Even within hot yoga there are many different types of yoga. Generally speaking it is any form of yoga practised in a specially heated room. The exact temperature varies from practitioner to practitioner and ultimately, which type a person chooses will come down to personal preference.
The benefit of practicing yoga in a heated room is in allowing the body to stretch more easily. Warmer temperature increases the blood flow and circulation, spreading the heat out through the whole body, in particular the limbs. Ligaments and muscles are softened and are able to be stretched and compressed more easily. Not only does this allow for easier movement and greater flexibility it also reduces the likelihood of injuries. It can also help in the healing of existing injuries by increasing blood flow and therefore oxygen to the area.
Specific postures are typically used in hot yoga are ones designed to strengthen and tone muscles, stretch the entire body ad at the same time help to massage the internal organs, further aiding in blood flow through the whole of the body.
The increased circulation and blood flow created by the added heating of hot yoga means that the respiratory system has to work harder to provide enough oxygen to the blood stream. This results in a more thorough cardio vascular work out, engaging the heart and lungs.
The intense heat can also have a meditative effect. The temperature can be overwhelming, especially for new initiates. The result is that practitioners are incapable of focusing on any other thoughts beyond the heat. All mental energy is focused on persisting through the heat. Once this is achieved the mind is effectively cleared of thought, allowing for focused yoga practice.
One of the most renowned methods of hot yoga is that known as Bikram yoga. It tends to be practised at a higher temperature than most other types of hot yoga. Where other types of hot yoga are practised in a room just at or below body temperature, Bikram is usually practised about 5 degrees higher at 41 degrees centigrade. The humidity is ideally kept to 40% to allow easier perspiration. A class consists of 26 poses and 2 breathing exercises. These are done over the course of a 90 minute class.
Humidity is another factor in hot yoga, though it can be harder to control than temperature. The size of the room and the number of people in the room all contribute to the humidity. If the hot yoga is carried out in a wet country or environment the humidity will also increase even if it is relatively cold outside. Some types of hot yoga aim to replicate the natural environments of India where yoga is traditionally practised.
Al Marner
