Sunday, February 23, 2014

Hot Yoga

Hot Yoga: What it is?

In layman's terms, hot yoga is any form of yoga which is done in hot and humid conditions. Technically speaking, it is usually done at a temperature ranging from 90 degrees to 105 degrees Fahrenheit and a humidity of 40%. 

Hot yoga is generally associated with yoga guru Bikram Choudhury.  The much popular ‘Bikram Yoga’ is also one of the forms of hot yoga. In colder climates, hot yoga often seeks to replicate the heat and humidity of India where yoga originated. It is found that people enjoy hot yoga because it allows them to feel more flexible.

As expected, a vigorous yoga session at high temperature promotes profuse sweating and makes the body very warm. Because of its intensity and potential to cause heat-related illness, hot yoga is not for everyone. A doctor consultation is must before trying hot yoga if you have any health concerns. If you have heart disease, dehydration or heat intolerance issues, or any other kind of heat-related illness (such as heatstroke) in the past, it is probably best not to do hot yoga. 


Hot Yoga Styles:

1. Bikram Yoga: As already mentioned, ‘Bikram Yoga’ is one of the forms of hot yoga. This form of yoga is named after its founder, Bikram Choudhury. It follows a set series of poses devised by Bikram. Suggested Article: Benefits of bikram yoga




2. Moksha Yoga: Moksha yoga is a newly discovered form of yoga. It was founded in 2004, but it has become quite popular in Canada and the United States (where it is known as Modo Yoga). Like Bikram, Moksha yoga also follows a set series of poses.

3. Core PowerYoga: Core Power Yoga is another form of hot yoga. It classes are generally held in a heated room. This style is rapidly getting popular in the U.S.

4. Forest Yoga: Forrest Yoga combines various yoga asanas with Native American spirituality to create as a "yoga sweat lodge" in a heated room.

Other than the above mentioned Yoga styles, there are many others. Each one has some or the other peculiarity. This yoga must be done on yoga mats and sufficient amount of water must be drunk before doing it. It is not advised to pregnant women since it raises core body temperature. This form of yoga is quite effective for weight loss.





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