Hot yoga, or hot variants like Bikram yoga, have become a popular practice in recent years. It involves performing a series of yoga postures in a room heated to around 105 degrees Fahrenheit with a humidity level of 40%. The high temperature and humidity make you sweat profusely, which is said to help detoxify the body and improve flexibility.
Here are some of the positive effects of hot yoga on the body:
-
Detoxification: Sweating is the body's natural way of getting rid of toxins. Hot yoga enhances this process by making you sweat more, which can help flush out impurities from your body.
-
Improved flexibility: The high temperature and humidity in the room help to loosen up your muscles and joints, making it easier to move into deeper yoga postures.
-
Increased strength: Hot yoga requires a lot of physical exertion, which can help build strength in your muscles and bones.
-
Improved cardiovascular health: Hot yoga is a great cardiovascular workout that can help improve your heart health by increasing your heart rate and improving blood flow.
-
Stress relief: Hot yoga can help you relax and de-stress by promoting the release of endorphins, which are natural mood-boosters.
Now, when it comes to choosing a yoga mat for hot yoga, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you want to choose a mat that has good grip, as you will likely be sweating quite a bit during your practice. Look for a mat that has a textured surface or is made from a material that provides good traction, such as rubber.
Secondly, you want to choose a mat that is durable and easy to clean, as you will be using it in a hot and humid environment. Mats made from natural rubber and a layer of PU or microfiber tend to be the most durable and easy to clean.
Lastly, you may want to consider a mat that is specifically designed for hot yoga, such as our Yogabarna mats. These mats are made from materials that are specifically designed to handle the high temperatures and humidity of a hot yoga studio and absorb sweat easily. On top, they are easy to clean - as you can wipe them with a wet cloth and some mild (dishwasher) soap.
In conclusion, hot yoga can have many positive effects on the body, including improved flexibility, strength, cardiovascular health, and stress relief. When practicing hot yoga, it's important to choose a yoga mat that provides good grip, is durable and easy to clean, and can handle the high temperatures and humidity of a hot yoga studio.
