Yoga is about balance between body, mind and breath. But finding the best way to achieve this balance? This is where different styles of yoga come into play.
Hot yoga is one example that has recently gained attention, increasing the intensity of your standard yoga session with a room heated to 90 degrees or higher.
What are the advantages of hot yoga compared to classic yoga? Is one better than the other? And how can you decide which one will give you the best experience? Read on to compare the two practices and find out.
Hot yoga: raise the temperature
Hot yoga takes place in a heated environment, typically between 90 and 105°F, adding a unique “sauna” element to your standard routine.
This higher heat is the main difference between hot yoga and regular yoga. And while it may seem like a small change, high temperatures have several benefits and considerations.
Benefits of Hot Yoga
Going through intense heat challenges your endurance, both mentally and physically. Amid sweltering temperatures and soggy carpets, you can also expect benefits like:
- Potentially higher calorie burn – Preliminary studies show that hot yoga significantly boosts fat burning compared to regular yoga.
- Increased flexibility – High heat helps “warm up” your muscles and improve blood circulation, improving range of motion in major joints.
- Natural detox – Heavy sweating is a characteristic of hot yoga, which can help remove toxins and heavy metals from your body.
Science aside, many hot yoga enthusiasts simply enjoy the soothing warmth, leaving each session feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Considerations for Hot Yoga
As with any exercise, the benefits of hot yoga must be weighed against the risks. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your session:
- Stay well hydrated before, during and after the session
- Listen to your body and take regular breaks if necessary
- Consider taking shorter classes if you’re new to hot yoga
- Talk to your instructor about any health issues or other concerns
Additionally, many experienced hot yogis recommend non-slip mats and a towel or three to wick away excess sweat.
Regular yoga: the classic approach
Again, yoga is about balance – and some might find that a heated room disrupts that balance. Regular or room temperature yoga aims to provide a more measured experience, focusing on gentle stretching, delicate poses, and mindful breathing.
Note a few benefits and considerations when opting for a standard yoga session:
Benefits of Regular Yoga
In the context of hot yoga compared to regular yoga, the lack of heat allows for certain advantages:
- Focus on techniques – Regular yoga can help you explore more styles and focus on good alignment without the distraction of a heated room.
- Adaptable and accessible – Although heated yoga requires a specialized environment, regular yoga can be practiced anywhere: at home, at the park or in a studio.
- Comfortable – Some may find hot yoga too sweaty and stuffy. And that’s ok! Regular yoga may be best if you are sensitive to heat or new to yoga in general.
Regular yoga offers something for everyone, regardless of your fitness level, allowing you to focus on getting fit without the distraction that extra heat might create.
Choosing the yoga that suits you
After comparing the differences between hot yoga and classic yoga, one question remains: which one is best? You?
- Hot yoga – If you are looking for a new experience or want to maximize your calorie burn and flexibility, hot yoga might be right for you. Although experienced yogis may enjoy the challenge, it’s best for beginners to take it slowly, taking plenty of breaks and consulting your instructor about any health concerns.
- Regular yoga – If you prefer the flexibility of practicing anywhere and don’t like sweating through your mat, regular yoga may be the best choice. It’s also ideal if you’re still learning proper alignment and techniques, allowing you to focus on precision and mindfulness without the added challenge of heat.
Ultimately, your choice depends on your personal goals, fitness level, and preferences. Think about what you want from your yoga session and try the style of yoga that best meets those expectations.
Hot or not, find your yoga rhythm with Chuze
THE best How do you know which type of yoga is right for you? Try both. Listen to your body, evaluate your fitness goals and see which practice is right for you.
Whether you prefer an intense, sweat-inducing session or a moment of clarity, the key is to maintain a regular practice that supports your health and well-being.
After all, it’s about balance.
Another part of this balance is finding a great yoga class that won’t break the bank. That’s why at Chuze Fitness Centers, our certified group instructors are dedicated to providing personalized guidance at affordable prices.
Curious to know how it works? Visit a location near you for a free trial or check out our virtual membership program.
Sources:
National Library of Medicine. Acute physiological effects of yoga practice 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/
CNet. Benefits of Hot Yoga: Is It Really Worth the Sweat? https://www.cnet.com/health/fitness/benefits-of-hot-yoga/
Reviewed by:
Ani is the Vice President of Fitness at Chuze Fitness and oversees the group fitness and team training departments. She has had a career spanning over 25 years in club management, personal training, group exercise and instructor training. Ani lives with her husband and son in San Diego, California and loves hot yoga, snowboarding, and all things wellness.