I first tried hot yoga last year , when I just needed something “more” to my yoga practice and have since fallen in love with the practice. I happen to stumble upon an unlimited hot yoga deal on Groupon and I am so so glad I chose to buy it. Because my life has not been the same since.
This practice deserves so much praise and really deserves so much more attention. There’s something so gratifying about taking a hot yoga class.
Since my first class, I have experienced so many positive changes both physical and mental that I owe to my weekly practice of hot yoga.
Check out some benefits of hot yoga below and hopefully you decide to turn up the heat in your workouts. No pun intended!
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Benefits of Hot Yoga
- Improves Flexibility (i know obvious but worth mentioning)
Hot Yoga is no walk in the park and it is difficult to hold some poses. You may not be limber today but give hot yoga a try and you’ll be feeling more flexible and limber in no time. Doing yoga in a heated room allows you to stretch further and be able to achieve a greater range of motion. You will be able to stretch further than you though as the heat promotes relaxation of muscles.
- Clearer skin
My skin has really never been clearer since starting hot yoga. You’ll be sweating a lot during the class. And it feels amazing. Sweating helps bring nutrients and circulation to the surface and allows your skin to be nourished from the inside out.
- Boost cardiovascular Health
Doing pigeon pose in the heat will make your heart pump faster and have your blood pumping which is what the heart loves. In fact, according to a 2014 study one session of hot yoga is enough to get your heart pumping at the same rate as a brisk walk.
- Can help you lose weight
Hot yoga can help you burn calories and on average in one 90-minute session of Bikram yoga, men burn about 460 calories and women burn about 330. If your goal is to lose weight, hot yoga is something to add as part of your workout routine. But don’t forget to also focus on other factors that contribute to weight loss such as diet.
- Kick stress to the curb and Sleep Better
Sleep. The foundation of overall health and wellbeing. We are continually being told that we need more sleep and rightfully so. If you’re struggling to sleep at night, yoga could help. In fact, according to a recent national health study from the CDC over 55 percent of yogis reported improved sleep, and more than 85 percent said they were less stressed.
Some Tips
- bring a water bottle, yoga mat and towel as you will sweat
- Make sure you are well hydrated pre-class
- Try a 60 minute class before trying a 90 minutes class
- Make sure to bring warm clothes afterwards if you live in a colder climate
- check on Groupon to see if your local area offers hot yoga deals
- Keep calm and do hot yoga 😉
Bottom Line
Hot yoga may not be for everyone, especially those with pre existing conditions , but if you enjoy regular yoga and want to take it up a degree then hot yoga may be for you.
Always consult with your doctor before practicing hot yoga as the extreme temperatures may be detrimental to your health. If you have any health conditions, including heart or artery issues, diabetes, anorexia nervosa, a history of fainting, or heat intolerance, consult your doctor first before doing a hot yoga session.
Try it and let me know!
