When it comes to yoga, we can state with absolute certainty that any form of this practice is better than no practice at all. Many tend to view yoga as a gateway to more “demanding” forms of exercise; however, do not underestimate just how incredibly beneficial it can be for you—from head to toe—engaging both body and mind!
Beginners to this discipline may be unaware that there are several different types of yoga worth considering. On one hand, there is conventional yoga—the kind you are likely most familiar with; on the other, there is “hot yoga,” which is, more or less, the same thing—except that it is practised in a deliberately heated space! Let’s take a look together at some of the benefits offered by both hot yoga and conventional yoga.
Increased Flexibility
Obviously, yoga is already a discipline capable of working wonders for your flexibility; however, hot yoga proves to be even more beneficial than the conventional form of this practice. This is simply because, when muscles are warmer, they are able to relax with a greater range of motion. Practitioners of hot yoga typically enjoy significantly greater flexibility in areas such as the shoulders, hamstrings, and lower back.
Larger Lung Capacity
The link between a successful yoga practice and efficient breathing is vital; indeed, it has been demonstrated that, in hot and humid conditions, individuals are able to take longer, more oxygen-rich breaths. This allows for the delivery of higher levels of oxygen into the bloodstream, which, in turn, contributes to overall good health. The more you focus on the quality of your breathing during your yoga practice in hot environments, the more your lung capacity will increase over time.
Burns More Calories
On average, a standard yoga class burns between 180 and 360 calories; however, performing the same postures for the same duration in a heated environment can push this figure up to between 330 and 460 calories. This is largely due to the fact that one sweats much more during a heated yoga class, which forces the body to work harder to regulate its temperature.
Helps To Manage Stress
The heightened intensity of a hot yoga class—compared to a conventional yoga class—triggers a greater release of endorphins within your body. The more endorphins you produce, the more intense the sense of euphoria you will experience once your session is complete. Endorphins play a crucial role in alleviating the restlessness and daily stress that we all regularly face; consequently, practicing hot yoga can provide you with that much-needed endorphin boost whenever you feel the need for it.
Ultimately, both conventional yoga and hot yoga offer the same benefits in terms of stress reduction, increased flexibility, and muscle strengthening; however, by raising the temperature, you give your body the opportunity to subject your lungs, heart, and muscles to an even more intense and effective workout experience. Whichever path you choose, the final step is to consult the best yoga mat guide available here—to get yourself ready for your very first class!