Hot yoga is a version of yoga that has become quite popular in recent years, consisting mainly, but not limited to, practicing traditional postures in a heated environment.
This particularity, in addition to offering many advantages of the classic form such as stress reduction and greater strength and flexibility, trains the heart, lungs and muscles even more intensely.
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Did you know that you can synchronize yoga classes to the phases of the moon?
And that you can enter the world of Yoga by participating in the 30-day challenge?
and the effort required to do it, offers many benefits, in addition to those of traditional yoga.Improve flexibility
Just like when stretching, the heat from the room stresses the muscles more, stretches them and makes them more flexible. In particular, it acts on the lower back, shoulders and hamstrings.
Burn more calories
A person weighing about 72 kg can burn roughly 183 calories per hour with classic yoga, while according to researchers from Colorado State University, calorie consumption can go up to 460 for men and 330 for women during a session. 90 minute Bikram yoga.
Even hot yoga, while not as intense as a Bikram session, allows you to burn more calories than a traditional workout.
Increase bone density
Supporting your weight during a yoga pose can help build bone density, and this is even more so if you practice Bikram yoga. A 2014 study of pre-menopausal women who have practiced this discipline for 5 years, in fact revealed in them a greater bone density in the neck, hips and lower back.
It reduces stress
This property is typical of any type of yoga but is even more true for hot yoga.
A 2018 study of stressed and physically inactive adults found that a 16-week hot yoga program significantly reduced their stress levels, while also improving interpersonal skills.
Increases the cardiovascular drive
Hot yoga poses involve an "extra activity of the heart, which beats at the same speed as a brisk walk."
Reduces blood glucose levels
Almost any type of exercise can help burn energy and reduce blood glucose levels, but hot yoga can prove to be a particularly useful tool for people at higher risk for type 2 diabetes.
In fact, a 2013 study found that a short-term Bikram yoga program could improve glucose tolerance in older adults with obesity. The effect is minor on young, thin adults but not non-existent.
It nourishes the skin
Sweating is one of the immediate effects of hot yoga, which in turn leads to an increased flow of oxygen-rich blood and nutrients to the skin cells.
is one of the main dangers. Drinking water before, during and after a hot yoga class is therefore essential. At the end of the session, you can also choose a drink that helps restore electrolytes lost during training.
Certain pre-existing health conditions can make you more prone to fainting and dizziness, such as heart disease, diabetes, arterial abnormalities, anorexia nervosa, low blood pressure, or low blood sugar. If you have any of these conditions or are pregnant, it is best to consult your doctor before starting hot yoga.
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