Is hot yoga better than regular yoga?

1. Hot yoga, or yoga in a heated room up to 40 degrees. It remains popular. But why would you do that and is it good for you? In this article, we'll take a look at the pros and cons of hot yoga.

What is hot yoga?

1. Hot yoga is yoga in a room with a temperature of up to 40 degrees. But you don't have to. There are also classes where it is 25 to 30 degrees. Temperature, style, and heat may vary.

2. Hot yoga is yoga in a room with a temperature of up to 40 degrees. But you don't have to. There are also classes where it is 25 to 30 degrees. The temperature, style, and heat may vary.

1. Yin, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Hatha… Simply put, any kind of yoga can be “hot”. Provided the lesson takes place in a heated room. Hot yoga is therefore not a separate form of yoga.

1. Rooms can be heated by turning the heating to high. This heats the air around you. You feel this heat on your skin first. So you are heated from the outside.

1. There are also studios with infrared panels. The infrared rays heat your body from the inside. As a result, the room is not warm at the start of the lesson, but you will already sweat even when standing still.

1. Bikram yoga is a form of hot yoga that has not been mentioned yet. Chances are you've heard of it before. Unlike the other forms of yoga, Bikram is always hot. About 40 degrees with a high humidity.

1. A Bikram lesson is always the same. A lesson consists of 26 fixed exercises and lasts 90 minutes. The same exercises are also reflected in other forms of yoga. But with Bikram you always stick to a fixed order.

The pros and cons of hot yoga

1. Sports in 40 degrees, is that wise? Most people are reluctant to exercise outside in the heat of the day in the summer. Then we prefer to lie on the water or stay indoors where the air conditioning is on. And yet it is popular for the following benefits.

The benefits of hot yoga

1. Practicing yoga has many advantages. You also benefit from that with hot yoga. Proponents of hot yoga see even more benefits, but not everything has been proven. We therefore limit ourselves to real advantages:

1. The most obvious advantage is that you are immediately warm. Which is extra tasty in the winter. No cold hands and feet.

1. You are much more flexible than usual. Some poses feel easier or maybe you are suddenly more flexible than you thought. This is because the heat dilates blood vessels and makes blood flow to your muscles more easily.

1. Like other types of yoga, a class is challenging and relaxing at the same time. You work your way through the exercises while sweating and can be proud of yourself after class. Afterwards you can feel a lot better mentally.

2. Like other types of yoga, a class is challenging and relaxing at the same time. You work your way through the exercises while sweating and you can be proud of yourself after class. Afterwards you can therefore feel a lot better mentally.

1. It is also a distraction from everyday life. Because of the movements and heat, you can't help but be fully focused on the lesson. Watching your breath requires all your attention, so you can't think about your homework, chores, or work.

1. The heat and exertion will make your heart beat faster. You need good, calm breathing to control this. Practicing deep breathing ensures that you take in more oxygen and thus more oxygen reaches your muscles and organs through your blood.

The cons of hot yoga

1. Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages. Not everyone experiences these disadvantages. So feel free to try a lesson, but prepare well.

2. Unfortunately there are also disadvantages. Not everyone experiences these disadvantages. So feel free to try a lesson, but be prepared.

1. For example, it is not suitable for people with high blood pressure. The heat and exertion can cause your blood pressure to rise even further. Consult your doctor if you have anything and are unsure whether hot yoga is wise.

1. Another drawback is the risk of dehydration. You will have to drink a lot before and afterwards. During a lesson you lose a lot of water and salt. Some yoga studios offer water with salt added after a warm class.

1. Not all of us can handle the heat equally well. Some people acclimatize more slowly, while others immediately experience the warmth as pleasant. It is advisable to be in the classroom before class.

1. Are you a beginner or an experienced yogi, but not very familiar with your limits? In a warm room where you feel nice and flexible, it is very easy to stretch too far. This can injure your muscles, tendons and joints. Therefore never give the full 100%.

1. Do you get dizzy or do a pose don't feel right? Then know what to do. In hot yoga, it is recommended that you lie flat on your back so that everything is level. If necessary, leave the room.

1. Hot yoga is for beginners too. But tell this to the yoga teacher, so that he / she can watch you. The teacher will then give you extra help with the breathing techniques and in finding your limits.

Lose weight with hot yoga?

1. Can you also lose weight with hot yoga? Yes. The scale may show a lower number after a lesson. However, the weight you lose is pure water. After class, you should drink a lot immediately, so you don't get dehydrated. So you don't actually lose weight by sweating extra.

1. You can lose weight when you practice hot yoga AND are on a calorie deficit.

Is hot yoga better than regular yoga?

1. So is yoga in warm or hot yoga better than regular yoga? Actually, it makes little difference. If it feels better to you, it is better. You also benefit from the most benefits with normal yoga classes. The different postures and the effort also stimulate the blood circulation at lower temperatures. And in every yoga class you consciously practice deep breathing.

1. What do you choose? Hot yoga or rather something else?