Yoga is a balance between body, mind and breath. But finding the best way to achieve this balance? This is where the different styles of yoga come into play.

Hot yoga is one example that’s gotten a lot of attention lately, dialing up the intensity of your standard yoga session with a room that’s 90 degrees or higher.

What are the benefits of hot yoga and regular yoga? Is one better than the other? And how can you decide which one will give you the best experience? Read on to compare the two practices and find out.

Hot Yoga: Turn up the heat

Hot yoga is performed in a hot environment, usually between 90 and 105°F, adding a unique “sauna” element to your standard routine.

This increased heat is the main difference between hot yoga and regular yoga. And while it may seem like a small change, higher temperatures introduce several benefits and considerations.

Benefits of hot yoga

Pushing through the intense heat challenges your endurance, both mental and physical. Between the sweltering temperatures and the wet mat, you can also expect benefits:

• Potentially higher calorie burn – Preliminary research shows that hot yoga significantly increases fat burning compared to regular yoga.
• Greater flexibility – The high heat helps to “warm up” the muscles and improve blood flow, improving the range of motion of the main joints.
• Natural detoxification – Profuse sweating is a characteristic of hot yoga, which can help remove toxins and heavy metals from your body.

Science aside, many yoga enthusiasts enjoy the soothing heat, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated with each session.

Considerations for doing hot yoga

As with any exercise, the benefits of hot yoga must be balanced against the risks. Here are some tips to get the most out of your session:

• Stay well hydrated before, during and after the session
• Listen to your body and take regular breaks if needed
• Consider taking shorter classes if you’re new to hot yoga
• Talk to your teacher about health conditions or other concerns

In addition, many experienced hot yogis recommend non-slip mats and a towel or three to absorb excess sweat.

Regular Yoga: The Classic Approach

Again, yoga is about balance, and some may find that a heated room throws off that balance. Regular or room-temperature yoga aims to provide a more measured experience, focused on gentle stretching, delicate posture, and conscious breathing.

Consider some benefits and considerations when choosing a standard yoga session:

Benefits of regular yoga

In the context of hot yoga and regular yoga, the lack of heat offers several advantages:

• Focus on technique – Regular yoga can help you explore more styles and focus on proper alignment without the distraction of a heated room.
• Adaptable and accessible – Although a specialized heated yoga environment is required, regular yoga can be practiced anywhere: at home, in the park or in the studio.
• comfortable – Some may find hot yoga too sweaty and stuffy. And that’s okay! Regular yoga might work best for you if you’re sensitive to heat or just new to yoga in general.

Regular yoga offers something for everyone regardless of fitness level, allowing you to focus on form without the distraction of added heat.

Choosing the Right Yoga for You

After comparing the differences between hot yoga and regular yoga, one question remains: which is right. you?

• Hot yoga – If you’re looking for a new experience or want to maximize your calorie burn and flexibility, hot yoga may be right for you. While experienced yogis may enjoy the challenge, beginners are best introduced slowly, taking plenty of rest and consulting with your instructor about health concerns.
• Ordinary yoga – If you prefer the flexibility to practice anywhere and don’t fancy the idea of ​​sweating off your mat, regular yoga may be a better option. It’s perfect even if you’re just learning proper alignment and technique, allowing for precision and focus without the added challenge of heat.

Ultimately, your choice depends on your personal goals, fitness level and preferences. Think about what you want from your yoga session and try the yoga style that best fits those expectations.

Hot or not, find your Yoga Flow with Chuze

The the best How to find out which type of yoga is right for you? Try both. Listen to your body, evaluate your fitness goals, and see which practices resonate with you.

Whether you prefer an intense, sweat-inducing session or a moment of fresh clarity, the key is to maintain a regular practice that supports your health and well-being.

It’s a matter of balance, after all.

Another part of that balance is finding a great yoga class that won’t break the bank. That’s why, at Chuze Fitness centers, our certified group instructors are dedicated to providing tailored guidance at affordable prices.

Curious how it works? Visit a location near you for a free trial, or check out our virtual membership program.

Sources:

National Library of Medicine. Acute physiological effects of yoga in the heat on energy expenditure, range of motion and inflammatory biomarkers. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7241641/

National Library of Medicine. Excretion of Ni, Pb, Cu, As and Hg in sweat under two sweat conditions. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8998800/

CNet. Benefits of Hot Yoga: Is All That Sweat Really Worth It? https://www.cnet.com/health/fitness/benefits-of-hot-yoga/

Reviewed by:

Ani is Vice President of Fitness at Chuze Fitness and oversees the group’s fitness and group training departments. He has a 25-year career in club management, personal training, group exercise and teacher training. Ani lives with her husband and son in San Diego, CA and enjoys hot yoga, snowboarding, and wellness.