Hot yoga is a relatively intense exercise regimen preferred by millions of people, including celebrities and athletes who helped it gain some popularity. It typically involves a series of yoga poses performed in temperatures of up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) and humidity of about 40 percent, aiming to recreate the tropical climate of Kolkata, India. Formerly known as Bikram Yoga, it is now called Hot Yoga due to a series of serious allegations against its founder.
Despite this, it remains popular, and exercising in the heat is said to be good for your physical and mental health. Although science has not yet caught up with some of the health claims made by hot yoga proponents, researchers have conducted numerous studies investigating the health benefits of hot yoga.
improving physical health
What is famous about hot yoga? improve flexibility In areas such as hips and shoulders. It also helps burn about 460 calories for men and 330 calories for women, according to . one study.
Other researchHowever, it does suggest that the calorie burn is the same as practicing yoga at room temperature. Just like regular yoga, Can increase bone density May help improve sleep. There are also suggestions that it may help improve overall heart health and reduce the risk of diseases such as diabetes. lower blood sugar levels.
read more: Yoga practice can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease
mental health benefits
Researchers have found that this habit may also be helpful. improve mental health By reducing stress levels, May help deal with depression.
Ann 8 weeks long study abroad For example, they found that hot yoga classes held just over once a week were associated with “significant reductions in symptoms of depression” in participants. Maren Nair, a clinical psychologist and director of yoga research at Massachusetts General Hospital, led that particular study.
Research has lagged far behind non-heated yoga, she says. only one other person Randomized controlled trial investigating effects on depression.
In Nair’s view, hot yoga could be used as an addition to traditional treatments, as a sole treatment for milder to moderate depression, or as a sole treatment for people awaiting mental health treatment. It is said that there is. But for more severe depression, evidence-based treatments should be used as a first choice, she says. Other research suggests that hot yoga: have a positive impact on stress, Overall health and possibly anxietyHowever, this is also based on a limited number of studies.
read more: Does yoga really detox your body?
The importance of heat
Many of the mental health benefits may be related to heat, similar to visiting a sauna, she says. previous research showed whole body heating It can be an effective way to deal with depression.
“I think hot yoga is an interesting intervention because it packs a powerful punch,” says Nair. “It combines the benefits of yoga, heat, and mindfulness. That way you get the synergy of moving and posing while your body is hot.”
Hot yoga has many potential benefits, some of which may be the same as regular yoga at room temperature. Further research is needed, but According to somewe discuss the benefits and limitations in more detail.
Some say hot yoga may help your body eliminate toxins through sweat. While it’s true that you can lose as much as 1.5 to 2 liters of water through sweat in a standard 90-minute session, this sweat does not contain toxins hidden in your body.
However, this amount of water loss means that staying hydrated before, during, and after your session is highly recommended. Similarly, the idea that exercising in high temperatures reduces the risk of injury is believed to be false, and in some cases may increase the likelihood.
Hot yoga also comes with a health warning, as it is not suitable for everyone. People with heart disease, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, and pregnant women are generally advised to seek advice before starting hot yoga.
This article does not provide medical advice and should be used for informational purposes only.
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our writers are discovermagazine.com We use peer-reviewed research and high-quality sources in our articles, and our editors review them for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Check out the following sources used in this article.
Sean Mowbray is a freelance writer based in Scotland. Covers topics in the environment, archaeology, and general science. His work has also appeared in outlets such as Mongabay, New Scientist, Hakai Magazine, and Ancient History Magazine.
