Hot yoga is a yoga style ideally practiced in a room heated to 35-42° C with a humidity of 40%.
It is also called Bikram yoga as this style was synthesized by Bikram Chaudhary.
Bikram yoga is original hot yoga.
All Bikram yoga is hot but not all hot yoga is Bikram yoga.
Hot yoga is practiced in 90 minutes session with 26 postures. The yoga postures are same as that of traditional yoga.
A vigorous yoga session in such a high temperature leads to warm body which induces profuse sweating.
The logic behind heating the room is, heat loosen your muscles and sweating helps detoxification.
Hot yoga styles other than Bikram yoga are-
Moksha yoga
Core power yoga
Benefits of hot yoga
Working in heat helps the body relax.
Improves breathing.
Focuses the mind.
Working in a heated room increases your pulse rate and metabolism making your blood vessels more flexible which increases blood flow to the limbs.
Your body burns more calories due to excessive heat.
Cautious
People having a heart problem should consult a doctor before practicing hot yoga.
People with high or low blood pressure should limit the time duration and try an easier form.
Not advised for pregnant women as it can raise the core body temperature.
One should drink plenty of water before, during and after yoga class to maintain hydration level in the body.
Intensive training and discipline is required to survive hot yoga as it is not easy to focus while excessive sweating.
Overheating of body may lead to heat stroke.
