It's not uncommon for people to confuse hot yoga with regular yoga. After all, both practices are designed to help you get in shape and relieve stress. But there are differences between the two types of yoga. In this post, we will be exploring the differences between hot yoga and regular yoga.
Differences Between Hot Yoga and Regular Yoga
The main difference between hot yoga and regular yoga is the temperature. In hot yoga classes, the room is typically heated to around 100-115 degrees Fahrenheit. This higher temperature can help you burn more calories and sweat more. It also makes the poses feel a bit more challenging.
In contrast, regular yoga classes are usually held in rooms that are not heated. This can make the poses feel a bit easier. But it's important to note that there is no "correct" way to do yoga. So if you prefer hot yoga, go for it.
Another difference between hot and regular yoga is the focus of the classes. In hot yoga classes, the focus tends to be more on cardio and sweating than in regular yoga classes. But again, there are no rules when it comes to doing yoga.
So if you want a class that's focused on meditation or spirituality over cardio, the regular version of the practice may be right for you.
Another major difference comes in the poses themselves. In hot yoga, many of the poses are designed to work your entire body. This can be a great way to burn calories and tone your muscles. But if you're new to yoga, it may be harder to do these poses in a heated room.
Regular yoga classes typically focus on a few basic poses that target different areas of the body.
Hot yoga is typically faster-paced than regular yoga. So if you prefer a slower-paced class, the regular version of yoga may be better for you.
Is Hot Yoga Good for Everyone?
No, hot yoga is not for everyone. People with heart conditions should not do hot yoga. This is because the heat can make your blood pressure drop too much in some cases, which could lead to fainting or other health problems.
Additionally, if you have problems with dehydration, you might want to avoid hot yoga. The high temperatures can make you sweat more, which can lead to dehydration if you're not careful.
Note also that the intensity of hot yoga may lead to heat-related illnesses. So if you have issues with heat, you should be careful about doing hot yoga.
Final Thoughts
Both hot yoga and regular yoga have several health benefits. But the two practices are different, so it's important to choose the type of yoga that's right for you. If you're unsure about whether hot yoga is right for you, speak with your doctor or a yoga instructor. They can help you decide if this type of yoga is safe for you to do.
