Walk down the street or pass any shopping center and you’ll probably notice a yoga studio. Chances are, most of these will cater to hot yoga. Hot yoga has experienced an exponential rise in popularity in recent years.
Formally called Bikram yoga, hot yoga is performed in a studio that is heated anywhere from 90 to 117 degrees Fahrenheit, on average. These studios have a humidity level of 40 percent. Most classes are 90 minutes long and Bikram yoga officially takes you through 26 different poses, according to the Mayo Clinic’s website.
The poses are designed to encourage your body’s maximum flexibility while restoring relaxation and recovery at the conclusion of the session, and combined with the high temperature, you will tire and sweat easily. Practitioners of hot yoga tout its benefits: reducing the body’s toxins, increased physical fitness and muscle strength, and cardiovascular fitness via an increased heart rate.
Hot yoga isn’t for everyone, and many times beginners will take a break during their first session. The heat combined with the sweating and moderate exercise will challenge your body in new ways. Even for the more experienced yogi, hot yoga is an entirely different ballgame.
One of the most important aspects of avoiding injury or sickness during hot yoga – and any exercise – is staying hydrated. The Ashram Yoga recommends drinking at least 8-10 8 ounce glasses of water for normal activity, not including exercise, followed by 16 ounces of water two hours prior to exercise, and then 20-40 ounces of water per hour of exercise. They also recommend you always drink fluids before you are actually thirsty during exercise and to avoid caffeine on days when you’re planning on doing hot yoga or another moderate to intense activity.
Your Glasstic water bottle with it’s shatterproof design is perfect for staying hydrated in yoga studios. Do you practice yoga, hot or otherwise? What benefits have you felt? Let us know!
