Hot yoga is one of the most popular variations of yoga today. Hot Yoga was popularized by Bikram Choudhury, the founder of Bikram Yoga in the 1970s. Bikram developed hot yoga from hatha practice.
As the name suggests, hot yoga is yoga that is done by adding an element of heat during exercise. Hot yoga is done similarly to yoga in general, namely by using a mat and doing several yoga poses.
The difference lies in the air temperature when doing hot yoga. If yoga is usually done at room temperature or lower than 27 degrees Celsius, hot yoga is done at a temperature of 32-40 degrees Celsius.
This high temperature is applied not without purpose. Quoted from LiveScience, hot temperatures can trigger more sweat than regular yoga. In addition, the heat also helps warm the muscles, allowing for more extended and flexible stretches.
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The benefits of hot yoga are still controversial. Some studies have found a connection between hot yoga and health, but other studies have found no perceived benefits. Some of the potential benefits of hot yoga from several studies are:
Increase Flexibility
By using heat, it is expected to speed up the heating and stretching process more optimally. Several studies prove this. However, these studies are still relatively small, so further research is needed on this matter.
Burn More Calories
Some yoga experts claim that this yoga can burn up to 1000 calories in one session. However, studies have found that the number of calories burned is generally 179 - 478 calories per session, depending on each person's age, weight, and fitness values.
Improve Cardiovascular Health
Research suggests that this exercise can increase metabolic response, pulse rate, and increase core body temperature. Several studies have also succeeded in proving the positive effect of hot yoga on blood lipids, insulin resistance, and glucose tolerance.
Reduce Stress
In principle, like traditional yoga, hot yoga can help in reducing stress. In addition, this exercise can also reduce anxiety. This has been proven in various studies.
Since this exercise is quite strenuous, it is recommended for beginners to rest if they feel intolerant and drink enough water. The risks of hot yoga are dehydration, overheating, and muscle damage. Before practicing you are advised to consume enough water. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or have difficulty breathing while exercising, stop the exercise immediately and leave the room. Hot yoga can be intolerable by some people, so it's best to consult a professional before doing this exercise. Choose another exercise that suits you better. Keep in mind that a variety of other exercises can also offer similar benefits.
