HOT YOGA OR NOT?

Is Hot Yoga for You?

Yoga is a mind-body exercise involving simple meditation, specific asanas, or postures, and breath control. It’s practiced by many because it can give you more strength and flexibility. Losing weight is also possible with yoga.

There are several types of yoga. Hot yoga, or Bikram, is one. Bikram is the most commonly practiced type of hot yoga. It’s an intense workout with a sequence of 26 postures that focuses mostly on endurance. The heated yoga room warms up your muscles and makes the body work harder. The heat induces heavy sweating, by which the toxins are flushed out of your system.

Hot or Bikram Yoga isn’t for everyone. People with heart problems should see their physicians first before attempting Bikram. It’s advised that yogis drink plenty of water before each class. After each session, lost electrolytes should be replaced by drinking fortified beverages as well. Having flexible muscles, better circulation, and enhanced overall health are among the few benefits of hot yoga. Another benefit is that you’ll feel more relaxed after each hot yoga class. People considering trying Bikram yoga should know their body and its limits well before getting into a Bikram class.

Other Types of Yoga

If hot yoga seems a bit beyond your abilities right now, there are other options. Here are a few of the other types of yoga available:

Hatha Yoga

Ideal for beginners for its slower pace, Hatha yoga introduces the practitioner to the basic movements and poses. Hatha is also considered the gentler form of yoga.

Ashtanga

This enhances strength and gives more flexibility. It involves six sequence-style yoga poses and is a little challenging. Ashtanga follows a rigorous and non-stop yet orderly approach to yoga.

Restorative

Those who have injuries or are in a rehabilitation center can benefit most from this type of yoga. It’s a soothing approach that can rejuvenate anyone. Restorative Yoga involves slow-moving postures for deeper relaxation.

Power Yoga

Those looking to burn more calories should try this athletic type of approach that involves a series of tough poses. If you love going to the gym and love to do cardio exercise, this is for you.

Vinyasa

Similar to Ashtanga, this type strengthens the core muscles. It also improves the connection between movement and breath. This involves continuous movement and pacing is fast so expect your heart rate to rise

Kundalini Yoga

Apart from doing yoga poses, yogis will also be singing, meditating and chanting. This also involves performing physical exercises with intense breathing or also known as Kriyas. The ultimate goal for Kundalini is to give yogis a higher understanding of self.

Yoga Benefits and Drawbacks

Several studies have shown the health benefits of yoga. It can greatly improve cognitive function and strengthens the immune system. However, it has its disadvantages too, just like other forms of exercises.

If you’re not careful, yoga could give you serious injuries. Therefore, it’s important for beginners to seek a yoga instructor before doing asanas. Not all types are for everyone — pregnant women can only do a certain type of yoga. Those with osteoporosis shouldn’t do forward bends. Yogis with neck problems should avoid doing headstands. People who constantly get dizzy or tired quickly should steer clear of hot yoga.

Which Kind of Yoga is Best for You?

If you’re fit and healthy, you can do almost any type of yoga. However, if you have health problems, a visit to a doctor is required. You may also talk to a yoga instructor, as they usually know who should and shouldn’t do yoga. Just be honest about your limitations. Yoga is a good exercise and you can reap many benefits if you know your body and how everything works.