Everything about the origin and how the hot yoga style affects body and mind
Hot yoga is a particularly demanding style of yoga that is practiced in a heated room with high humidity, which makes the body appear more flexible. A set sequence of 26 asanas is often practiced. Hot yoga certainly requires a lot of stamina and respect for your personal limits.
Hot Yoga in class
Hot yoga is something special: the room is heated to around 38 to 40°C with an increased humidity of around 40% to 60%. This extreme is intended to relax the muscles, increase flexibility and detoxify the body more intensively through the heavy flow of sweat. The rooms are also often equipped with mirrors. During a hot yoga class, various asanas are practiced, which create a physical challenge and increased awareness of breathing. This is often based on a fixed sequence of 26 asanas and two breathing exercises.
Origin and meaning
The Indian yoga master Bikram Choudhury developed Bikram Yoga in the 1960s, which is named after him. The practice strictly adheres to a patented asana sequence and the spiritual idea of yoga is not present. Hot Yoga developed on this basis. The sequence and selection of yoga poses are not regulated here, however. The heated room remains the same.
It should not go unmentioned that Bikram Yoga should be viewed critically. In 2016, the first allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination and defamation were made against Bikram Choudhury. In 2016, he was convicted in the USA, but went into hiding in Mexico. You can find out more about the case in the well-researched Netflix documentary Bikram - Yogi, Guru, Predator.
Who is hot yoga suitable for?
Hot yoga is more suitable for fitter yogis who do not have problems with their cardiovascular system. This is because exertion in the heat can be incredibly challenging for the body. It is important to pay close attention to your limits and to take breaks when your body needs them. You should also drink plenty of water before and after practice (1.5 liters or more).
The right hot yoga equipment
Yoga mat: A sweat-absorbing yoga mat is essential for hot yoga. We also recommend a yoga towel, which protects the mat underneath and ensures that it doesn't slip when you sweat a lot.
Our recommendations:
Manduka Mat Towels Yogitoes and eQua
Outfit: Tight-fitting and breathable functional clothing is best, not cotton. Less is definitely more here: shorts and a bra are completely sufficient.
Accessories: The most important thing is a large water bottle with plenty of water. In addition to the mat towel, we recommend a small towel with which you can wipe the sweat from your body. After practice, you will shower in the studio, so pack everything you need for that, as well as fresh and comfortable clothes for the journey home.