What is hot yoga?
Hot yoga is yoga performed in a heated room. There are typically two hatha styles associated with hot yoga. One is a flowing series, Vinyasa, and the other is a series of static postures, Bikram.
How is hot yoga healing?
There are multiple healing benefits to practicing hot yoga. As a long distance runner I can attest first hand to the many benefits of hot yoga; however, for this post I’ll just review the top three.
- Injury reduction. In Western society we spend way too much time doing exercises that tighten our muscles such as running or cycling. The heated environment relaxes the muscles, which prepares our body for stretching. As muscles and joints warm, they release, lessening resistance to movement.
- Detox. When the body becomes warm, blood flow is increased, which speeds up the metabolic processes of vital organs helping release toxins. Sweat, not only cools us down, but it clears the body of internal toxins.
- Strengthens immune system. The body responds to the heat by producing white blood cells, which, in turn, boosts the immune system; aiding in relaxation; and quicker healing of connective tissue injuries and circulatory disease symptoms.
Where can I try hot yoga?
There are multiple studios in the Kansas City area that offer hot yoga. Luckily, I teach both. EZ hot yoga is an introductory hot yoga class that is heated to 95 degrees. There is limited flowing with an emphasis on holding poses, similar to the Bikram series. I also teach an intermediate class, Hot Vinyasa. My classes are offered at Exhale Yoga KC in Leawood, Kansas. Come see me! Not hot enough; try a Bikram class, which is heated to 105 degrees. Hot yoga is great cross training. Additionally, it can provide a much needed refuge from the winter chill; leaving you feeling calm and detoxed.
Reference
Barnett, M. (2003). Hot Yoga. Barron’s Educational Series, Inc: Hauppauge, NY
