How much do you know about the health benefits of yoga? Have you ever practiced it before? If so, were you happy with the results? If not, here are five things you should know before you start!
Many people do yoga to lose weight, but it offers many other health benefits like boosting metabolism, reducing stress, and improving sleep.
One popular form of yoga you should learn about is hot yoga, also known as Bikram yoga. It’s popular for good reasons. Here’s everything you need to know about it!
Hot yoga is specifically designed to aid in weight loss and must be done in a room heated to 37ºC to gain its benefits. Without the heat, you won’t experience the full range of positive effects.
There are over 36 specific yoga poses that you can do in a 90-minute session of hot yoga. It might sound simple, but completing a class is quite challenging. Start with beginner exercises and gradually progress!
The main benefit of hot yoga is weight loss. Intense exercises in a heated room can burn around 330 calories for women and 460 calories for men in a 90-minute session, according to a 2014 study by Colorado University researchers. That’s equivalent to walking at a pace of 3.5 miles per hour for the same duration.
The heat makes your body work harder to complete the exercises, which means you burn more calories, enhance your cardiovascular system, and develop more flexibility and muscle strength compared to regular yoga.
Another benefit is detoxification. Performing hot yoga helps rid your body of harmful toxins through sweating. Since you’ll sweat a lot due to the heat and intensity of the poses, keep a water bottle handy to stay hydrated.
If you suffer from arthritis and want to reduce your symptoms, consider hot yoga. The heat helps relax muscles, improve blood flow, and reduce swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joints.
However, be cautious if you have any pre-existing conditions like pregnancy, cardiovascular issues, or complications from medications. It’s essential to consult your doctor before starting hot yoga. It can cause dizziness, nausea, and muscle cramping, even in healthy adults.
One key point is to avoid dehydration. Doing hot yoga increases this risk. Prevent dehydration by replacing lost electrolytes immediately. Along with water, adding fresh lemon slices can help you stay hydrated, as lemons contain essential nutrients that fight dehydration.
Are you thinking of trying hot yoga? We hope so! Yoga can enhance your health in many ways, including increasing flexibility, building strength, improving cardiovascular health, and aiding in weight loss. Start your journey to better health by finding a nearby yoga studio and give it a try.
You might be surprised at how a simple, holistic approach can make you feel so much better!