What Is Hot Yoga? What Are Its Types And Benefits?
Hot or Bikram yoga is a style of yoga that is practiced in heated rooms. It requires a controlled surrounding with a higher humidity level and a temperature between 95 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Practicing hot yoga offers some additional benefits than regular yoga. Along with improving flexibility, blood circulation, and detoxification, it also enhances cardiovascular fitness. Nowadays, many yogis practice it in infrared fitness studios in Franklin for more powerful healing and immune response.
Hot Yoga Vs Regular Yoga: Their Fundamental Differences
Both yoga style provides physical and mental advantages. The key difference between them is their practicing environment. Let's check out some other differences between them.
| Points | Hot Yoga | Regular Yoga |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | It requires a heated room with a temperature between 95-105°F. | You can practice in a normal room and temperature. |
| Intensity | Its intensity is usually higher which causes more sweating and calorie burn. | The intensity depends on the style and level of class. |
| Focus | Generally practiced for improving endurance and stamina. | It primarily focuses on breath control and mindfulness. |
| Styles | Bikram, Moksha Yoga, hot Vinyasa, infrared yoga, etc. | Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Kundalini, etc. |
Types of Hot Yoga
In Franklin and other cities of Tennesee, various types of hot yoga are practiced. The most popular ones are below:
Bikram yoga: This style is believed to be the original form of hot yoga. It consists of 26 postures and two breathing exercises.
Heated Vinyasa: It combines flowing motions with synchronized breath in a heated room. The sequence and duration of the yoga can vary depending on the practitioner.
Hatha yoga: The primary focus of the style is on the physical postures and breathing techniques. It is effective for improving balance, flexibility, and strength.
Hot Yin yoga: It follows the principles of Yin yoga in a heated room. The style involves holding passive stretches to target connective tissues and promote relaxation.
What Are The Benefits of Hot Yoga?
Hot yoga has several positive impacts on our bodies. It is quite effective for flexibility, detoxification, and stress reduction, along with other health advantages. Here are the benefits you will get as a hot yoga practitioner.
Detoxification:
Hot yoga is an excellent natural detox process. It causes a lot of sweating which helps your body get rid of toxins through the skin. Extreme sweating during practice helps the body release waste and impurities. That’s why the practitioners feel cleaner and more refreshed after the hot yoga session.
Flexibility:
It is practiced in a heated room where a warm environment is created. The high temperature makes muscles warmer so a practitioner can move them easily. This type of yoga is helpful to improve your range of motion and posture. and lower the risk of injury. You can achieve outstanding flexibility by consistent practice of hot yoga.
Better Blood Circulation:
Doing hot yoga helps flow blood better throughout the body. It means, your muscles and organs get more oxygen and nutrients which will keep you more energized. Also, better blood circulation assists in removing waste and faster recovery from various diseases.
Strength and Endurance:
Hot yoga is a challenge for your body. In a high temperature surrounding, it forces your muscles to work harder. Such a high-intensity physical activity is very effective in enhancing strength and stamina. The more you practice hot yoga, the more it will be easier. Many pro athletes also practice it as endurance training. Yet, you should be attentive to pre and post hot yoga diets for the maximum benefits.
Stress reduction:
Though you practice hot yoga in a heated room, it can make you calm and relaxed. The process is designed to focus on deep breathing and gentle body movement. If practiced accurately, it can lower your stress level and make you feel happier after the session.
What is Infrared hot yoga?
You may have also noticed the term “infrared hot yoga” offered by many infrared sauna studios in Franklin. Is it a variant of hot yoga?
Infrared hot yoga can be said the modernized version of hot yoga. It is practiced in infrared chambers where special heaters are used to eject infrared radiation. The radiation warms up your body directly, not the air like in traditional hot yoga rooms.
Its warmth can go deeper into your body which plays an effective role in relaxing the muscles, and joints. Infrared hot yoga also improves blood circulation and helps your body release toxins through sweating.
Is hot yoga safe for me?
Hot yoga is safe and beneficial for individuals with sound health and fitness levels. If you can manage hydration and are comfortable with heat, hot yoga will be enjoyable and rewarding. Practicing it can help you achieve an advanced fitness level as it is quite challenging. It is also safe for beginners if practiced under an experienced instructor.
Though hot yoga offers numerous benefits, it still may not be suitable for everyone. If someone has high blood pressure, heart disease, or a history of heat-related illness, they should avoid it. However, for any safety concerns, ask the instructor who is conducting the class, or a doctor before joining an infrared hot yoga session in Franklin.
Final Thought
If you enjoy taking fitness challenges, hot yoga can be your next option. It is an excellent way to enhance endurance which will improve your daily activities. Hot yoga will also keep you refreshed and relaxed to live a stress-free life. However, it is not for everyone and is recommended for healthy individuals only. If you are unsure whether you should join one session, get advice from a medical professional first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hot is infrared yoga?
The temperature remains between 90 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can you practice hot yoga every day?
Practicing hot yoga daily is not suggested. Doing it 4 times a week is generally recommended.
How long is a hot yoga class?
Hot yoga sessions are typically 90 minutes longer, but they can be customized depending on the practitioner’s level.
Does hot yoga help you lose weight?
It burns more calories than regular yoga which can assist in weight loss gradually.
