Hot Yoga vs Regular Yoga: Key Differences Explained.

Yoga is all about balance – between body, mind and breath. But are you looking for the best way to achieve that balance? That's where different styles of yoga come into play.

Hot yoga is one example that has gained recent attention, dialing up the intensity of your regular yoga session in a room heated to 90 degrees or higher.

What are the benefits of hot yoga and regular yoga? Is one better than the other? And how can you decide which will provide the best experience? Read and find out how to compare the two experiences.

Hot Yoga: Increase the heat

Hot yoga is performed in a hot environment, often between 90 and 105°F, adding a unique “sauna” element to your routine.

This intense heat is the main difference between hot yoga and regular yoga. And while that may seem like a small change, a higher temperature introduces many benefits and considerations.

Benefits of hot yoga

Pushing through the intense heat challenges endurance, both mental and physical. Between heats and dry mats, you can expect benefits such as:

• Probably a high calorie burn – Preliminary studies show that hot yoga significantly increases fat burning compared to regular yoga.
• Increase flexibility – High heat helps to “warm up” your muscles and improve blood flow, which increases the range of motion in large joints.
• Natural poison – Heavy sweating is a hallmark of hot yoga to help flush out toxins and heavy metals from your body.

On the science side, many hot yoga enthusiasts simply enjoy the soothing heat, which leaves each session feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Considerations for hot yoga

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

• Stay well hydrated before, during and after the session
• Listen to your body and take regular breaks as needed
• If you are new to hot yoga, consider taking short classes
• Talk to your teacher about any health conditions or other concerns

Additionally, many seasoned hot yogis recommend non-slip mats, and a towel or three to soak up excess sweat.

Regular Yoga: The Classic Approach

Again, yoga is about balance – and some may find that a hot class throws off that balance. Regular or room-temperature yoga aims to provide a more measured experience, one that focuses on gentle stretches, delicate postures and mindful breathing.

Here are a few benefits and considerations to keep in mind when opting for a regular yoga session:

Benefits of regular yoga

In hot yoga compared to regular yoga, the lack of heat provides certain benefits:

• Focus on technique – Regular yoga helps you explore more styles and focus on proper alignment without the distraction of a hot room.
• Convenient and accessible – While hot yoga requires a special environment, regular yoga can be practiced anywhere: at home, in the park or in a studio.
• Comfortable – Some may find hot yoga too sweaty and stressful. And that's okay! If you are heat-sensitive or new to yoga in general, regular yoga may be preferable.

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

Choosing the right yoga for you

If you compare the difference between hot yoga and regular yoga, one question remains: which is the right one? Hey you?

• Hot yoga – If you're looking for a new experience or want to increase your calorie burn and flexibility, hot yoga might be right for you. While experienced yogis may enjoy this challenge, beginners are advised to take it slow, take plenty of rest, and consult with your instructor about any health concerns.
• Regular yoga – If you prefer the flexibility of practicing anywhere and don't like the idea of ​​sweating it out in your bed, regular yoga may be a better choice. If you're still learning proper alignment and technique, it's great for allowing you to focus on accuracy and precision without the added heat challenge.

Ultimately, your choice depends on your personal goals, fitness level and preferences. Think about what you want from a yoga session and try the style of yoga that best fits your expectations.

Fresh or not, find your yoga flow with Chuze

of The best How to find out which type of yoga is right for you? Try both. Listen to your body, assess your fitness goals, and see which exercise suits you best.

Whether you choose an intense, sweat-inducing session or a good clear out, the key is to get regular exercise that supports your health and well-being.

Above all, it's about balance.

The other part of that balance is finding a great yoga class that doesn't break the bank. That's why the certified group instructors at Chuze Fitness Centers are committed to providing customized instruction at affordable prices.

Curious how it works? Visit a location near you for a free trial or check out our virtual membership program.

Sources:

National Library of Medicine. Acute physiological effects of performing yoga on energy expenditure, range of motion, and inflammatory biomarkers. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7241641/

National Library of Medicine. Sweat excretion of Ni, Pb, Cu, As and Hg under two sweating conditions. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8998800/

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

Reviewed by:

Annie is the Vice President of Fitness at Chuze Fitness and oversees the Group Fitness and Group Training divisions. She has over 25+ years of experience in club management, personal training, group exercise and coaching. Annie lives in San Diego, CA with her husband and daughter and enjoys hot yoga, skiing, and all things wellness.