why so few calories burned for yoga?

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chipingirl
chipingirl Posts: 4
in Fitness and Exercise
I worked my butt off in a yoga class this morning! So I was shocked when I logged the 65 minutes and only got 165 calories? Really? The yoga was not exactly aerobic, but by the end of class I was literally shaking with fatigue. Does yoga only burn 165 calories an hour? Sure feels like I expended a lot more energy than that! I want to continue yoga, but wish there was a bigger calorie burn for the buck. Is the 165 calories an hour accurate?

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  • BusyRaeNOTBusty
    BusyRaeNOTBusty Posts: 7,166 Member
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    Sounds about right. Weight lifting doesn't burn very much either. Don't do it to burn calories, do it because you enjoy it and it's healthy for you.
  • editorgrrl
    editorgrrl Posts: 7,060 Member
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    Sounds about right. Weight lifting doesn't burn very much either. Don't do it to burn calories, do it because you enjoy it and it's healthy for you.
    ^^^This.

    Overestimating your calorie burns will not get you closer to your goal.
  • fourfiftythree
    fourfiftythree Posts: 203 Member
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    For something like vinyasa yoga, that sounds about right. For something like hatha yoga, I would actually say MFP's estimate is way too generous. Bottom line though - do yoga for the enjoyment of it and the incredible effect it has on your flexibility, balance and overall fitness.
  • MatthewNSW
    MatthewNSW Posts: 88
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    Yoga utilises muscles that we don't use every day. The shaking will probably stop the longer you do yoga and the more familiar your body gets with the various positions. I agree with BusyRae and editorgrrl - yoga won't burn you the most calories but in my experience, the knock-on effect will definitely help you with your calorie intake. It can really help get your mind and body balanced - and that has a lasting effect on weight loss and healthy eating. Any calories you can subtract through a session are just a bonus.
  • chipingirl
    chipingirl Posts: 4
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    Thanks everyone for the input! I will keep up with the Yoga regardless of the few calories burned. I just thought I'd had my workout for the day - guess not! I will look forward to being more toned, centered, and at peace through Yoga, and go for the calorie burn elsewhere.

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