Hot Yoga vs Regular Yoga: The Big Difference Explained

Yoga is about balance – between body, mind, and breath. But finding the best way to achieve that balance? This is where the different types of yoga come into play.

Hot yoga is one example that has recently become popular, ordering the size of your regular yoga session with a room heated to 90 degrees or higher.

What are the benefits of hot yoga vs regular yoga? Is one better than the other? And how do you decide which one will give you the best deal? Read on to compare the two systems and find out.

Hot Yoga: Raise the Heat

Hot yoga is performed in a hot environment, usually between 90 to 105°F, and adds a special “sauna” element to your regular routine.

This high temperature is the main difference between hot yoga vs normal yoga. And while that may sound like a small change, the elevated temperature brings a number of benefits and considerations.

Benefits of Hot Yoga

Exercising in high temperatures will limit your endurance, both mentally and physically. Between the warm temperatures and wet mats, you can also expect good things like:

• Burn more calories – Preliminary research shows that hot yoga is more effective in burning fat compared to regular yoga.
• Increased flexibility – The high temperature helps to “warm up” your muscles and improve blood flow, improving the circulation of the major organs.
• Natural detox – Profuse sweating is a sign of hot yoga, which can help remove toxins and heavy metals from your body.

Science aside, many hot yoga enthusiasts simply enjoy the cool heat, leaving each session feeling refreshing and invigorating.

Hot Yoga Ideas

As with any exercise, the benefits of hot yoga must be balanced against its risks. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your session:

• Stay hydrated before, during, and after
• Listen to your body and breathe regularly as needed
• Consider taking shorter classes if you are new to hot yoga
• Talk to your teacher about health or other concerns

In addition, many experienced yogis recommend non-slip mats, with a towel or three to wipe away excess sweat.

Balanced Yoga: The Classical Method

Again, yoga is enough – and some may find that the hot room loses that edge. Traditional yoga or hot yoga in a room requires more information, which focuses on gentle stretching, relaxed posture, and mindful breathing.

Note the pros and cons of choosing a regular yoga class:

Benefits of Regular Yoga

When it comes to hot yoga vs regular yoga, the lack of heat allows for some advantages:

• Think about technology – Regular yoga can help you explore many styles and focus on the right moves without the distraction of a hot room.
• Flexible and available – Although hot yoga requires a special place, regular yoga can be done anywhere – at home, in the park, or in a studio.
• Relaxed – Some may find yoga too hot and too sweaty. And that’s fine! Regular yoga sessions can be great if you are heat sensitive or new to yoga in general.

Balanced yoga offers something for everyone regardless of ability, allowing you to focus on form without the distractions that extra heat can create.

Choosing the Right Yoga for You

When comparing the difference between hot yoga vs regular yoga, one question remains: Which one is right you?

• Hot yoga – If you want something new or want to increase your calorie burn and flexibility, hot yoga may be right for you. Although experienced yogis can enjoy this challenge, it’s best for beginners to ease into it slowly, taking breaks and discussing any health concerns with your instructor.
• Yoga all the time – If you like the flexibility of any exercise and don’t want to break a sweat on your mat, regular yoga might be a better choice. It’s also great if you’re still learning proper control and technique, allowing you to focus on precision and accuracy without the added heat issues.

Ultimately, your choice depends on your goals, age, and preferences. Think about what you want from your yoga session, and try a yoga pose that best matches your expectations.

Hot or not, Get Your Walking Yoga with Chuze

The very good How to find out which yoga is right for you? Try both. Listen to your body, measure your fitness goals, and see what makes you happy.

Whether you enjoy an intense, sweat-inducing session or a moment of clarity, the key is to have a regular routine that supports your health and well-being.

It’s all about balance, after all.

Part of that is finding a great yoga class that won’t break the bank. That’s why at Chuze Fitness Centers, our team of certified instructors are dedicated to providing personalized instruction at affordable prices.

Want to know how it works? Visit the location nearest you for a free trial, or check out our membership program.

Source:

National Library of Medicine. Physical Effects of Yoga Practice in Heat on Energy Use, Mobility, and Inflammatory Biomarkers. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7241641/

National Library of Medicine. Excretion of Ni, Pb, Cu, As, and Hg in Sweat Under Two Sweat Conditions. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8998800/

CNet. The Benefits of Hot Yoga: Is It Worth That Sweat? https://www.cnet.com/health/fitness/benefits-of-hot-yoga/

Reviewed By:

Ani is the Vice President of Fitness at Chuze Fitness and oversees the group fitness and team training department. He has 25+ years of experience in club management, personal training, group fitness and coaching. Ani lives with her husband and son in San Diego, CA and enjoys hot yoga, snowboarding and all things cool.