Yoga has been around for thousands of years and originated from ancient India. Through out the years yoga has developed and now there are hundreds of variations, using different techniques in order to meditate, improve fitness, increase muscle strength and improve on flexibility.
Many studies have been carried out in order to ascertain particular health benefits associated with the sport, and some studies have suggested that practicing yoga can have substantial healing effects on mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety disorders.
In todays hectic society the mental benefits of yoga are extremely valuable, but yoga has been developed to help with weight loss and improve fitness levels.
Hot yoga has become increasing popular all over the world, but how does it differ from other yoga styles?
Have you still not tried this new work out? Not sure it’s for you? Here are a few things we have learnt.
Hot Yoga is very similar to Bilkram Yoga, but can interpret many styles dependent on the studio you visit.
As a work out, Hot Yoga is amazing, if you don’t mind getting sweaty! All you need to remember is that everyone in the room is sweating just as much you are so don’t feel self-conscious.
Hot yoga rooms are generally heated to around 37 degrees. Imagine being away on your hottest holiday ever, but instead of relaxing on a beach you are pushing your body to complete a strenuous work out.
Depending on the yoga style, there are sequences of around 26 postures. Some focus on endurance like Bilkram Yoga whilst others concentrate on flow, like Vinyasa. Yoga is a great way to lose weight and tone, whilst increasing flexibility. When this exercise is coupled with the intense heat of a heated yoga room, it increases your cardiovascular work-out. Your heart and body are working harder, which means your body will burn more calories and in turn, will burn more fat.
The more you sweat, the more toxins that are expelled from your body, leaving you refreshed and revitalized.
We recommend you wear tight fitting clothes to class. This is due to the amount you sweat. Wearing damp baggy clothes can be more distracting and can put you off your work out.
Remember not to push yourself too hard the first few times you go to hot yoga classes. Your body is not just working on your exercises; it is working overtime to regulate your body temperature. Also, do not wipe the sweat away as your body will just produce more sweat in its place.
The benefits of hot yoga are not just to detoxify your body and skin, but to also warm your muscles to allow for deeper postures and longer stretches. Warm muscles are far more flexible.
After a long and very hot 90 minutes of exercise you will feel invigorated. It is important to drink plenty water after your class to make sure you are properly rehydrated.
Here at Natural Answers we love a quick snack after a workout!
Fruit like Water Melon or Grapes are a great source of vitamins! And a great way to hydrate!
Have you tried Hot Yoga yet?
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