Hot Yoga…Why?

I personally cannot think of anything worse than exercising in the heat and humidity. I’ve always been humidity-adverse, and for better or worse, it even influences my decision-making when looking for a new travel destination. Cool and comfortable is how I like to begin my exercise routine. I love Pilates and Cardio workouts, and although I don’t mind breaking a sweat, I don’t want to start out that way. 

So, before I discount it entirely, I thought I’d learn a little more to understand why some people love it so much.

First, it’s important to unravel the terminology. You often hear the terms “hot yoga” and “Bikram yoga” used interchangeably, but they’re not exactly the same. 

Bikram yoga, developed by a yogi named Bikram Choudhury, is practiced in a room heated to 105°F (41°C) with 40% humidity. It consists of 26 poses and two breathing exercises that are done in the same order in every class. Bikram yoga sessions typically last 90 minutes.

Hot yoga, however, means that the room is heated above average temperature. The heat can be set to whatever the yoga instructor wants, typically between 80 and 100°F (27 and 38°C). Also, hot yoga sessions can include different poses, varying from studio to studio. Bikram yoga is a quieter, serious practice, but hot yoga often includes music and more interaction among the people in the class. 

Hot Yoga – Are the Benefits to be believed?

• Increasing Flexibility: The heat allows muscles to stretch easily, improving flexibility.

• Detoxifying: Sweating profusely during hot yoga helps to flush out toxins from the body.

• Losing Weight: Traditional yoga can help a 160-pound person burn around 183 calories an hour. Turning up the heat can help you burn even more calories. 

• Boosting Cardiovascular Health: Striking different yoga poses in high heat can give your heart, lungs, and muscles a more challenging workout than doing the same poses at a lower temperature. Combining heat and intense physical activity in hot yoga can improve cardiovascular endurance.

• Relieving Stress: Hot yoga promotes relaxation and helps to reduce stress levels. A 2018 trusted-source study on stressed, physically inactive adults found that a 16-week program of hot yoga significantly reduced the participants’ stress levels.

• Enhancing Focus and Mental Clarity: The concentration required during hot yoga can improve focus and mental clarity.

Hot Yoga – Consider This

• Increased Flexibility from Heat Alone: The heat in hot yoga helps warm up the muscles, making them more pliable. However, the combination of heat and stretching is what leads to increased flexibility. According to Pilates & Yoga instructor Monica Paiva, “Because your muscles can warm up faster, it’s easier to go into a more intense stretch that your body is not yet ready for, and you could sustain an injury.”

• Detoxification Through Sweat: Although sweating during hot yoga can eliminate some toxins, the body primarily detoxifies through the liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system. Sweat mainly consists of water and electrolytes. 

• Weight Loss: While hot yoga can burn calories and contribute to weight loss, it is not a magic solution for shedding pounds. A balanced diet and regular exercise are still essential for overall weight management.

Hot yoga does offer numerous benefits that can positively impact the mind, body, and soul. However, it is essential to approach hot yoga with caution and listen to your body’s limits. As with any physical activity, consulting with a healthcare professional before starting a hot yoga practice is advisable.

Has any of this changed my mind? No. I know my intolerance for heat and humidity would make hot yoga a miserable experience. But to each their own, do whatever makes you feel good.

Namaste!