My goal for the fall/winter is to incorporate more stretching and zen into my workout routines, and I believe yoga is the way to go. There are two studios near my house: one that offers hot (bikram) yoga, and one that offers Flow Yoga. I took a 90-minute hot yoga class for the first time last night, and Holy Hades, was that hot (Makes IMLOU seem downright cold…). I don’t recall ever being so winded, and while I slept pretty well afterwards, I was definitely feeling flat this AM. It’s too soon to judge whether this right for me, and I still need to try the regular yoga, but I was wondering if folks here have tried both yoga versions and can share feedback? Is one type ‘better’ with respect to increasing flexibility – without being a whole nother workout on top of regular s/b/r training? For the hot yoga, I sweated like crazy, do people consume electrolytes during the class? thanks!
It depends on what “other” types of yoga you do. All types of yoga emphasize stretching/lengthening, but hot just does it in a hot room. Supposed benefits, but science not quite sure. Take lots of different classes and judge for yourself which you prefer. I like the hot, but that’s me. And I only drink water during the class.
I prefer hot. Try to find a yin class- In yin yoga you hold the poses for several minutes without stressing the muscles too much. It’s focus is to increase flexibility and lubricate the joints.
I prefer bikram as well, found that I was getting more from it from a flexibility and core standpoint than regular, also helped me acclimatize better to training/racing on hot humid summer days. I only drink water during class, helps to go into the room plenty hydrated and rehydrate with electrolytes afterwards.
This post needs photos so we can provide an appropriate response.
All stretching is bad for you.
Now theres proof
http://m.bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2013/10/07/bjsports-2013-092538.abstract
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Hot yoga: good workout, watch out for “over stretching” being hot and sweating gives the illusion of being more flexible don’t get injured.
I usually drink a Gatorade or something but not too much.
I’ll respond since I actually do vinyasa yoga
Or flow yoga
I find my studio is far more spiritual and empowering than many other studios. So find a good studio.
As far as hot yoga - it’s challenging but boring and easy
Same moves over and over again. Overweight people and just uncomfortably hot!
Hope that helps
I’ll respond since I actually do vinyasa yoga
So find a good studio.
I’ll echo this, unless you are emotionally invested in a particular style of yoga (yes there are those people) the key is to find a good instructor. I have been doing Iyengar for 2+ years now and it has made a noticeable difference in my overall physical capabilities. The only reason I do that kind of yoga is because I have a kickass instructor and that is what she teaches.
A lot of the yoga classes at box gyms, etc. are taught by people with little to no training. Just banging through a bunch of poses/moves in an hour won’t do anything for you and may get you injured. Like anything else it pays to search out the true pro’s to learn from.
Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I’ll continue to snoop around and compare styles/instructors. Second hot yoga class tonight…
Have been going to hot classes for 6 years, and I usually bring Gatoraid or water with Nuun tabs. I really believe it prevents injuries. As mentioned above, the instructor is really important- especially if you are new to class. A good instructor will ask if you are new or injured before class and offer adjustments or variations depending on your situation. Have fun!
I clicked on this bc I scanned the topic and my brain read “hot yoga pants”. Very disappointed
Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I’ll continue to snoop around and compare styles/instructors. Second hot yoga class tonight…
Definitely make sure you find the right studio. Better to find this:
Or this:
Than this:
My $0.10. I did yoga for the 1st time yesterday and I’m sold. Especially since some of my injuries have been related to flexibility as much as overuse.
i say screw hot yoga
overweight instructor yelled at me for taking a sip of water when it wasn’t time!
lol - think of hot yoga as yoga with it’s soul ripped out.
it’s deceiving that you’re actually gaining strength or seeing benefit from all that sweating.
I feel the same way. Hot yoga is a marketing scam. Find a decent yogi and embrace the physical/mental/emotional aspects.
While I jokingly posted some yoga pics above, I have been doing yoga once a week for almost 3 years now. It is my Monday evening recovery/relaxing workout. And yes, it is more of the first two pics than the third. That is a bonus.
I’ve been practicing yoga for about 10 years, and just a couple years ago gave hot yoga a try.
Some of the things the instructor said just left me stifling guffaws. So much BS being spewed…
Quite frankly, I don’t see the point of hot yoga. It doesn’t do anything for you. Sweating out toxins? “Just staying in the room is a workout”? I’m sure you did feel drained – of water!!
Get some instruction in hatha if you want. Yoga is an internal practice. Do some of the focusing exercises, get some good stretching and static strength work, and ease into it.
From my experience, hot yoga is a far better route to go. And obviously I am basing my comment on the scenery in the class… Because, that is what it’s all about, right?
Why do you need water during a 45-60 minute class?
Drink before, drink after. Yes you sweat, but it’s not like your on a treadmill or trainer without a fan or something.
Why do you need water during a 45-60 minute class?
Drink before, drink after. Yes you sweat, but it’s not like your on a treadmill or trainer without a fan or something.
I did four months of Bikram early this year before I decided that it was bad for my knees. The classes were 90 minutes. As an experiment, I weighed myself before and after one class. I was 4 pounds lighter after, but I had also consumed 4 pounds of water during the class for a total water loss in 90 minutes of 8 pounds, or just about a gallon.