Is Hot Yoga Really Beneficial? An Expert Weighs In On Internet’s Favourite Yoga, Its Benefits And Drawbacks
While my journey to fitness has often been influenced by trending techniques, that much like an Instagram reel goes viral in seconds, what’s important to note here is both its benefits and harmful effects. As a part of a generation, that eats, breathes and lives on the internet, our knowledge about the world is at most times fed by our dearest little screens and browsers. And while we talk about a favourite new trend, added to the world of the internet, the term ‘Hot yoga,’ is bound to land on our screens. In recent times, this term has certainly become a hot topic of discussion, owing to the benefits listed by various researchers over the internet.
But Wait, What Is Hot Yoga?
Known to offer an intense workout, Hot yoga is a style of Hatha yoga, which is performed in an extremely hot and humid environment, leading to maximum sweating. This extreme technique increases the pressure on your muscles, lungs, and heart, as compared to a regular or perhaps a more relaxed yoga routine. These yoga sessions include a series of yoga asanas performed under 27 and 38 °C temperatures. Performing Hot yoga can result in a strengthened immune system, improved lung capacity, increased flexibility, and detoxifying the body. But with the positives, some ill effects of this intense workout have become a point of concern for many. As advised by Dr Mickey Mehta, a pioneer in holistic health and a fitness guru, “Hot yoga can be done in a very calibrated, controlled, regulated way and not to be done regularly because exposing ourselves to a lot of heat and sweating can create health issues later. Although it can give you a quick calorie burn, a quicker weight loss, it must be done under tight supervision, My advice is to avoid that.”
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Tips For Anyone Who Wishes To Start Practicing Hot Yoga
Hot yoga is believed to help both mind and body with promising results, and hence, those who wish to add this technique into their daily routine must consider noting down these tips.
- Stay Hydrated- First and foremost, hydrating your body before any intense workout is crucial. This will help maintain the water level in your system, which is gearing up to sweat out.
- Airy And Comfortable Clothing- While yoga wear is designed to help your body breathe through the sessions, this intense workout will need you to concentrate on the right fabric. Incorporating lightweight and breathable fabrics like pure cotton will support your body well.
- Pregnancy- Yoga for pregnant women comes with its own set of dos and don’ts. This also applies to Hot yoga. In the case of pregnancy, one must always take a doctor’s advice before indulging in an intense practice like such.
- Hear What Your Body Has To Say- While this intense workout might fit many routines and body types, some may find it difficult to pull through an entire session. In this case, listen to what your body is trying to communicate. If something isn’t working out for you, stop right there. This will help avoid any form of injury with no added stress to the muscles.
- Diabetic And Low Blood Pressure Patients- For those who are diabetic and often experience low blood pressure, please consult an expert or doctor before enrolling yourself on such an intense session.
Beginners, always remember to start at a slow pace, and move towards the road to mindfulness, and balanced physical health. Rest, wishing you a very happy Yoga Day!
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