Hot Yoga

Yoga that’ll make you sweat your pants off – literally!

Yoga is supposed to be comforting and relaxing, isn’t it? Not really. Hot yoga, the nickname for Bikram yoga, is one of the most popular yoga styles; however it has a torturing reputation.

Hot yoga is practiced in heated rooms with temperatures between 32 to 45-degrees-Celsius for at least 90-minutes per session. This is in order to stimulate blood circulation. During a hot yoga class, the blood creates more pressure, meaning that more oxygen reaches any damaged cells in the body. As a result, it strengthens and energizes your body, builds flexibility and improves the lubrication of the joints.

Since hot yoga studios are so hot, students are asked to wear as little as possible. So, women often wear sports bras with shorts; while men usually wear just a bathing suit or shorts. Bringing a large towel and a washcloth is ideal for wiping away sweat.

The name Bikram yoga came from founder, Bikram Choudhury, the father of the universal Yoga College of India. As one of most controversial and assertive yoga gurus, 59-year-old Choudhury’s yoga studios have spread across America within the last 30-years. His unique “hot yoga” postures are protected under copyright laws, so no yoga studio can teach hot yoga classes without his permission.

Lots of hot yoga beginners experience dizziness, nausea, lack of energy, body sores and even disorientation during or after their first hot yoga class. Don’t be afraid. These symptoms are normal. The sweltering training environment will make your body lose tons of water and energy. This is why it’s vital to drink plenty of water before and after exercising. Oftentimes, instructors will recommend salt and potassium tablets for retaining water.

In addition to water, you should have a nap before class. Fatigue is your body’s natural reaction when it is cleansed of toxins. A light meal and lots of water is recommended before a hot yoga class. Avoid drinking too much coffee or tea, because caffeine will affect your body’s ability to withstand the heat. Also avoid eating any processed foods.

For individuals who like to practicing hot yoga at home, a big bathroom will be the best area to do it in. Heat the room by running a hot shower and leave some water in the bathtub to keep the room steamy. If the room can’t be kept at a temperature of at least 37-degrees-Celsius, wear warm clothes during your yoga session.