Hot yoga is found throughout the United States, with centers often advertising classes that promote weight loss and detoxifying benefits. Since Bikram Choudhury brought his form of yoga to Beverly Hills in the 1970s, hot yoga has been a favorite of Hollywood stars and young urban professionals alike. Little evidence exists to support the benefits of hot yoga over other forms of yoga. Individuals may find heat to be either helpful or a hindrance, depending on their level of comfort.
Identification
Hot yoga is the form of yoga developed by Bikram Choudhury, an Indian guru who moved to the United States. Bikram developed a specific series of 26 postures that are performed in heated rooms by certified practitioners of his "Yoga College of India." Bikram, in his book, "Bikram Yoga," postulates that his hot form of yoga releases more toxins and makes the body more nimble than other forms of yoga. Along with the feeling of detoxification, followers of this style of yoga also speak of Bikram yoga's ability to promote weight loss.
Features
Hot yoga is taught in a room where temperatures typically range from 95 to 100 degrees. The heat stimulates more sweat than other yoga forms. The 26 postures are always taught in the same sequence and are held for longer periods of time than in an ashtanga, or flow yoga class. This specific sequence is designed to properly warm up the muscles and ligaments in the order that they should be stretched for the ultimate health benefits, according to Bikram. He calls his form of yoga an way to lose weight.
Research
Hot yoga may be more helpful in some ways than other forms of yoga. Dr. Wayne Dyer, in his book, "Excuses Begone!: How to Change Lifelong, Self-Defeating Thinking Habits," states that he suffered with back pain for years before beginning his practice of daily 90-minute sessions of Bikram yoga.
But there is no research supporting Bikram yoga as more beneficial for weight loss than other vigorous forms of yoga. Power yoga, vinyasa and ashtanga have all been found to burn a lot of calories, according to Margaret Furtado in her book, "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery." Although you may produce more sweat and experience water weight loss in Bikram yoga, this weight will return upon drinking fluids.
Considerations
If heat bothers you, this form of yoga can feel suffocating and painful. If you easily suffer from heat stroke or have blood pressure issues, do not practice hot yoga without the consent of your doctor. Have your own yoga mat and towel when you go to a Bikram yoga class, as you will sweat profusely. Drink plenty of fluids before and after the class. Follow your instincts when it comes to hot yoga - do not continue in a class if you begin to feel lightheaded or faint.
References
- "Bikram Yoga"; Bikram Choudhury; 2007
- "Excuses Begone!: How to Change Lifelong, Self-Defeating Thinking Habits"; Dr. Wayne Dyer; 2009
- "Raw Food and Hot Yoga: From Severe Disability to Superior Health"; Tonya Zavasta; 2009
- "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery"; Margaret Furtado; 2009
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