Yoga is all about balance between body, mind, and breath. But how do you find the best way to achieve that balance? That’s where different styles of yoga come in.
Hot yoga is one example that’s gotten a lot of attention recently, increasing the intensity of a standard yoga session in a room heated to over 90 degrees.
What are the benefits of hot yoga and regular yoga? Is one better than the other? And how do you decide which one provides the best experience? Find out how the two practices compare.
Hot yoga: turn up the heat
Hot yoga is performed in a heated environment, typically between 90 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit, adding a unique “sauna” element to the standard routine.
This higher heat is the main difference between hot yoga and regular yoga. Although it may seem like a small change, the increase in temperature brings with it several benefits and considerations.
Benefits of hot yoga
Overcoming the intense heat requires both mental and physical stamina. In the sweltering temperatures and soaking wet mats, you can also expect the following benefits:
- Potentially higher calorie consumption – Preliminary research shows that hot yoga significantly increases fat burning compared to regular yoga.
- Increased flexibility – High heat “warms” muscles, improves blood flow, and increases range of motion in key joints.
- natural detox – Heavy sweating is a characteristic of hot yoga and helps remove toxins and heavy metals from the body.
Science aside, many hot yoga enthusiasts simply enjoy the soothing warmth and feel refreshed and rejuvenated with every session.
Hot yoga precautions
As with any exercise, you must balance the benefits and risks of hot yoga. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your session.
- Stay well hydrated before, during and after your session
- Listen to your body and take regular breaks if needed
- If you’re new to hot yoga, consider taking a shorter class
- Discuss any health conditions or other concerns with your instructor
Additionally, many experienced hot yogis recommend a non-slip mat and one to three towels to soak up excess sweat.
Regular yoga: the classic approach
Again, yoga is all about balance, and some people may find a heated room to be unbalanced. Regular or room temperature yoga is intended to provide a more precise experience, focusing on gentle stretches, delicate poses, and conscious breathing.
If you choose a standard yoga session, there are some benefits and considerations to keep in mind.
Benefits of regular yoga
Comparing hot yoga to regular yoga, the lack of heat provides the following benefits:
- focus on technique – Practicing yoga regularly will help you explore more styles and focus on proper alignment without being distracted by a heated room.
- Adaptable and accessible – While hot yoga requires a special environment, regular yoga can be practiced anywhere: at home, in a park, or in a studio.
- comfortable – Hot yoga makes you sweat so much that some people may find it difficult to breathe. that’s ok! If you are sensitive to heat or are new to yoga in general, regular yoga may be a better option for you.
Regular yoga offers something for everyone, regardless of their fitness level, and the added heat allows you to focus on your form without the distractions.
Choose the yoga that’s right for you
Comparing the differences between hot yoga and regular yoga, the question remains which one is better for you? you?
- hot yoga – If you’re looking for a new experience or want to maximize your calorie burn and flexibility, hot yoga may be for you. Experienced yogis may enjoy this challenge, but for beginners, it’s best to take it slow, taking plenty of breaks and consulting your instructor about any health concerns.
- regular yoga – If you want to practice flexibility anywhere but don’t like sweating on the mat, regular yoga may be a better choice. It’s also great for those learning proper alignment and technique, allowing you to focus on accuracy and mindfulness without the added difficulty of heat.
Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal goals, fitness level, and preferences. Think about what you want from a yoga session and try out the style of yoga that best suits those expectations.
Find your yoga flow, hot or cold, with Chuze
of the best Is there a way to know which type of yoga is right for me? Try both. Listen to your body, evaluate your fitness goals, and see which exercises resonate with you.
Whether you prefer intense sweat-inducing sessions or cool, clear moments, the key is to maintain regular habits that support your health and well-being.
At the end of the day, it’s all about balance.
Another part of that balance is finding great yoga classes without breaking the bank. That’s why at Chuze Fitness Center, our certified group instructors are dedicated to providing customized instruction at affordable prices.
Curious how it works? Visit your local store for a free trial or check out our virtual membership program.
source:
National Library of Medicine. Acute physiological effects of yoga in the heat on energy expenditure, range of motion, and inflammatory biomarkers. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7241641/
National Library of Medicine. Excretion of Ni, Pb, Cu, As, and Hg in sweat under two sweating conditions. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8998800/
C net. Benefits of hot yoga: Is it really worth the sweat? https://www.cnet.com/health/fitness/benefits-of-hot-yoga/
Ani is the Vice President of Fitness at Chuze Fitness, where she oversees the group fitness and team training departments. She has over 25 years of experience in club management, personal training, group exercise, and instructor training. Ani lives in San Diego, California with her husband and son and loves hot yoga, snowboarding, and all things wellness.
