What is Hot Yoga? 8 Things You Need to Know

Have you ever asked yourself, “What is hot yoga”? Chances are you’ve heard the term, but you might not have understood what it is. Well, one thing it’s not is a boring workout.

For yogi’s looking for an extra burn, hot yoga is it. If you’re ready to whip your body into shape, this article has the scoop on this exciting workout. Keep reading to learn more.

What Is Hot Yoga?

Imagine all the lovely perks of standard yoga with extra sweat. Hot yoga is done in a heated room that ranges from 90 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. It helps to loosen your muscles and provides better flexibility for poses.

Furthermore, sweating can detoxify the body and cleanse it of waste.  Some of the most popular forms of hot yoga are Bikram, Vinyasa, and Moksha.

This yoga with a twist isn’t for the faint of heart, but it offers an amazing workout. Here are some tips to help get you through your class:

1. Take More Than One Towel

Hot yoga has its name for a reason. The practice is designed to make you sweat, and sweat you will! Chances are you’ll be dripping wet by your fourth pose. Your yoga mat provides cushion, but it’s not made to absorb moisture. 

Take a towel to lay over your mat and use the other one to wipe away your perspiration.

2. Stay Hydrated

You’ll need loads of water to stay hydrated during hot yoga. Be sure to keep a water bottle on hand and sip it throughout your workout.

You might also want to freeze the water before class. That way, it’ ll stay cool throughout the entire session.

3. Dress Appropriately

You’ll sweat a lot during a hot yoga session, so wearing the right clothing is key. Baggy shirts or sweat pants aren’t the best option. Shorts and a sports bra is a good choice.

Whatever you do, put on something that absorbs moisture, and pull your hair back with a headband.

4. Eat Something Before Class

You don’t want to do this type of workout on an empty stomach. However, it’s not smart to eat a heavy meal either. Have a light snack like nuts or fruit 20-30 minutes before class.

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That way, you’ll have something in your tummy, but not enough to feel nauseated.

5. Take it Easy

Hot yoga is fun and all, but it’s an intense workout. Exercising in a hot room can take a lot out of a person.

If you need to stop and breathe, do so. When you’re just starting out, take it slow. You want the class to be effective, but overexerting yourself isn’t a good idea.

6. Consume Electrolytes

In addition to water, you should also replace your electrolytes. Beverages like sports drinks and certain powders and capsules also supply it. Be sure to have a supplement after your session is over.

Sweating causes people to lose electrolytes such as potassium and sodium, which can lead to muscle cramps and fatigue. 

Read More: 5 Benefits to a Daily Yoga Practice

7. Stay Warm

After class, it’s important to wrap yourself up and stay warm. The cool air outside will make you feel more chilled and could cause a cold.

Not to mention, your wardrobe will be soaking wet once you’re done. Unless it’s a hot summer day, be sure to bundle up.

8. Bring a Change of Clothes

Speaking of keeping warm, it might be a good idea to shower and change clothes after your workout. That’s not always possible, which is understandable.

But if you can, at least put on a dry shirt to help your body acclimate to the temperature outside.

The Benefits of Hot Yoga

Even with high temperatures in the room, hot yoga is designed for relaxation and enhanced physical fitness. A steamy atmosphere makes hot yoga more difficult, but that’s part of the fun.

If you’re looking for a challenge, this is it. Below are some of its main advantages:

Burns More Calories

Traditional yoga is good for slimming and toning the body, and it burns calories too. However, it works best for strengthening muscles and firming the core. 

If you want to take things up a notch, the additional heat in hot vinyasa yoga will add to the intensity. Plus, the extra calories help you to your fitness goals faster.

Reduced Stress

Many people use yoga as a stress reliever. Not only does it improve your health, but it creates a social environment. Going to classes and conversing with others in a calming atmosphere helps to boost morale.

Boosts the Cardiovascular System

Doing yoga poses in a high temperature gives your lungs, heart, and muscles a boost. It enhances your metabolism and respiration, which provides strength and cardio combined.

One session of hot yoga is equivalent to a brisk walk.

Better Skin

Sweating is good for your skin. A warm environment improves circulation and carrying oxygen to the skin cells.

How often can you get a banging body and flawless skin at the same time? It’s a win-win! 

Builds Bone Density

It takes a lot to support your weight while doing yoga poses. However, doing so builds bone density. This practice is especially good for premenopausal women and minimizing the risks of osteoporosis.

To learn more about the benefits of hot yoga, follow the previous link.

Are You Ready to Sweat?

After reading this article about “what is hot yoga”, you probably feel like throwing on a pair of leggings and getting in a good burn. If so, that’s awesome! Nothing beats an incredible workout.

To find an exercise class, Google “hot yoga near me”. That should do the trick! Did you enjoy reading this article? If you did, feel free to browse the rest of our blog. We cover a variety of topics that we’re sure you’ll love! Check it out.

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