Since the scientific evidence was obtained that yoga can work wonders with the human body and mind, the ranks of yogis have grown significantly, and this type of practice has become popular all over the world. Now there are more and more people who want to try hot yoga. What is its peculiarity, why is it so popular, what are the advantages of hot yoga compared to regular yoga.
What is bikram yoga (hot yoga, hot yoga)
Yoga – it is an effective form of exercise that affects blood pressure, stress levels and mood. Bikram yoga, aka hot yoga, aka hot yoga – is a series of 26 yoga poses performed in a room heated to 40 degrees or more. A session lasts about 90 minutes, during which a person takes such postures and asanas and sweats intensely.
It is not suitable for everyone: due to the rather difficult conditions for the body to conduct classes, there are many contraindications to hot yoga. However, there are certain benefits of hot yoga for the mind and body that are also worth considering.
Let's start with a good – benefits of bikram yoga
- Warm. Practicing yoga in a room heated to high temperatures is like visiting a sauna. Heat raises your heart rate and improves your metabolism, and allows your blood vessels to become more flexible. This improves blood circulation and its flow to all organs and parts of the body. In addition, warm muscles have more flexibility, so it will be easier for you to take the necessary postures.
- Weight loss. In the conditions of hot yoga, the body burns fat more efficiently. The assimilation of glucose and fatty acids is also accelerated. Therefore, hot yoga – a great way to get rid of unwanted fat in problem areas in the shortest possible time.
- Flexibility. Warm muscles are more flexible, allowing all parts of the body to move more freely.
- Toxin removal. Despite the fact that not so many toxins are excreted through the skin (the main share falls on the work of the body's detoxification system), it is impossible to completely deny the detoxification effect of hot yoga.
- The cardiovascular system also gets a good massage. In hot conditions, the vessels expand, which increases their flexibility and the supply of oxygen to all "corners" of the body. organism.
- Another important advantage of hot yoga is the fact that it disciplines, builds willpower and endurance, improves mood and relieves stress.
The Other Side of Bikram Yoga: Dangers and Contraindications
Despite all the benefits of hot yoga, it is still not suitable for everyone and carries certain dangers.
Extended exposure to a very hot room, accompanied by physical activity, has its own side effects. What to watch out for:
- pain;
- nausea;
- dizziness;
- vomit;
- weaknesses;
- loss of consciousness;
- injuries;
- dehydration;
- thermal shock.
Remember that constant replenishment of the lack of water in the body, which occurs as a result of intense sweating, is mandatory during and after Bikram yoga. Therefore, if you decide to try such activities, be sure to take water with you!
Since hot yoga classes are comparable to visiting a sauna, it is MANDATORY to find out if your cardiovascular system is healthy (whether it can withstand such temperature loads), kidneys, gallbladder, lungs, do you suffer from bronchial asthma, do you have any inflammatory gynecological diseases, etc.
ANY health problem can be a contraindication to hot yoga. Remember that Bikram yoga, unlike traditional yoga, is only suitable for healthy people. Therefore, before attending such classes, it is imperative to consult a doctor!
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