Is Hot Yoga for U?

The yoga mats are laid ready, the temperature’s cranked up. It’s time to get your sweat on – with a hot yoga session.

It’s the newest fitness craze – and why shouldn’t it be popular? After all, not only does it provide aerobic exercise, it stretches out your muscles, improves posture and clears your mind to boot. Most of all, it makes you sweat. Temperatures are turned up to anywhere from 30 to 50 degrees Celsius, and humidity is increased as well. By warming the muscles, hot yoga can help you move deeper into poses, stretching further than might be possible in more traditional yoga. Not only that, but the sweat’s good for your skin and the heat makes your body work even harder, elevating the heart rate.

All of that’s great, but hot yoga may not be for everyone, and there are things to keep in mind if you’re looking to introduce it into your fitness regime. As with any new exercise, know your own health limitations before you start. Watch out for muscle strain and drink plenty of water before a class so that you’re hydrated – that sweat has to come from somewhere, after all! If you have a heart condition or are pregnant consult your doctor before you start, or stick to traditional yoga for now. Knowing that, though, go heat up your life: hot yoga can be fun and challenging – and a great workout too!

References:
http://www.hotyogabenefits.com/
http://www.besthealthmag.ca/get-healthy/fitness/the-benefits-of-hot-yoga