Sign in Subscribe
Yoga & Meditation

Hot Yoga: What’s the Deal, Why It’s Awesome, and Where to Try It

Hot yoga is basically yoga in a sauna—think 90°F to 105°F (32°C to 40°C) with about 40% humidity

Hot Yoga: What’s the Deal, Why It’s Awesome, and Where to Try It
hot yoga

So, What’s Hot Yoga?

Hot yoga is basically yoga in a sauna—think 90°F to 105°F (32°C to 40°C) with about 40% humidity. It’s a total game-changer! The OG version is Bikram yoga, a 90-minute sesh with 26 poses and two breathing exercises. But you can also do vinyasa or hatha in a heated room, and it’s all called hot yoga. The heat cranks up the sweat and makes your muscles super bendy.

Why You’ll Love It

Here’s why hot yoga’s worth the sweat-fest:

  1. Flexibility Boost: The heat loosens you up, so you can stretch deeper without pulling anything.
  2. Better Blood Flow: Warmth gets your blood pumping, feeding your muscles and helping your heart.
  3. Detox Vibes: You’ll sweat buckets, flushing out toxins and leaving your skin glowing.
  4. Stress Buster: The focus and breathing in that steamy room melt stress like nobody’s business.
  5. Stronger You: The heat makes every move tougher, building stamina and muscle tone.
  6. Calorie Torch: Burn 300–600 calories per class, depending on how hard you go—great for staying fit!

Heads-up: Check with a doc first if you’ve got heart issues, low blood pressure, or are pregnant. The heat’s intense!

Where Can You Do It?

Hot yoga’s everywhere, and here’s how to find it:

  1. Yoga Studios: Check out Bikram Yoga studios or places like CorePower Yoga (big in the U.S.). Local spots in cities like London or Mumbai have hot classes too.
  2. Gyms: Chains like Planet Fitness or YMCA often have hot yoga on their schedules.
  3. Online Finders: Apps like ClassPass, Mindbody, or YogaFinder make it easy to spot nearby classes.
  4. Social Media: Search “hot yoga near me” on Google or browse X for local tips and studio deals.
  5. Online Classes: Try Glo or Yoga International for virtual hot yoga, but you’ll need to heat up your space to get the vibe.

Tips for Newbies

  • Chug Water: Hydrate like crazy before and after—you’re gonna sweat a ton.
  • Wear Light Gear: Go for breathable, sweat-wicking clothes.
  • Grab a Towel: A non-slip yoga towel is your BFF in that steamy room.
  • Show Up Early: Get used to the heat and chat with the instructor if you’re nervous.

Hot yoga’s a sweaty, feel-good challenge that’ll leave you stronger and calmer. Find a spot, roll out your mat, and dive into the heat!

Read next

Comments ()