Yoga is all about balance – between body, mind and breath. But what is the best way to achieve this balance? This is where different styles of yoga come into play.
Hot yoga, an example that has gained attention recently, involves increasing the intensity of your standard yoga session in a room heated to 90 degrees or more.
What are the benefits of hot yoga compared to regular 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: Turn up the heat
Hot yoga takes place in a heated environment, typically between 90 and 105°F, and adds a unique “sauna” element to your standard routine.
This higher heat is the main difference between hot yoga and regular yoga. While this may sound like a small change, increased temperatures bring several benefits and considerations.
Benefits of Hot Yoga
Enduring the intense heat tests your mental and physical endurance. In oppressive temperatures and soaked mats, you can also expect benefits such as:
- Potentially higher calorie consumption – Preliminary studies show that hot yoga significantly increases fat burning compared to regular yoga.
- Increased flexibility – High heat helps warm up your muscles, improve blood circulation and improve mobility in important joints.
- Natural detoxification – Heavy sweating is a hallmark of hot yoga, which can help eliminate 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.
Hot Yoga Considerations
As with any exercise, the benefits of hot yoga must be weighed against the risks. Here are a few 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 when necessary
- Consider taking shorter classes if you’re new to hot yoga
- Talk to your teacher about any health problems 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 all about balance – and some may find that a heated room upsets that balance. Regular or room temperature yoga aims to provide a more measured experience that focuses on gentle stretching, delicate posture, and mindful breathing.
Keep some benefits and considerations in mind 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 offers certain advantages:
- Focus on technique – Regular yoga can help you explore more styles and focus on proper alignment without the distraction of a heated room.
- Adaptable and accessible – While heated yoga requires a special environment, regular yoga can be practiced anywhere – at home, in the park or in the studio.
- Comfortable – Some may find hot yoga too sweaty and stuffy. And that’s okay! Regular yoga may be preferable if you are sensitive to heat or are new to yoga in general.
Regular yoga offers something for everyone, regardless of fitness level, allowing you to focus on form without the distraction that extra heat might bring.
Choose the right yoga for you
After comparing the differences between hot yoga and regular yoga, one question remains: which one is right? You?
- Hot yoga – If you are looking for a new experience or want to maximize calorie burn and flexibility, hot yoga could be right for you. While experienced yogis may enjoy the challenge, for beginners it’s best to ease into the habit slowly, take plenty of breaks, and consult with your teacher if you have any health concerns.
- Regular yoga – If you prefer the flexibility to practice anywhere and don’t feel like sweating through your mat, regular yoga may be a better 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 flow with Chuze
The preferably How do you know which type of yoga is right for you? Try both. Listen to your body, assess your fitness goals, and find out which exercise works for you.
Whether you prefer an intense, sweaty session or a moment of cool clarity, the key is maintaining a regular practice that supports your health and well-being.
After all, it’s all about balance.
Another part of this balance is finding a great yoga class that won’t break the bank. That’s why our certified group trainers at Chuze Fitness centers strive to provide tailored instruction at affordable prices.
Curious 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 practicing yoga 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 welding conditions. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8998800/
CNet. Benefits of Hot Yoga: Is It Really Worth All 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 leads the group fitness and team training departments. She has a career spanning more than 25 years in club management, personal training, group exercise and coach education. Ani lives in San Diego, California with her husband and son and loves hot yoga, snowboarding and all things wellness.
