Background: Bikram yoga, a form of hot yoga practiced in heated environments, has been associated with improvements in flexibility, body composition, and overall well-being. However, longitudinal evidence on its effects in adult women remains limited. Obesity/metabolic syndrome (MetS) is highly prevalent among adult women worldwide, with estimates exceeding 40% in middle-aged populations, underscoring the need for low-impact interventions targeting adiposity and age-related metabolic risks. This study evaluated the effects of 6-month Bikram yoga on body fat percentage (%BF) in adult women, with age-stratified analyses. Methods: Twenty-two women (20–65 years) participated in a structured Bikram yoga program consisting of three weekly sessions (90 min, 26 postures + 2 breathing exercises, 40 °C, 40% humidity) over six months. Anthropometric assessments (8 skinfolds, 5 body circumferences, weight, and height) were conducted at T0, T1 (~45 days), T2 (~90 days), and T3 (6 months). %BF was estimated using multiple validated prediction equations integrated into the Exercise Science Toolkit. Results: A significant and progressive reduction in %BF was observed across the sample: −3.71% at T1 (p 5%) for metabolic benefits. Effects were evident after six weeks and remained across all age subgroups, suggesting that Bikram yoga may represent an effective, low-impact intervention for health promotion and active aging.
Zoila et al. (Tue,) studied this question.
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