Hot Yoga is Really Hot!

What is hot yoga (also known as Bikram Yoga)?

Bikram or hot yoga is a series of yoga poses done in a very heated room, which is usually maintained at a temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 40 degrees Celsius). Yoga at this temperature promotes profuse sweating, which is believed to help rid the body of toxins. It also keeps the body very warm and, therefore, more flexible.^[5]

Bikram Yoga works toward wellness, restoration and rejuvenation. The heated studio facilitates deeper stretching, prevents injury, and relieves stress and tension. Bikram Yoga was designed to systematically stimulate and restore health to every muscle, joint and organ of the body. Participants are guided through a series of 26 postures during which the heart, lungs, circulation, muscles, brain activity and mental capacity are all affected. There are two descriptions of the 26 exercises and they are asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises). Both of these rely on each other to deliver positive results. According to Bikram, many people only use up to 50 percent of their lung capacity, and just like any muscle, the lungs must be stretched in order to (through practice) withstand holding more oxygen. When one is practicing the pranayama s/he will eventually be able to enhance oxygen conversion and absorption, as well as improve blood circulation. (Choudhury, 2007) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_Yoga

Is this class for beginners? This past weekend, I attended an all-level type hot yoga class. I must say I found it very challenging for a multi-level class. I believe it all depends on the instructor or studio/gym philosophy. If you are new to yoga, it is best to start with a beginner type class, then progress from there.

What is the controversy that sometimes accompanies this type of the class? Since the temperature of the yoga room is higher, there may be an increased chance of dizziness or fainting due to blood circulation.

Another concern is that the warmth of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments allows them to be more flexible than that at room temperature. Since this may enhance an individuals stretch, it may cause tissue damage by stretching past their safety limit.

Lastly, it has also been suggested that sweating profusely in a confined room with increased humidity may cause an increased air-bourne toxins. However, I believe there still needs to be more conclusive evidence of this.

Overall Rating of Hot Yoga - 4 out 5

I really enjoy the class because I tend to have a lot of muscles stiffness and soreness. The increased heat in the room allows my tight muscles to warm up with the stretching.

For more information on Hot Yoga classes, click here...