Hot yoga can be a stimulating and invigorating way to deepen your yoga practice and improve your overall well-being. By enjoying the warmth of a heated studio, you can experience the many health benefits of increased flexibility, improved circulation, weight loss, detoxification and mental well-being. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just beginning your journey, hot yoga is a great way to take your practice to the next level.
What is Hot Yoga?
Hot yoga, also known as heated yoga, is a style of hatha yoga that is practiced in a room heated to between 80 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (18-30°C). Practicing in this heated environment adds a challenge to traditional yoga practice, as it asks the body to work harder, increases the heart rate, encourages sweating and greater calorie burning. Hot yoga classes are generally flow or vinyasa classes, incorporating a sequence of movements synchronized with the breath, such as sun salutations.
Benefits of Hot Yoga
The main advantage of hot yoga classes is that practicing in a heated studio quickly warms up muscles, ligaments and joints, promoting greater flexibility and range of motion. Heat also helps improve circulation and increase blood flow to muscles, which can help reduce the risk of injury and improve overall athletic performance.
Hot or Warm Yoga?
The main difference between a hot yoga class and a lukewarm yoga class is the temperature of the room. Hot yoga classes generally take place in rooms heated to 90-105 degrees Fahrenheit, while lukewarm yoga classes are held at a lower temperature, usually around 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit. While both types of yoga classes offer similar benefits, such as increased flexibility, improved circulation and stress reduction, there are some key differences to bear in mind.
Hot yoga is best suited to people who want to sweat more and detoxify their bodies. It is generally an intense workout for experienced yogis looking for a high level of challenge and intensity in their practice. Hot yoga classes offer a gentler approach to hot yoga practice, focusing on slower movements, deeper stretches and less challenging poses. This makes it a great option for people who are new to yoga, have injuries or prefer a more relaxed practice. Hot yoga also offers a comfortable environment for people who don’t cope well with extreme heat.
Tips for Hot Yoga
If you’ve never practiced in a heated room, it’s important to take certain precautions to ensure a safe and effective practice. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Stay hydrated: It’s essential to drink plenty of water before, during and after practicing yoga in a heated room. The heat can make you sweat more than usual, so it’s important to rehydrate. We recommend that you bring a bottle of water to class.
Dress appropriately: It’s important to wear comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing that allows you to move freely. Many people choose to wear shorts, sports bras and tank tops to keep cool in hot weather. However, if you prefer to be more covered up, lightweight leggings or capris may also be a good option. When choosing your clothing, it’s important to avoid sweat-retaining materials such as cotton, as they can make you feel uncomfortable and weighed down during training. Avoid heavy fabrics that can weigh you down or make you overheat. Avoid constricting fabrics that can restrict your movements or make you feel uncomfortable.
Listen to your body: Be aware of any discomfort or pain during practice. If you feel dizzy, lightheaded or nauseous, take a break and rest. Don’t push yourself beyond your limits, and remember that it’s possible to modify or skip yoga poses if necessary.
Use props: Props such as blocks and straps can help you align correctly and support your body in certain poses. Feel free to use them if they enhance your practice, but studios may not have bolsters or cloth blankets available for cleanliness reasons.
Choose a qualified teacher: Look for a qualified, experienced yoga teacher who can guide you safely and effectively through your practice. He or she should be able to modify poses to suit your individual needs and make practical adjustments to help you deepen your practice.
Conclusion
It’s important to note that heated classes are not suitable for everyone, especially people with certain health problems. Pregnant women or people with heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, or respiratory problems should consult their doctor before taking part in a heated yoga class. It’s also important to stay hydrated during practice, as the hot environment can lead to dehydration. It is advisable to consult a health professional before starting a new exercise program.