Hot Yoga: Beneficial or Unnecessary Sweating?

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Photo from Elite Daily

Vandana Dubakula

Studios that offer hot yoga say that benefits include flexibility, strength, reduction of stress, and “cleansing impurities from the body”. The first 3 are available in many forms of exercise, heated or not.

The rise in popularity of hot yoga is in part due to the presumption that the heat “melts” your waistline.  Studies indicated that while hot yoga leads to a higher heart rate due to more blood vessel dilation–which makes individuals feel like they’re working harder–it doesn’t really affect the amount of calories burned. So the notion of practicing yoga in the heat primarily to lose weight is not useful.

To look at whether yoga in a hot room is healthier, a researcher compared results of participants who practiced yoga in a 105 degree room, in a 73-degree room, or did not practice yoga. The researcher assessed any changes in vascular health of these individuals by observing the amount of blood flow throughout the body. He found that there was no difference to heart health by room temperature indicating that those who did the exercises in a hot environment did not accrue anymore benefits that those who practiced yoga in room temperature setting.

Other claims asserted that the high heart rate induced by hot yoga results in a stronger heart, cleared veins, cleansed body impurities, and boosted immune system, but these claims are difficult to verify experimentally.  

For those who are new to hot yoga, or exercise in general, there is some concern regarding heat intolerance. If you decide to try hot yoga, start slow and make sure to stay hydrated. Keep in mind that the benefits of flexibility, core strength, and heart health are achieved by yoga at any temperature.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/the-heat-of-hot-yoga-can-be-very-good–but-also-risky-for-some-people/2017/12/29/150db00a-e1a3-11e7-bbd0-9dfb2e37492a_story.html?utm_term=.ca375356a079

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/hot-yoga-booming-but-it-may-be-bad-for-you-051515

https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/12/16/is-hot-yoga-good-for-you/

http://time.com/5107737/hot-yoga-not-better-than-room-temperature/

3 thoughts on “Hot Yoga: Beneficial or Unnecessary Sweating?”

  1. Thanks for sharing such important information your content is very impressive. I like your explanation of the topic and the ability to do work. I really found your post very interesting.
    Nice Article! Loved To Read, Keep up the Work.

  2. Thanks for sharing such important information your content is very impressive. I like your explanation of the topic and the ability to do work. I really found your post very interesting.
    Nice Article! Loved To Read, Keep up the Work.

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