Before OG Yoga hit Boise, hot yoga classes were not gaining the same traction in Idaho as they were other states. With OG quickly filling their new yoga studio the hot yoga experience is picking up steam in the Treasure Valley. For those who have not experienced hot yoga in Boise yet, it is a form of yoga that is done in a room where the temperature ranges from 80 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Some may be too shy for the heat but those who have tried a hot yoga experience boast of the health benefits that typical yoga does not provide.
Heat For Improve Your Flexibility
There is a reason that you are told to stretch before you workout. It is safer for you to exercise when your muscles are warm and the practice of hot yoga can make it easier for you to stretch and improve your flexibility. There was a recent 2020 study done where people were asked to do hot yoga for eight weeks straight. The results of the study showed that the subjects noticed increased flexibility in their hamstrings, shoulders and back. Far more flexible than than the study group practicing yoga at room temperature. With long work days, stress or life and the amount of time the average person is seated throughout the day, turning up the thermostat can quickly unleash tension in tight muscles.
Hot Yoga For Burning More Calories
The number of calories that you burn during hot yoga classes will depend on your weight. However, a person who weighs 160 pounds can burn as much as 460 calories during a 90-minute hot yoga session. This is a lot more calories than you would burn during a standard yoga class. Strength, body control and Bikram yoga poses combined with heat will make you sweat.
Increase Your Bone Density With Hot Yoga
You can increase your bone density by supporting your own body weight. You do this every time that you do a yoga pose. A 2019 study showed that women who did yoga regularly were able to increase bone density in their lower back, hips and neck. The researchers believed that yoga can potentially reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Heat and Yoga Reduce Stress
Many people do yoga because they want to alleviate their stress. There was a 2018 study done where the subjects were asked to do yoga regularly for 16 weeks. The results were shocking with lower hear rates, reduced stress and an over-all level of relaxation. Yoga can also improve your quality of life, which can make it easier for you to deal with the stresses of daily life.
Yoga to Relax and Ease Depression
Yoga can help boost your mood. The American Psychology Association has stated that yoga can be an effective way to manage depression. Yoga helps you relax. If this isn’t enough to make you signup for a hot yoga class than keep reading. It only gets better.
Improve Your Heart Health
Any type of yoga that you do can help you improve your heart health. However, hot yoga will give your heart even more of a workout. It challenges your entire body. A 2014 study showed that doing hot yoga is the equivalent of walking at a speed of 3.5 miles per hour. Additionally, it can boost your metabolism so that your body burns more calories at rest.
Yoga Lowers Your Blood Sugar
Any type of exercise that you do can lower your blood sugar. However, hot yoga has been shown to be especially effective for helping people who are at an increased risk for becoming type 2 diabetics. A 2013 study showed that yoga can improve blood sugar control in people who are obese.
Protect Your Skin
Yoga is not only good for your body, but it is also good for your skin. Doing yoga in a warm environment causes your body to sweat profusely. This helps your body release toxins. It also increases circulation, which can increase the flow of oxygen and nutrients.
How to Stay Safe While Doing Hot Yoga
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- You will need to drink plenty of water. You are more likely to be dehydrated if you exercise in heat.
- Talk to your doctor if you have preexisting health conditions.
- You should also consult with your doctor if you are pregnant.
- If you have a problem with heat, then you should do yoga at regular room temperature.
- Listen to your body. You should stop if you start to feel dizzy or lightheaded.
Getting Started With Hot Yoga
- Wear breathable, lightweight clothing.
- Bring a towel with you because you will sweat.
- Bring a large water bottle with you.
- Use special socks and gloves so that you can have extra grip.
- Hot yoga is also great for athletes of other sports, anything from tennis to skiing.
