HomeHealth articleshot yogaWhat Is Hot Yoga?

Hot Yoga: An Overview

Verified dataVerified data
0

4 min read

Share

Hot yoga is an intensive type of yoga that is practiced in a very hot and humid studio. Read the article to know more.

Written by

Dr. Durga. A. V

Medically reviewed by

Shakti Mishra

Published At October 5, 2023
Reviewed AtOctober 5, 2023

Introduction:

Hot yoga is a 90-minute program that includes a variety of standing and stretching postures. Hot yoga classes come in a variety of styles. The room is heated to approximately 105 F (40 C) and has a humidity of 40 % during the bikram form of hot yoga. Not everyone should do hot yoga. Due to the intensity of the activity and the high temperatures, heat-related illnesses are probable.

What Is Hot Yoga?

Hot yoga, sometimes referred to as Bikram yoga, is a type of yoga practiced in a heated environment. It was created in the 1970s by Bikram Choudhury and consists of a series of 26 yoga poses and two breathing exercises performed in a room heated to around 105°F (40.6°C) with a humidity of 40%. The heat and humidity of the room are said to boost the advantages of yoga by encouraging flexibility, detoxification, and relaxation. Hot yoga is also reported to improve cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, balance, and coordination. However, it is important to note that the room's high temperatures and humidity can also be dangerous, especially for those who have certain medical conditions, such as heart disease.

Individuals should contact their healthcare professionals before attempting hot yoga, and they should listen to their bodies during practice to avoid overexertion and dehydration.

Overall, for those who enjoy the heat and want to improve their physical and mental well-being, hot yoga can be a challenging and rewarding form of exercise. However, just like any other form of exercise, it is critical to proceed with caution and to prioritize safety and self-care.

What Are the Types of Hot Yoga?

There are four types of Hot yoga. They are as follows:

1) Bikram yoga.

2) Baptiste power vinyasa yoga.

3) Moksha.

4) Hot power yoga.

1) Bikram Yoga:

  • In the 1970s, Bikram Choudhury created the Bikram style of yoga and established Bikram's Yoga College of India.

  • When he created Bikram Yoga, Choudhury pieced together and copyrighted a 26-pose sequence that he believed would result in mind-body healing.

  • Bikram students practice in a hot studio set at 105 degrees Fahrenheit to increase flexibility, sweat away impurities, and receive cardiovascular exercise.

  • Unlike most other types of yoga, Bikram classes have an aggressive feel and last 90 minutes. Bikram Yoga is unlikely to provide you with a Zen-like atmosphere.

2) Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga:

  • Baron Baptiste created Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga, also known as Baptiste Yoga or Baptiste Power Yoga.

  • Baptiste yoga, unlike Bikram yoga, is a fusion of several styles, including Bikram, Iyengar, and Ashtanga.

  • Every class will be unique, depending on the instructor, and students are encouraged to practice according to their preferences.

  • Baptiste's yoga classes are typically held in 90-degree rooms, and most Baptiste studios are in Massachusetts.

  • Baptiste Yoga may be a good option if you want more variety with a little more of that yogi vibe.

3) Moksha:

  • Ted Grand created the Moksha style of hot yoga, which follows the same sequence for each class but does not continuously regulate the poses used by teachers.

  • Moksha classes last 90 minutes and start with a relaxation pose to try to center the mind before beginning practice.

  • Instructors are encouraged to create classes that help Moksha students gain strength and flexibility throughout their bodies.

  • Although there are many differences between Moksha yoga studios, they all use green and eco-conscious building materials, which benefits those concerned about the environment.

  • Moksha may be for one who is looking for a yoga practice that one can look forward to each week while also achieving a sense of mindful centering and relaxation.

4) Hot Power Yoga:

  • Hot power yoga is a catch-all term for a yoga practice with few restrictions.

  • Hot yoga has its roots primarily in the tradition-based ashtanga style, and "hot power yoga," like other basic yoga classes, does not necessarily specify a specific type or school of yoga.

  • Hot power yoga classes can broadly refer to types that use common principles, such as moving from posture to posture in a vinyasa flow and heating the room to 85 to 100 degrees.

  • Hot power yoga classes are typically available at local yoga studios and gyms.

  • Hot power yoga is ideal for those who do not want to repeat the same sequence of poses and prefer a temperature change.

  • Even though the heat and sweating in a hot yoga class can benefit your waistline, stamina, and muscle flexibility, it can lead to dehydration.

What Are the Benefits of Hot Yoga?

The benefits of Hot yoga are as follows:

  • It reduces the risk of injuries.

  • It increases the range of motion.

  • It has the potential to remove toxins from the body.

  • It can improve lung capacity.

  • It improves circulation.

  • It can increase bone density.

  • It can help one to lose weight.

  • It improves the flexibility of the body.

  • It improves breathing.

  • It improves the immune system.

What Are the Side Effects of Hot Yoga?

Though hot yoga has many benefits, there are some dangerous side effects that many people can experience while doing it. The side effects of Hot yoga are as follows:

  • It causes heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

  • It is susceptible to overstretching.

  • It can cause dehydration.

  • It has the potential to generate extremely low blood pressure.

What Are the Precautions To Be Followed During Hot Yoga?

  • Dehydration is a significant issue with hot yoga. Water should be consumed before, during, and after a hot yoga class. A low-calorie sports drink may also help replenish electrolytes lost during your hot yoga workout.

  • Some medical conditions may increase the chances of sleeping in a hot room. Heart disease, diabetes, arterial abnormalities, anorexia nervosa, and fainting history are all risk factors.

  • Hot yoga may cause dizziness or lightheadedness if one has low blood pressure or blood sugar. Check with the doctor to ensure that hot yoga is safe.

  • Pregnant women should seek medical advice before engaging in hot yoga.

  • If one had issues with heat intolerance in the past, one should stick to yoga at an average temperature.

  • Stop if one feel tired or nauseous. Leave the room and find a more comfortable place to rest.

Conclusion:

In recent years, hot yoga has become popular as a form of exercise. Hot yoga, however, can provide an even more incredible and more intense workout for the lungs and heart, when the temperature is raised.

Source Article IclonSourcesSource Article Arrow
Shakti Mishra
Shakti Mishra

Nutritionist

Tags:

hot yoga
Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Source Article ArrowMost popular articles

Do you have a question on

hot yoga

Ask a Wellness Expert online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: Wellness medicine is not aimed to replace the services of your treating physician or allopathy medicines. Our site's information is to those who are willing to take responsibility for their health, being fully aware that the content published herein would not qualify as a prescription or specific medical advice. If users use the information and stop prescribed medication without their physician's consent, they bear full responsibility for their actions, and iCliniq-Wellness bears no responsibility for the same. Information on Wellness medicine should not be misinterpreted as a cure for any illness, as our body is complex and everyone reacts differently.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy