Surprising Benefits Of Hot Yoga We Need To Know

Last updated on July 17, 2023

Unexpected Health Benefits of Hot Yoga

Are you tired of your usual workout routine and looking for something new? Look no further than Bikram Yoga, a unique form of yoga in a heated room. Not only will it challenge your body and mind, but it also offers a range of unexpected health benefits.

ToC

Bikram Yoga, also known as hot yoga, has gained popularity recently for its ability to improve flexibility, strength, and balance. But did you know that it can also boost your immune system? 

The heat in the room helps to increase blood flow and circulation, which stimulates the production of white blood cells, enhancing your body's ability to fight off infections and diseases.

In addition to its immune-boosting properties, Bikram Yoga can also improve your mental health. The intense heat and challenging poses force you to focus on your breath and stay present in the moment, promoting mindfulness and reducing stress. 

So, if you're looking for a workout that benefits your physical health and enhances your mental well-being, try Bikram Yoga.

What is hot yoga?

Hot yoga is a vigorous form of yoga performed in a workplace that's hotted (temperature for hot yoga)  to 105 F (40 C) and has moisture of 40 percent. The formal name for hot yoga is"Bikram yoga."

Hot Yoga Bikram is a 90-minute program with 26 postures (hot yoga poses). The postures require lengthy, forceful, and well-controlled compression of all major muscle groups. 

The demanding nature of the acts and the heat are designed to raise your heart rate and tire your muscles. Hot yoga is not for everyone because of its intensity and eventuality to beget heat-related illness. 

 

Surprising  hot yoga benefits and hot yoga postures

  

 1. Improves flexibility: The heat will allow you to safely reach new levels of particular flexibility in beginner’s postures, which are curative for your body.  

• You need to be flexible so that your body can move and function efficiently. Exercising in the heat makes people feel a little more flexible and makes their muscles more elastic.

 2. Strength: This yoga is low-impact and uses muscles you didn’t know you had. It also focuses heavily on spine strength, vital to a long, healthy life! 

• Yoga builds muscle strength by using your own body weight as a form of resistance.

. 

 3. Breath: With the added heat element, you won’t make it far if you don’t breathe deeply! 

If there's no breathing, there's no yoga. It won’t take long before you learn to breathe in a full and controlled manner. 

 4. Cardio: Your heart can work the same way doing yoga postures in a heated room as it does when running. A 90-minute class can burn up to calories. Stretching and compressing your internal organs and glands also stimulates metabolism, so you're burning calories hastily outside the room. 

 

 5. Detox: The heated room helps you stretch further and do your cardio, but it also lets you sweat. The postures detoxify your muscles, organs, and glands, and sweating furthers that. 

 

6. Healing: The primary purpose of this yoga is a remedy. With regular practice, these postures can help heal old injuries and support them in the future. This is especially true for, but not limited to, back pain. Do not skip the slightly uncomfortable postures. 

Hot yoga is also known to reduce symptoms of conditions and illnesses, including diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, depression, arthritis, and obesity. 

Hot Yoga Bikram postures (hot yoga poses)

Here are 10 essential poses commonly included in hot yoga and Bikram yoga sessions:

1. Standing Deep Breathing (Pranayama)

Description: Begin with deep, rhythmic breathing while standing with feet together. This pose prepares the body and mind for the session by improving oxygen flow and calming the nervous system.

• Benefits: Enhances lung capacity, calms the mind, and increases energy levels.

2. Half Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana)

Description: From a standing position, extend one leg and reach the opposite arm overhead, creating a crescent shape with your body. This pose involves a deep lateral stretch and balance.

• Benefits: Improves balance, strengthens the core, and stretches the sides of the body.

3. Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)

Description: Stand with feet wide apart, extend your arms, and bend at the waist to touch one foot while keeping the other leg straight. This pose creates a triangular shape with your body.

• Benefits: Enhances flexibility in the legs, stretches the sides of the body, and improves core strength.

4. Tree Pose (Vrksasana)

Description: Stand on one leg, place the sole of the other foot on the inner thigh or calf (not the knee), and bring your hands together at your chest or overhead. This pose focuses on balance.

• Benefits: Improves balance and concentration, strengthens the legs and core, and enhances posture.

5. Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I)

Description: Step one foot back, bend the front knee and raise your arms overhead while keeping the back leg straight. This pose opens the hips and chest.

• Benefits: Builds strength in the legs and arms, opens the hips and chest, and increases stamina.

6. Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II)

Description: From Warrior I, open your hips and shoulders to face forward while extending your arms parallel to the floor and bending the front knee. This pose builds strength and stability.

• Benefits: Strengthens the legs, hips, and core, improves balance, and stretches the arms and legs.

7. Standing Bow Pose (Dandayamana-Dhanurasana)

Description: While standing on one leg, reach back to grasp the opposite ankle and extend the other leg straight behind you. This pose involves balancing while stretching the front of the body.

• Benefits: Improves balance and flexibility, strengthens the legs and back, and enhances concentration.

8. Locust Pose (Salabhasana)

Description: Lie face down and lift your chest, arms, and legs off the floor while keeping your gaze forward. This pose strengthens the back and core.

• Benefits: Strengthens the back, glutes, and core, improves posture, and stimulates abdominal organs.

9. Camel Pose (Ustrasana)

Description: Kneel with knees hip-width apart, place your hands on your lower back for support, and arch your back while reaching for your heels with your hands. This pose opens the chest and stretches the front of the body.

• Benefits: Opens the chest and hips, stretches the entire front of the body, and improves flexibility in the spine.

10. Corpse Pose (Savasana)

Description: End your session by lying flat on your back with arms and legs extended and relaxed. This pose promotes deep relaxation and integration of the practice.

• Benefits: It relieves stress, calms the mind, and allows the body to absorb the practice's benefits.

Tips for Practicing Hot Yoga or Bikram Yoga:

1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after class to stay hydrated in the heated environment.
2. Listen to Your Body: Avoid pushing beyond your limits and modify poses as needed to prevent injury.
3. Wear Appropriate Clothing: Opt for lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing to stay calm and comfortable.
4. Use a Towel and Mat: A towel on your mat can help prevent slipping due to sweat.
5. Breathe Deeply: Focus on your breath to maintain relaxation and stamina throughout the session.

These poses are foundational in hot and Bikram yoga practices, offering a comprehensive approach to building strength, flexibility, and balance. 

Source & Credits:

https://www.insider.com/hot-yoga

The Benefits and Risks of Hot Yoga: Is it Right for You?

(getButton) #text=(Best yoga styles for calorie burning) #icon=(link) #color=(#8134af) (getButton) #text=(How does yoga improve flexibility?) #icon=(link) #color=(#348498) (getButton) #text=(Yoga vs. traditional workouts for weight loss) #icon=(link) #color=(#2339bd) (getButton) #text=(Combining yoga and meditation for stress reduction) #icon=(link) #color=(#dd2a7b)

Praktikotips