Imagine Yoga – but intensified and levelled up to a 100. Hot Yoga is a new trend taking over – a vigorous form of yoga done in a hot and humid studio. There are various types of Hot Yoga – like the popular Bikram. Let’s take a look at how getting your sweat on can elevate your yoga game.

WHAT MAKES HOT YOGA SO GREAT?

Hot Yoga combines demanding poses with raised heat and humidity. It increases your heart rate and exercises the muscles. A regular Yoga routine is intensified by providing a heated room, giving your heart and lungs a more intense workout. Stretching while your muscles are hot improves flexibility.

Switching to a Hot Yoga class also allows you to burn more calories since you work much harder and sweat more. This will enable you to achieve your goal in a shorter period. Getting your heart rate up also ensures better heart health – an excellent benefit for over-stressed participants.

Well, hot yoga can also improve skin health. The increased blood circulation improves the delivery of oxygen to your skin cells. No wonder that post-yoga glow is so hyped!

HOW IS HOT YOGA IMPLEMENTED?

Hot Yoga simply means that Yoga is performed in a room heated to about 80 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (26 to 38 degrees Celsius). The instructor then implements a range of poses depending on the level of expertise – and can also use music as a tool during the class.

Bikram is often used interchangeably as Hot Yoga – with one key difference. Bikram only uses a specific set of poses that will be used repeatedly during the lesson. In contrast, yoga generally encompasses a broader range of poses and other elements.

HOT YOGA MIGHT NOT BE FOR YOU

Due to its very intense nature – Hot Yoga might be very demanding on people with certain conditions or constraints. It is not recommended when you suffer from any heart disease as it will put extra strain on your vascular system. The excessive sweating involved in the Hot Yoga routines might be problematic if you have any problems or sensitivity to dehydration. And of course – a history of heat stroke or heat intolerance is a red flag, and Hot Yoga must be avoided if you have experienced any of these regularly in the past.

Despite not having any health concerns and you are considering Hot Yoga – be sure to hydrate, Drink water before, during and after the session and listen when your body tells you to slow down.

Taking up Hot Yoga might be your answer to an overall boost to your physical and mental abilities – but it does come with certain constraints. Ensure you always visit a reputable Yoga instructor and listen to what your body needs. It might be an enlightening and excellent addition to your Yoga journey if used and implemented correctly.