Hot yoga, a vigorous practice performed in a heated room, is renowned for its intense physical and mental workout. While often associated with Bikram yoga, it encompasses a range of styles like vinyasa, power, and yin yoga, each offering distinct experiences in the heat.
The defining characteristic of hot yoga is the heated environment in which it is practiced, typically around 95-105 degrees Fahrenheit with added humidity. This heat facilitates deeper stretching, enhances flexibility, and promotes detoxification through increased sweating.
Origins
Hot yoga gained momentum in the late 20th century, with Bikram Choudhury popularizing his eponymous style. Since then, other hot yoga variations have emerged, integrating elements of traditional yoga styles but adapting them to a heated environment.
The idea for a heated yoga class came from the notoriously hot climate of southern India such as in Mysore where the origin of Ashtanga yoga took place.
While primarily focused on physical wellness, hot yoga also incorporates the mental discipline and mindfulness found in traditional yoga practices, adapting these to the unique challenge of a heated environment.
Practice
Hot yoga is characterized by its practice in a hot and humid environment, aimed at enhancing the benefits of vinyasa yoga, power yoga, and yin yoga. It works on flexibility, preventing injury, and promoting physical and mental endurance.
Common Yoga Practices in Heat
- Bikram Yoga: Features a set sequence of 26 postures and two breathing exercises in a 90-minute session.
- Vinyasa: A dynamic flow of postures synchronized with breath in a warm environment.
- Power Yoga: Focuses on strength and flexibility, offering a more intense physical challenge.
- Yin Yoga: Targets deep connective tissues with prolonged holds in a gentler heat setting.
Suitability
Experience Level: Intermediate Level to Advanced Practitioners
Physical Demand: Balanced Activity to Physically Engaging
Mind-Body Engagement: Balanced Mind-Body
Adaptability: Moderately Adaptable
Focus Area: Comprehensive Fitness
Notes
Enhances muscular flexibility, detoxifies through sweating, improves cardiovascular health, and bolsters mental focus and resilience.
While it is normally required to take a Hot Yoga class in a studio designed for heated yoga, it is possible to practice Hot Yoga at home in your own personal heated Hot Yoga Dome.
Similar Styles
Ashtanga Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Power Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Yin Yoga, VinYin Yoga
Equipment
Required: Yoga Mat
Nice to Have: Yoga Blocks, Yoga Towel
Optional: Yoga Strap
References
'Hot Yoga MasterClass: Discover a Beautiful Hot Yoga Practice, Precision Techniques for Beginners to Advanced' by Gabrielle Raiz
'Hot Yoga: Energizing, Rejuvenating, Healing' by Marilyn Barnett
'Beyond Hot Yoga: On Patterns, Practice, and Movement' by Kyle Ferguson
