such as “power yoga” (Ashtanga yoga), which is an Westernized version of the traditional Kundalini techniques. Unlike traditional yoga, power yoga is fast-paced and focuses on proper breathing while exercising the cardiovascular muscles.

How to Practice Power Yoga

To learn the proper techniques of power yoga, you should sign up for a class taught by a yoga expert. You’ll learn the right techniques and avoid unnecessary injuries brought about by poor performance. If you don’t have money to spend on yoga classes, you can buy a quality yoga workout on DVD. Read the description first so that you’re sure that it focuses on power yoga techniques.

Proper Diet for Weight Loss

It is essential that you monitor your caloric intake in order to effectively lose weight. It is advisable that you use a BMR (basal metabolic rate) calculator so that you know how many calories you need. These can be easily found online. BMR indicates the average amount of calories your body would burn if you don’t do any exhausting activities all day. Once you find out what your BMR is, just decrease 300-500 calories per day from it the total. 3,500 calories is required to burn one pound of fat. By reducing your caloric intake by 500 a day, you will be able to burn around 3,500 calories a week and in effect lose one pound from your weight.

As long as you follow these simple steps and tips, you could easily lose weight in as fast as two to three weeks.

Yogis, people who are passionate about yoga, invest money on decent yoga vacations. Some spend even as much as thousands of dollars on a suite. There are a lot of yoga vacation holidays offered in the market, ranging from desert escapes up to the most luxurious travels. Here are a few destinations that will provide the best experience for yogis like you.

PERU

Iquitos
Jangala Retreat

www.jangalaretreat.com

Jangala Retreat is located deep in the Peruvian rainforest and is a place where vacationers can find peace of mind and spirit. Guests stay in bungalow made from indigenous materials and practice yoga in a meditation center built above the Amazon River.

USA

Bozeman, Montana
Big Sky Yoga Retreats

www.bigskyyogaretreats.com

The Big EZ Lodge is found in the heart of the Madison mountain range and is the perfect place for those looking for the best yoga experience. The guest rooms are built with native materials like timber and natural river rock, integrating environmental elements into the lodge.

FRANCE

Clermont La Grausse
Domaine de la Grausse

www.yogafrance.com

Domaine de la Grausse in the French Pyrenees has a well-renowned resident yoga teacher, Dagmar. There are two fully equipped yoga studios, newly renovated stone barns and accommodations in the extensive estate.

THE BAHAMAS

Paradise Island, Nassau

Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat

www.sivanandabahamas.org

A paradise island in the Bahamas is the perfect place to recharge and focus on your Yoga. Nassau’s Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat follows a specific yoga routine. You wake up at 6 am, meditate until dawn, do two hours of yoga and take a break for your vegetarian meal. In the afternoon, there’s karma yoga, where you also do ashram duties, otherwise known as chores.

BRAZIL

Sao Carlos, São Paulo
Jatoba Terra Prana Lar Yoga

www.yogabrasil.com/nam.htm

Found in the depths of the Brazilian countryside, Jatoba Terra Prana Lar Yoga retreats offers everything a yogi might need, including meditation, mantras, Kundalini yoga, Yin yoga, Hatha yoga, Partner yoga, Karma yoga, silent walks, sacred dances, fire rituals and Zen Shiatsu. After your activities, you can enjoy the healthy vegetarian meals which include homemade cheese, bread and yogurt.

CANADA

Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
Paradise Found Yoga

www.paradisefoundyoga.com

Paradise Found Yoga specializes in Kundalini Yoga and offers both scheduled and private retreats. There are daily yoga classes, meditation, art therapy and spa sessions that can include aromatherapy, hot stone Shiatsu massages, reflexology or Reiki.

INDIA

Bangalore, Karnataka
Shreyas Yoga Retreat

www.shreyasretreat.com

Shreyas Yoga Retreat in Bangalore offers a different kind of yogic experience. Shreyas is committed to teaching the spiritual tradition of yoga to yogis who are interested. It has over 25 acres of gardens and is replete with natural resources.

IRELAND

Ballytoughey, Clare Island, County Mayo
Clare Island Yoga Retreat Centre

www.yogaretreats.ie/index.htm

Emerald Isle offers serious yoga lessons over 240 acres of land just off the West Coast of Ireland. Yogis can indulge in yoga and meditation and enjoy organic meals and other leisurely activities. It’s yoga-centered activities include Yin and Ashtanga yoga, breathing exercises, yoga theory and gourmet vegetarian dishes.

MEXICO

Tulum, Quintana Roo
Maya Tulum

www.mayatulum.com

This seaside wellness retreat is located just an hour and a half from Cancun and organizes more than 50 yoga events a year. It offers five- to seven-night Mind, Body, Spirit programs (MBS), including vegetarian meals, massages and accommodations including a traditional sweat lodge run by an authentic shaman.

NEW ZEALAND

Golden Bay, South Island
Anahata Yoga Retreat

www.anahata-retreat.org

Anahata Yoga retreat is the only residential yoga retreat in New Zealand and is found atop a mountain in Golden Bay. It offers retreats, personal sessions and daily activities, focusing on Satyananda Yoga.

These are just some of the endless yoga retreats found around the world. Start saving up now so you can experience these one-of-a-kind retreats.