In recent years, hot yoga has become a popular kind of fitness. In addition to the same fantastic benefits as traditional yoga, it can positively impact more on our lungs, heart, and muscles due to the higher temperature.
So, are you curious about what is hot yoga? Continue reading this article to explore this kind of exercise and its advantages on our health.
What Is Hot Yoga?
The original name of this training form was Bikram, named after its creator in the 1970s. It is not a regular exercise but a system of 26 poses.
What is a hot yoga class? The classroom must have a temperature of over 40oC and humidity of 40% to achieve the effect.
This method aims to increase the heart rate so that the body can exercise with higher intensity, while the heat helps the muscles relax.
However, this is a harsh training regimen even for those familiar with hot yoga meaning, because practicing in a high-temperature room for 90 minutes is not easy.
People divide the movements of the method according to levels from low to advanced, which are mainly static postures. When it comes to exercise, its high temperature comes primarily from the outside temperature, which helps keep the room warm.
However, the body will also produce heat and heat the body during exercise. Heat stimulates the body’s ability to move, increasing the heart rate. Thanks to these characteristics, more and more people are interested in the question: hot yoga, what is it?
What Are The Benefits Of Hot Yoga?
As its name implies, it is one of the hottest practice methods today. Despite the difficulty, the number of students in each center is always increasing. So what makes it so special, and is hot yoga good for you?
Does Hot Yoga Help You Lose Weight?
When it comes to the effectiveness of this method, “is hot yoga good for weight loss” is always the first question we hear. Common training methods are a good way to stay in shape, but if you choose to practice in high heat, the weight loss will be faster.
Studies have shown that each 90-minute workout at 35°C will burn 1,000 calories. This is an extremely impressive number for indoor exercise because it is double that of other forms, such as aerobics or running about 1.6km.
It not only burns calories through heat-induced sweating but also increases breathing rate and metabolism during exercise. About hot yoga weight loss before and after, you will see a noticeable change after a few weeks of practice.
View more: How Hot Is Hot Yoga Temperature? – Things You Need To Know
Helps Detox The Body
Exercising in low humidity and high temperatures causes the body to sweat more than usual. This contributes to enhancing the body’s ability to eliminate toxins.
In addition, it ensures the benefits that ordinary methods bring to the practitioner, such as increasing blood circulation, improving the circulatory system, etc.; this helps to accelerate the process of detoxification and purification of the body.
Increase Flexibility
What’s the difference between doing hot yoga before and after? Well, that could be a more flexible body.
Like regular exercises, practicing under high heat brings flexibility to the body. It keeps muscles flexible, especially as we age. Flexibility in joints and muscles also helps you prevent injuries.
Besides, this method also works to help the blood circulation to the organs more regularly. As a result, those who practice it will see their health improve markedly after a few training sessions.
Improve Physiological Function
As mentioned above, the Bikram brings many good effects to the body’s blood circulation system. The special postures in this exercise help the blood transport process to the organs more evenly.
Specifically, it directs blood flow to certain areas and temporarily locks it for about a minute. The next position will release this blood and carry it to other organs when you change positions.
This exercise also helps you regulate your breathing. It controls and replenishes oxygen to the lungs and transfers them to the entire body.
Mental Training
Mental wellbeing is one of the most sought-after hot yoga benefits. Most sessions use a sequence of 26 poses and two breathing exercises. Completing 26 poses in an hour and a half of practice in fairly high heat is a physical challenge and training in mental discipline.
The further you go with this subject, the more focused and determined you will be. Concentration ability is the quality needed to help you be more successful in life.
Potential Risks
Practicing in high temperatures has many health benefits, but this depends on each person’s health condition and practice. Mistakes can lead to serious consequences such as:
- Heatstroke: It can cause exhaustion with symptoms like dizziness, cramps, nausea, lightheadedness, etc. Heatstroke can also lead to death.
- Joint and muscle damage: Overtraining or undertraining with a coach can lead to muscle and joint problems, increasing the risk of injuries.
- Infection: Sweating during exercise is ideal for bacteria and viruses to thrive.
See more: What To Wear To Hot Yoga – Tips To Keep Comfortable And Cool
Some Tips For Doing Hot Yoga Safely
- Drink enough water: Drinking water before class helps the body stay hydrated, but don’t drink too much because it makes the stomach uncomfortable.
- Eat on time: Only eat 2 hours before a workout, a full or empty stomach is not good for exercising.
- Arrive early: If possible, arrive at least 30 minutes early to change clothes, and acclimate to room temperature. Don’t forget to report if you have any injuries.
- Wear comfortable clothes: Wear light, breathable, absorbent clothing such as sports bras and shorts.
- Get enough: If you don’t get to a certain position, practice it regularly, and increase your range of motion week by week. Take a break if you feel nauseous or dizzy.
- Avoid wiping sweat: Sweat helps your body maintain a normal temperature, letting it flow while you exercise.
Who Should Avoid Hot Yoga?
This method is not suitable for:
- People over 60 years old
- Pregnant women
- People with diabetes
- People with blood pressure problems
- People who are often dizzy
Conclusion
This article has provided helpful information about the question: What is hot yoga, and its benefits. It requires a lot of patience and endurance to achieve the desired effect. Don’t forget the safety measures we’ve put into protecting you.
Hope you will have effective and safe training moments. Thanks for reading!
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