What is hot yoga?
What is hot yoga? Hot yoga offers the perfect balance of yoga and heat: in a room heated to 35 to 40 degrees Celsius, intensive movements and sweating help to make the muscles more supple and detoxify the body. This heat stimulates the circulation, promotes blood flow and intensifies the yoga practice - an experience that challenges body and mind in equal measure. But what exactly is hot yoga? There are various styles within the hot yoga world, including the well-known Bikram yoga and the even more intense sauna yoga, which is practiced in a classic sauna at even higher temperatures. But what is really behind these forms of yoga and how do they differ? Read below to find out exactly what hot yoga is.
Bikram Yoga: Die Kunst des Schwitzens
Bikram yoga is a special form of hot yoga developed by the yogi Bikram Choudhury in the 1970s. The special thing about Bikram Yoga is that it always consists of a fixed sequence of 26 exercises (asanas) and two breathing exercises (pranayamas).
This sequence is performed in a room heated to exactly 40 degrees Celsius with around 40% humidity. The heat is intended to warm up the muscles, prevent injuries and improve flexibility. It also promotes sweating, which eliminates toxins from the body.
Another important aspect of Bikram yoga is the mental challenge. The strict sequence of exercises and the heat require a high level of concentration and discipline, which promotes the mental strength of the participants.
Hot Yoga und Bikram Yoga – Unterschiede und Gemeinsamkeiten
Although Bikram Yoga is often referred to as Hot Yoga, there are significant differences. While Bikram Yoga has a sequence of asanas defined by the yogi Bikram Choudhury and clear guidelines for temperature and humidity, the approaches in general Hot Yoga are more flexible.
What is hot yoga in comparison? Hot yoga can include different styles of yoga, such as Vinyasa or Ashtanga, performed in a heated room, where the temperature and sequence of exercises can vary.
However, both forms have the same goal: to increase flexibility through heat, stretch the muscles and use sweating as a detoxification method. That is what hot yoga is and what makes it special. So if you are looking for a sweat-inducing yoga practice, both Hot Yoga and Bikram Yoga have something for you.
Can you lose weight with hot yoga?
Yes, hot yoga can help you lose weight. The body burns a lot of calories through the intense physical exertion and heavy sweating.
It also boosts the metabolism, which can lead to weight loss in the long term. However, HotYoga should not be seen as the sole method of losing weight. A healthy diet and regular exercise are just as important.
Hot Yoga Zuhause – Geht das?
Yes, it is perfectly possible to practise hot yoga in your own home rather than in a studio, but there are a few challenges to overcome. A normal living room can rarely be heated to the 40 degrees Celsius required for this practice.
This is where your personal sauna comes into play: with a spacious sauna from Küng Wellness, you can transform your home into a perfect oasis of well-being for your hot yoga.
The constant temperatures and controlled humidity in your sauna offer you the ideal conditions to enjoy the 26 asanas to the full. Imagine improving your flexibility in the pleasant heat, warming up your muscles and flushing toxins out of your body through intense sweating.
Of course, you can also try to create a similar environment with a heater, but the relaxing atmosphere and many benefits of a sauna make it the best choice for your yoga practice, which may not be achievable in a professional studio.
Fit in the sauna with yoga and Pilates
Sauna yoga and sauna Pilates are trends based on a similar idea to hot yoga. Here, the traditional yoga or Pilates practice is not performed in a studio, but in a sauna, where the temperatures are particularly high. What is hot yoga in this context?
This method combines the beneficial effects of the sauna with the advantages of yoga or Pilates. The heat ensures that the muscles are particularly supple and sweating is encouraged, which supports the detoxification process.
The yoga poses in the sauna can be adapted to participants' preferences and needs, making it suitable for beginners and experienced yogis alike. Sauna Yoga and Sauna Pilates offer an interesting alternative for anyone looking for a particularly intense experience.
Hot yoga & Pilates in the sauna: what you need to bear in mind
You should definitely bear these points in mind if you want to do sauna yoga or sauna Pilates:
- Ensure the size of the room: Make sure the sauna is large enough for you to perform yoga exercises safely and comfortably. A spacious room allows you to move freely and helps you to perform the poses correctly.
- Check heat sensitivity: Saunas reach temperatures between 40 and 60 degrees Celsius. Assess whether you feel comfortable in the desired heat and can avoid overheating. Select the sauna settings according to your heat tolerance.
- Pay attention to your fluid intake: As intense sweating is common during hot yoga, make sure you stay hydrated. Drink enough water before, during and after the practice to protect the body from dehydration.
- Take safety precautions: A non-slip surface is important to prevent injury. Use non-slip mats or towels to provide more support during yoga in the sauna.
- Clarify health risks: People with pre-existing conditions such as heart problems, high blood pressure or pregnant women should seek medical advice before starting hot yoga. Make sure you respect your body's signals during the practice.
Hot Yoga in der Schwangerschaft: Das sollten Sie wissen
During pregnancy, hot yoga is only recommended with medical approval and special care. The high temperatures can strain the circulation and cause overheating, which should be avoided during this time. Check with your doctor in advance whether hot yoga is suitable for you and, if necessary, adjust the temperature or choose a gentler form of yoga without heat. Always pay attention to your body's signals: if you feel unwell or dizzy, it is advisable to take a break and make sure you drink enough fluids.
Article tip: Sauna during pregnancy
Practice hot yoga in your own sauna
What is hot yoga for you? Whether hot yoga or sauna yoga - as the leading expert for wellness and sauna construction in Switzerland, Küng Wellness supports you in creating your personal oasis for yoga and relaxation at home. If you would like to expand your wellness oasis, an ice tub or whirlpool could also be the perfect addition - find out from us what is important when you want to buy a sauna, ice bath or whirlpool. Check our magazine regularly for tips on topics such as sauna infusions, sauna after sport and the latest wellness and sauna trends.
