Simply put Hot Yoga is Yoga practiced in a heated environment, with temperatures ranging from 90-100 degrees. There are 3 main principles behind Hot Yoga.
Heat - warms the muscles and induces sweat. Warm muscles stretch further and with reduced risk of injury. The heat also increases the pulse and the body burns more calories in its efforts to stay cool while exercising. Heat dialates capillaries, distributing oxygen more effectively to muscles, glands, organs and other tissues, helping to remove toxins.
Sweat - The skin, the body’s largest organ, eliminates toxins through perspiration. The function of sweat is to cool an overheated body. Sweating stimulates the metabolism and the immune system.
Focus and Breathing - As yogis work through challenging postures the mind needs to stay focused. To help gain focus deep breathing is used to increase the flow of prana. Deep breathing helps to calm the mind and body and allows oxygen to circulate through the body more easily.
Students have reported that Hot Yoga has helped them to:
- Increase performance - many elite athletes have now turned to Hot Yoga as a way to increase their performance.
- Flexibility
- Stress Relief
- Lose weight
- Improve their immune systems
- Increase their cardiovascular abilities
- Feel more energized
**Note: While there are many benefits of hot yoga, it is not recommended for pregnant women or those who have not completed puberty. Please consult your physician should you have any health concerns.