Sweating, detoxification, mind and body relaxation, do these words excite you? Well then, we are going to tell you about a yoga style which makes you do all those things and then more. The yoga we are talking about is known as Hot Yoga. So, let's not wait and dive right into what is hot yoga and how can it be done by learning the numerous hot yoga poses below.
Hot yoga is believed to be a trend started by Bikram Choudhury who is known for Bikram yoga started in the early 1970s.
So far we have only talked about one form of hot yoga known as Bikram yoga, but since the time hot yoga was introduced, it has evolved to take many other forms. Let's discuss a few.
What Is Hot Yoga?
Hot yoga is believed to be a trend started by Bikram Choudhury who is known for Bikram yoga started in the early 1970s.
- It is exactly as the name suggests, yoga which is done in a hot environment.
- The basic idea is to put yourself in a hot room say around 40 degrees Celsius (40°C) to do hot yoga.
- While the credit of introducing hot yoga to the world in the form of Bikram you do go to Bikram Choudhury, hot yoga soon evolved and took many forms.
- Bikram yoga is advertised as the hot yoga which not only builds muscles and strengthens the body but also helps in detoxification of the body.
How Does Hot Yoga Work?
Hot yoga is performed under certain climatic conditions, as an example, Bikram yoga is performed in a room with exactly 40% humidity and the heat turned up to 40°C.Here's how it works:
- Working out in heated room elevates the heart rate more than working out under normal temperatures.
- Because of the heat, the body now has to work harder.
- These hot conditions make you sweat, which supposedly helps you release toxic waste.
Different Forms Of Hot Yoga
So far we have only talked about one form of hot yoga known as Bikram yoga, but since the time hot yoga was introduced, it has evolved to take many other forms. Let's discuss a few.
1. Bikram Yoga
Bikram yoga sessions are held in special studios where the climatic conditions are set around 40°C and with 40% humidity. These sessions may last for 90 minutes. During those 90 minutes, students are not allowed to interact with each other in any form. Bikram hot yoga has about 26 fixed hot yoga poses which are repeated in the same sequence in every session.2. Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga
Founded by Baron Baptiste this form of hot yoga focuses on building the core of the body. Baptiste hot yoga is a blend of few different forms of yoga including Bikram yoga.3. Moksha
Moksha is hot yoga style in which the poses may differ from teacher to teacher. Promoting strength and flexibility this hot yoga is ideal for beginners.4. Hot Power Yoga
This hot yoga is dynamic in nature, which means, unlike Bikram hot yoga, you're not stuck with 26 fixed hot yoga poses.Different Hot Yoga Poses
There are at least a ton of different hot yoga poses but to get you started we will list the hot yoga poses you will find in a session of Bikram hot yoga.1. Pranayama
Pranayama is one of the hot yoga poses in which you have to stand still and take long and deep breaths. This is one of those hot yoga poses which helps in strengthening the respiratory system. Pranayama also helps in improving the circulation of oxygen through the body.2. Ardha Chandrasana
Ardha Chandrasana comes from the word Ardha Chandra, which means half moon. This one the hot yoga poses which improve the function of digestive organs along with the abdominal muscles and the spine.4. Utkatasana
The name of this hot yoga pose in the Bikram yoga list of hot yoga poses is stated as the "Awkward Pose". The pose turns you into a chair, well, not literally, but you have to pose like one.5. Garudasana
Garudasana, also known as the Eagle Pose is considered as one the toughest hot yoga poses. With that said, it is also like a compound weightlifting exercise in which you are working most of your joints, ultimately improving your mobility. Also, read about: Benefits Of Squats For Men & Women.6. Dandayamana-Janushirasana
Similar to the Garudasana, Dandayamana-Janushirasana is also among the complex hot yoga poses. Strengthening the quadriceps, calves, and your core, it is a good addition to the list of hot yoga poses.7. Dandayamana Dhanurasana
Yes, these hot yoga poses with complex names are complex to perform as well. Dandayamana Dhanurasana, also known as Standing Bow Pulling Pose is known for improving the blood while also increasing the body strength and balance.8. Tuladandasana
In similar terms known as Standing Stick Pose, this another of those hot yoga poses which improve balance, core strength and muscle strength.9. Dandayamana Bibhaktapada Paschimottanasana
Let's just call it Standing Separate Leg Stretching, this hot yoga pose focuses on improving the spine muscles and the sciatic nerves. You can relate this exercise to touching your toes without bending your knees. Only, here you also need to touch your head.10. Trikonasana
Known as the Triangle Pose in the list of Bikram hot yoga poses, this is a pose which is believed to not only improve your physical health but mental health as well. It is also considered as a good stretching exercise for those who lift weights. Also, read about: Acupressure Points For Back Pain.11. Dandayamana Bibhaktapada Janushirasana
Or simply, Standing Separate Leg Head to Knee Pose is a therapeutic exercise for those recovering from shoulder traumas, it helps in stretching the shoulder and opening the joints.12. Tadasana
Better known as the Tree Pose is again one of the hot yoga poses which improve the body balance and strengthens the muscles as well joints.13. Padangustasana
This hot yoga pose is also known as the Toe Stand and is exactly what you understand from its name. It helps to strengthen the joint muscles.14. Savasana
This is one of the best Bikram hot yoga poses, why you ask? Well for starters, its English name is Corpse Pose, all you have to do is lie on your back. You read it right, just lie on your back for a while is all this hot yoga pose is about.15. Pavanamuktasana
This another of those hot yoga poses which help you with pain in your body, Pavanamuktasana or wind removing pose is helpful for people suffering from back pain. Also, read about: Paleo Diet Chart India.16. Padahastasana
This English name for this hot yoga pose is Hand Under Foot pose. This pose is not only a good stretching exercise but also helps in building core strength and improve concentration.17. Bhujangasana
This hot yoga pose is also referred to as the Cobra Pose, which is recommended to people suffering sciatic pains and lower back nerve pinch.18. Salabhasana
This one such hot yoga pose which will help you to strengthen your lower back, especially the buttocks and the hips.19. Poorna Salabhasana
Poorna Salabhasana or Full Locust Pose helps in working the midsection of the body and provide great core strength.20. Dhanurasana
This hot yoga pose also goes by the name of Bow Pose, is a great chest and shoulder working pose which also strengthens the spine. Also, read about: Health Benefits Of Cycling.Drawbacks Of Hot Yoga
While we have listed all of the things that hot yoga has to offer, we are yet to mention its drawbacks, and yes it has several of those.
- To start with, hot yoga is dehydrating, the simple reason is you're sitting in a hot room for about 90 minutes and sweating all through the session, leaving you dehydrated.
- The claims and information in regard to hot yoga can be misleading, to give an example some claim that hot yoga helps with weight loss, but there is no hard proof to back that claim.
- Some hot yoga poses are so difficult that people start feeling nauseous after performing them.
- Many of the hot yoga poses also pose a high injury risk.
Take Away - What Is Hot Yoga & Hot Yoga Poses
Staying healthy should be among the top most priorities of any human being. Bikram Hot Yoga can be one of those ways but you need to make sure that your body is comfortable doing the exercises. This article comes to a conclusion with the following proverb. "Only in good health can individuals be completely free to pursue their higher purposes for existence"
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