Hot Yoga
Stretch, strain and sweat your way to a better you with Hot Yoga.
Don’t be confused by its name and assume that Yoga could get any more difficult than you might think it already is. Hot Yoga is simply practicing selected asanas, Yoga postures and poses, in a heated room.
In Hot Yoga, the room temperature is usually kept at 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit while you are maintaining your asanas. A Hot Yoga class usually takes up to two hours. Now, the heat helps the body warm up while it relaxes the muscles, increasing its flexibility and preventing injury. The heat also encourages an increase in cardiovascular activity and helps you burn more calories. Also, the temperature allows for you to sweat more thus helping the body to get rid of toxins faster.
Hot Yoga and Bikram Yoga: The Difference
The difference –none, for both employ the same fundamental concept which is heat. But why call the same thing two different names?
At the forefront of Hot Yoga is Bikram Choudhury, Yoga Champion and “Yogi to the Stars.” He founded the Yoga College of India in Beverly Hills in 1974 where he teaches future yoga instructors in his prescribed method of Hot Yoga.
In a lawsuit against San Francisco-based Hot Yoga teachers, Choudhury claimed that he has copyright over the 26 poses done in a hot room and would like to reserve this title for those who were certified by his college. The case however was settled when Hot Yoga teachers agreed not to use the Bikram Yoga name. Hot Yoga now is the generic term for this practice of Yoga.
Health Hits
Many people are encouraged to practice Hot Yoga for the first time because they think that it could help them lose weight – and it does. But don’t just stop there for you have to remember, Hot Yoga is an exercise for the mind as well as for the body. Concentration and Meditation that is at the core of Yoga help you relax and focus thus reducing stress and improving overall well-being. Hot Yoga also:
Improves Balance
Develops Stamina
Increases Flexibility
Tones muscles
Lowers blood pressure
Improves Coordination, and
Strengthens Endurance
Tips
Hot Yoga is a vigorous task involving both the mind and the body. As such, it is important that you are prepared if you want to try it out. Here are some tips before you do Hot Yoga:
Don’t eat two hours before class.
Drink plenty of water before and after class to prevent dehydration.
Bring your own mat and towel since you will be sweating profusely.
Choose comfortable clothes for you will be performing certain poses.
With this simple things in mind, your on your way to a healthier, more relaxed you.
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