Why HOT Yoga is not so HOT for your wellness…
Why HOT is not so HOT for your wellness…
We know a hot room feels icky at first and then your heart starts pumping, the sweat starts pouring and you get into the flow zone quickly as your body heads into fight or flight to regular your breath and movement in class. Leaving feels great because guess what you survived, and you have this wonderful feeling of stepping out of the sauna and into our AC controlled cars and homes. Why would you not heat a room?
I will tell you lots of why’s. At BE our teachers trained & educated through certified schools heavily focused in anatomy. This matters because like a personal trainer we understand the mechanics of the body and how to use breath and muscle activation to create a healthy heat and cultivate strength from the inside out.
Heating up the body naturally through yoga can have a number of benefits for both the body and mind. Some of these benefits include:
Improved Flexibility: Heating up the body through yoga can help to loosen up the muscles and increase flexibility, which can help to prevent injury and improve range of motion in the joints.
Increased Blood Flow: Heating up the body can cause blood vessels to dilate, which can improve circulation and oxygenation of the muscles. This can help to reduce muscle soreness and improve overall athletic performance.
Detoxification: Sweating and engaging the lymphatic process is a natural way for the body to eliminate toxins and impurities, and heating up the body through yoga can help to stimulate this process. This can help to improve skin health, boost the immune system, and promote overall health and wellbeing.
Stress Reduction: Heating up the body through yoga can also help to reduce stress and promote relaxation. This is because heat can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's "rest and digest" response.
Mental Clarity: Heating up the body through yoga can help to improve mental clarity and focus. This is because yoga encourages mindfulness and present-moment awareness, which can help to calm the mind and improve concentration.
It's important to note that while heating up the body through yoga can have many benefits, it's important to practice safely and responsibly. This may mean starting with a lower temperature or practicing for shorter periods of time until your body becomes acclimated to heat building. Additionally, it's important to stay hydrated and take breaks when needed to prevent dehydration and overheating.
Hot yoga can be a very intense and challenging form of exercise, and as with any physical activity, there are potential risks and drawbacks to consider. Some reasons why hot yoga could be bad for your body from the inside out include:
Dehydration: The high temperatures and humidity levels in a hot yoga room can cause you to sweat profusely, which can lead to dehydration if you don't drink enough water before, during, and after your practice. Dehydration can cause a number of health problems, including dizziness, nausea, headaches, and in severe cases, heat stroke.
Overheating: In extreme cases, the heat in a hot yoga room can cause your body temperature to rise to dangerous levels, which can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. This can be especially dangerous for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as heart problems or high blood pressure.
Joint and Muscle Injuries: While the heat in a hot yoga room can help to improve flexibility and range of motion, it can also increase the risk of joint and muscle injuries if you push yourself too hard or don't practice proper form. This is especially true if you're new to yoga or have preexisting joint or muscle issues.
Respiratory Problems: The hot and humid environment in a hot yoga room can also aggravate respiratory problems, such as asthma, and make it difficult to breathe.
Increased Risk of Infection: The high temperatures and humidity levels in a hot yoga room can create a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, which can increase the risk of infection if you come into contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment.
It's important to listen to your body and practice hot yoga safely and responsibly. Stay hydrated, take breaks when needed, and consult with your doctor if you have any concerns or underlying health conditions.