Home/ Yoga styles/ Hot Yoga

What is Hot Yoga?

 

Hi there, well many people wonder what is Hot yoga. The answer is very simple. It is Yoga done in a hot room. *smile*

In this style of Yoga the room is heated to about 35-40 degrees C (90-100 degrees F). Yes it is hot, and even more so after the session begins... well not really but you will think it is.

 

Is it really good for you to do Yoga in a hot room like that?

Are there any benefits doing this way in contrast to doing Yoga in a normal temperature room?

Well that is what we are here to talk about. Let us first talk about the benefits of this style of yoga and that should answer the other questions at the same time. I am going to make this a nice list since it will be easier to read.

The first benefit is that you will be able to get into the postures more easily and also more deeply since the heat allows for greater flexibility and this will give you less chance of injury and also improved recovery from former injuries.

A second benefit is that heat helps improve blood flow through the body, this is good because your body will more effectively oxygenated its tissues and organs.

The third thing that is very good is it promotes sweating. I know you don’t like to sweat but sweating is good for you on SO many levels not the least of which is to help detoxify your body. After all the skin is the largest waist eliminating organ and sweating out all the toxins is a very good thing.

Can Hot Yoga be dangerous?

First we must consider what is yoga and what it is used for. Traditionally Yoga was for relaxation and health. Hot yoga has a lot to do with fitness but little with relaxation and actually can put your health at risk as well.

With this type of yoga the heart rate is increased, respiration and blood pressure increases, which is good for loosing weight but not for creating a steady mind and relaxing.

Also the heat will help your muscles expand and you will get deeper into the poses and be able to stretch more however this may harm your muscles if you take them beyond there natural limits.

It is my opinion and others that yoga should be trained in normal environmental conditions. If you do train this style of yoga please remember the risks and make it a part of your Yoga training, not the only yoga training you do. Other styles will provide other benefits and make your practice nice and well rounded.

I will be keeping my ears open about any research done in this area and will add anything I find here. Please sign up for our rss feed to the left so you can be notified as soon as the page is updated.

---

Return from Hot Yoga to Yoga Stlyes

Return from Hot Yoga to Mind and Body Yoga homepage