How Hot is Hot Yoga? 7 Tips to Get All the Sweat From Your Practice
What is hot yoga?
Hot yoga is the practice of performing yoga moves in a studio that is heated and may have added humidity to replicate the environment found in India where yoga originated. It is an extremely popular form of yoga due to the amount of sweating done when performing hot yoga — it feels as though the practice of hot yoga is cleansing as well as restorative.
Bikram hot yoga system
Hot yoga was originally developed by a yogi by the name of Bikram Choudhury, who developed the style while living in Japan and brought it over to America in the 1970s. Bikram style hot yoga is distinctive from other forms of hot yoga in the following ways:
- Bikram hot yoga requires silence and students are encouraged to self-adjust using mirrors in the front of the studio
- Studios are kept at 105 degrees Fahrenheit with 40% humidity
- There is no music, clapping, or talking in Bikram hot yoga
How hot is hot yoga?
The heat of the specific hot yoga class you take will vary unless you are practicing a style with a set temperature, such as Bikram style hot yoga. Most hot yoga classes are taught in temperatures between 80 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The level of humidity in your class is also important, as it will affect how hot you feel as you work through the practice. Check with your instructor to see what temperature and humidity they use to run their class.
If you have medical conditions that may be exacerbated by prolonged exposure to heat or long bouts of exercise, talk to your doctor before practicing hot yoga. Pregnant women should be especially careful about practicing hot yoga and should talk to their medical provider before taking any hot yoga class.
Perfect hot yoga temperature
The best temperature for hot yoga will depend on how intense your practice is. Some more intense versions of hot yoga can be dangerous for certain people, so make sure you talk to a trusted medical professional to determine if you can safely practice hot yoga. If the medical professional advises that you should take it slowly, start with an easier hot yoga practice at a lower temperature and humidity.
Hot yoga benefits
There are a wide variety of benefits to practicing hot yoga consistently. Not only does hot yoga help improve your flexibility and balance, but it can also nourish your skin and burn more calories than traditional yoga. Hot yoga has increased calorie-burning potential due to the heat of the room in which you practice.
Practicing hot yoga also comes with a plethora of mental benefits. Those who regularly practice yoga have self-reported lower levels of perceived stress and depression. This makes it a wonderful outlet for those suffering from anxiety or depression. Talk to your medical professional about how hot yoga could help improve your mental health and how it could be a healthy, productive way to destress.
8 cool tips to practice hot yoga as a professional
Bring two towels
You will sweat during your entire hot yoga practice. To keep yourself feeling refreshed and eager, it’s important that you bring towels with you. You can use these towels to wipe yourself down and keep your practice area clean during your hot yoga practice. If you only bring one towel, it may become unusable by the time you’ve finished your practice. This is why we suggest that you bring two towels — your comfort is important and being drenched in sweat during your entire practice can be very distracting.
Stay hydrated (bring ice instead of water)
Due to the heat of your hot yoga practice room, it is often advisable that you bring a water bottle or jug filled mostly with ice. That way you will always have cool and refreshing water to help you focus and stay hydrated during your hot yoga routine. If you bring just a bottle of water, it will be hot within a few minutes of starting your practice. By bringing ice instead of water, you’ll ensure that you have something cool to drink during the entire hot yoga session.
Dress light
Make sure that the clothes you wear to practice hot yoga are lightweight and comfortable. You will be sweating intensely throughout, so heavy clothing will only make you feel uncomfortable. Check with your instructor if you are unsure what type of clothing would be best for your hot yoga practice. In general, yoga pants, tank tops, light t-shirts, and shorts all make great options.
Limit food before practice
If you practice hot yoga on a full stomach, it can be difficult to focus on your asanas and poses. If you do need to eat something before you head into your hot yoga practice, keep it light. A protein-rich snack will help you stay energized and alert during your class without making you feel sluggish. Good snacks include a handful of almonds, cheese sticks, a peanut butter sandwich, or beef jerky. Avoid salty or fatty foods that are likely to make you thirsty.
Add electrolytes
Electrolytes will help you stay hydrated during your hot yoga session. There are a variety of ways you can add electrolytes into your routine, for example, many sports performance drinks have added electrolytes. If you find yourself thirsty throughout your practice, drinks with added electrolytes can help you stay hydrated and focused during the hot yoga class.
Wear a headband
If your hair is long enough to get in your face during your hot yoga practice, a headband is an invaluable accessory. Not only will it help keep your hair out of your face, but it will also keep sweat from dripping into your eyes. Because hot yoga classes are extremely sweaty, this can be a lifesaver during the most intense parts of your practice.
Arrive 10 minutes before the class starts
Even if it isn’t your first time practicing hot yoga, it helps to show up ten minutes early to class. This gives you plenty of time to prepare for your practice and get in the right headspace. If you have the right mindset when starting your hot yoga class, you’ll be able to find more mental clarity while practicing and focus on the movements of your body.
Shower right after the class
Showering right after your hot yoga practice will help you feel refreshed and relaxed. If you wait too long after your class to take a shower, you may begin to enjoy hot yoga less. After all, nobody likes the feeling of being hot, sweaty, and smelly after they’re done doing exercise. A cool refreshing shower will help you enjoy the benefits of your hot yoga practice.
Hot yoga has many benefits
Working a hot yoga routine into your exercise routine can have a significant effect on your mental and physical health. When practiced safely with a hot yoga teacher, students can leave class refreshed and relaxed. Over time, hot yoga has been shown to increase flexibility, stamina, and help you lose weight in combination with a healthy diet. If you regularly practice hot yoga, you can begin to benefit from these and other improvements to your health.
