You may have heard of hot yoga but wonder if it's right for you. How does it differ from other yoga practices? Are you ready to get sweaty in front of a room full of strangers? Will the heat be overwhelming? Or is it exactly the kind of challenge you've been looking for?
In this guide, we will examine hot yoga and its room-temperature counterpart. We will explore the benefits of each and help you determine which exercise will best meet your needs and help you reach your goals.
It may appear that the only difference between hot yoga and traditional yoga is the temperature. And in many ways, this is true. Both focus on:
While hot yoga and traditional forms of yoga are very similar, some key differences are important to consider before signing up for a session. Let's look at how hot yoga and traditional yoga differ to determine which style is most suitable for you.
Hot yoga, popularized in the U.S. in the 1970s by Yogi Bikram Choudhury, is a modern variation of yoga practiced in a heated room, typically maintained at a temperature between 90 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit (32 to 40 degrees Celsius) with high humidity. So get ready to sweat!
There are many versions of hot yoga classes, each with different poses, flows, and difficulty levels. Some yoga products are also made specifically for hot yoga, like grippy mats that help prevent slipping when you sweat. For yoga mat cleaning tips, check out our article here.
You should always consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have any health conditions, injuries, or physical limitations.
Prioritizing individual health and well-being is paramount when considering hot yoga or any other fitness regimen.
Traditional yoga practices originated in India over 5000 years ago. Today yoga is popular worldwide, having many branches and styles, but the same ancient roots.
Over time, a variety of mind-body practices developed in Asia, such as Korean yoga and qigong, Chinese yoga and Qigong, Tibetan yoga, and more. Collectively, all of these are sometimes referred to as "yoga.”
At Body & Brain Yoga and Tai Chi, we specialize in Korean yoga. Developed by world-renowned educator and wellness pioneer Ilchi Lee in the 1980s, Korean yoga focuses on energy, mind-body connection, and overall well-being through stretching, breathing, meditation, and flowing movements.
Contact Body & Brain Yoga and Tai Chi today to learn more about Korean yoga practice or to schedule your 50-minute private introductory session.
Body & Brain Yoga and Tai Chi exercise techniques are rooted in the ancient principle of Water Up Fire Down. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a cool head and a warm belly for healthy energy circulation. This principle is said to promote overall well-being and can be applied through specific exercises to support physical health and mental peace.
Practicing Water Up Fire Down can help you:
As we’ve discussed already, hot yoga is obviously hot. But there’s more to it than that! People who choose hot yoga vs. traditional yoga styles are typically looking for something different. By understanding the key differences between the two, you will be able to choose which one better suits your wants, needs, and lifestyle.
Let’s review how hot yoga and traditional yoga practices are different in terms of:
Generally, yoga is meant to help you develop the connection between your mind and your body by challenging you physically while allowing space to observe your experience; but with hot yoga, your awareness may be totally occupied by the physical challenge. The intensity of a hot yoga practice may demand careful consideration and monitoring of your body condition. You will focus on:
The Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi style of yoga promotes balanced circulation and relaxation while connecting the mind and body. This more relaxed form of yoga gives your mind space to focus internally. During this type of yoga practice, you will have the ability to focus on:
Setting an intention at the beginning of a yoga class can help guide your practice and focus your mind. It allows you to align your thoughts and energy with the specific purpose that brought you to class. Your intention could be anything from finding calmness and relaxation to seeking mental clarity and inner peace or even desiring a physical challenge to push yourself further. Once you've identified your intention, you can choose a yoga style that aligns with your current condition and goals.
If you seek a more reflective and mindful experience, traditional yoga might be your best choice. It offers the space for self-reflection and inner growth, emphasizing the mind-body connection and the spiritual aspects of yoga.
On the other hand, if you are motivated by fitness and the physical benefits of yoga, and your physical condition can tolerate the heat, hot yoga might be for you. The temperature in hot yoga classes can help increase your heart rate, promote sweating, and aid in muscle flexibility.
Being aware of your intention as well as your current physical condition will guide you in choosing the style of yoga that’s right for you.
When considering the differences between hot yoga and traditional forms of yoga, it's important to understand the impact that heat can have on the intensity of the practice. While both forms of yoga are low-impact exercises that offer numerous benefits for the body and mind, the added element of heat in hot yoga can significantly increase the intensity and challenge.
Hot Yoga:
Traditional Yoga:
Body & Brain Korean yoga classes would be classified as mild to medium intensity. While still providing an excellent workout, the movements can be modified to match your abilities and needs. Everyone in the class can participate with the same set of exercises — but with the freedom to modify postures for more or less intensity.
When choosing between hot yoga and traditional kinds of yoga, it all comes down to individual preferences, fitness goals, and physical capabilities. Consider your health, fitness level, and comfort with heat when deciding which type of yoga is right for you. Both hot yoga and room-temperature yoga offer unique benefits, so exploring both practices and listening to your body can help you determine the best fit for your yoga journey.
As we've learned, both hot yoga and traditional kinds of yoga aim to harmonize the mind, body, and spirit through stretches, breathing exercises, meditation and mindfulness techniques. So, what sets them apart in terms of benefits? Looking at the individual benefits of both styles may also play a role in determining which exercise is best suited for you and your needs.
A 2016 study asked 157 participants to share specific advantages and potential risks they experienced while practicing hot yoga. Here's a look at some of the key benefits reported by participants:
While hot yoga offers these unique benefits, it's essential to be aware of the potential risks, such as dizziness, light-headedness, nausea, and dehydration. As always, consult a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise regimen.
Traditional yoga also provides numerous advantages that are worth exploring. Here's a look at the possible key benefits of practicing other kinds of yoga, as highlighted by Johns Hopkins Medicine:
When you’re ready to give yoga a try, Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi offers classes that help develop flexibility, strength, and energy. We’ll guide you through yoga practices and breathing techniques aimed at centering your awareness and leaving you recharged and rejuvenated.
Many of our clients leave our yoga classes feeling:
To experience these benefits yourself, consider joining a class or scheduling a private session. In this session, one of our trained instructors will evaluate your current energy condition and guide you in a one-on-one Korean yoga practice.
Begin your journey to a more relaxed and connected lifestyle with Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi.