Hot yoga is a style of yoga that is practiced using a series of yoga postures in a heated room. The first form of hot yoga was Bikram Yoga, founded by Bikram Choudhury in the 1970s. Bikram Yoga is traditionally practiced in a room heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit with a humidity level of 40%. Every Bikram Yoga class uses the same series of poses.
Over time, and due to a desire to distance hot yoga from the controversy surrounding Choudhury, hot yoga came to refer to any yoga practiced in a heated room (80–100 degrees Fahrenheit).
Yoga originated thousands of years ago as a way to connect the mind and body. In the Western world, we tend to focus on yoga in terms of asanas, or movements, rather than the meditative and spiritual aspects of the practice.
There are several different styles of yoga. One of the more popular styles focused on fitness is hot yoga. There are three main types of hot yoga, all of which have several benefits that we'll talk about later.
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Before we get into the benefits of hot yoga, let's explore the three types of hot yoga you might run into in a yoga studio.
Bikram Yoga was created by Bikram Choudhury in the 1970s and follows a 26-pose sequence consisting of one pranayama, one shatkarma (a purification to prepare for the session), and 24 asanas (postures or movements). Bikram Yoga classes generally last around 90 minutes and the room is heated to at least 105 degrees Fahrenheit with 40% humidity.
Hot power yoga is an intense blend of Bikram and Ashtanga Yoga. The room is heated to between 80–100 degrees Fahrenheit. Since Ashtanga is quite vigorous and the heat adds an additional challenge, this type of hot yoga can be especially challenging for beginners.
Heated Vinyasa Yoga is a flowing series of asanas practiced in a room heated 75–95 degrees Fahrenheit.
While hot yoga tends to be pretty intense and challenging, many come to hot yoga because it's also fairly relaxing. You work up a nice sweat and the heat makes your muscles more pliable and flexible. Let's look at a few of the benefits of hot yoga, according to research.
According to a 2013 study, young adults who completed 24 90-minute Bikram sessions over the course of eight weeks showed increased flexibility in their shoulders, hamstrings, and lower back compared to the control group that didn't practice yoga.
Bone density is something we often overlook when we think about health and the benefits of working out or practicing yoga. Since bone density declines with age, it's never too early to start taking steps to improve it. Premenopausal women and older adults are most at risk. In a 2014 study, premenopausal women were able to increase bone density in their necks, hips, and lower back by practicing Bikram Yoga over a five-year timeframe.
With the added heat and humidity in a hot yoga class, it's a lot more taxing on your cardiovascular system. One study in 2014 found that a hot yoga class is similar to a brisk walk (3.5mph) in terms of heart rate.
Yoga is wonderful for reducing both stress and depression, but hot yoga is a particularly great release. And science backs it up. A 2016 study of people who regularly practiced Bikram Yoga experience significant improvements to their mood and stress levels after a 90-minute practice.
As you can probably imagine, hot yoga is, well, hot. The room will be anywhere from 75–108 degrees Fahrenheit and might have humidity up to 40%. This means that you should expect to sweat as your internal body temperature rises.
Hot yoga typically has shorter warmups than other yoga classes. Since the room is already warm, it takes less time to get your body ready and warmed up. After the quick warmup, you'll be taken through a series of postures. While Bikram has a specific set of moves, other types of hot yoga will vary. The class will likely last 60–90 minutes.
There are some potential safety issues involved with the practice of hot yoga. Here are three ways you can stay safe during your practice to avoid overstretching your muscles, dehydration, or heat exhaustion.
Everybody's body has a different response to heat and movement. Be sure to check in with your body throughout your hot yoga practice. If you're tired, take a break. If you're thirsty, take a drink. If you experience signs of heat exhaustion (dizziness, nausea, confusion, weakness, or a prolonged elevated heart rate), excuse yourself from the room and take a seat somewhere you can cool down and hydrate.
Heat does amazing things for your flexibility. That means it's important to ease into stretches during a hot yoga session. Overstretching can lead to ligament tears, so take it easy and pay attention to your body. If you find yourself wanting to go deeper in your stretches than you normally do in a regular yoga class, ease back a bit.
You will sweat during hot yoga. The heat combined with sweating can easily lead to dehydration. Be sure to drink water with electrolytes and take breaks as you need to.
Hot yoga is not recommended for everyone. Here are some of the contraindications associated with the practice. If you have any of these conditions, be sure to check with your doctor before practicing hot yoga.
Hot yoga is an enjoyable practice that you can practice in a studio, your own home (try it out in your bathroom after a steamy shower!), or even outdoors on a hot day (wear sunscreen). It offers all the benefits you get from other styles of yoga but with the added bonus of tons of sweating. Be sure to stay hydrated and wear moisture-wicking clothes.
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{"slug":"what-is-hot-yoga","recentPosts":[{"id":"clgc1nu7j1uwk0birznqai3x1","slug":"10-yoga-poses-for-multiple-sclerosis","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"10 Yoga Poses to Enhance Wellness for Multiple Sclerosis Patients","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Learn about Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis and how it can help manage symptoms. Improve your quality of life with these yoga poses.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Discover yoga for multiple sclerosis - improve your quality of life with these poses.","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-11T09:12:29.35505+00:00","coverUrl":"aydrjq4doquwuaot8kt7.jpg","content":{"text":"Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. It can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, muscle weakness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. While there is no cure for MS, practicing yoga can help manage symptoms and improve overall health and well-being. Before starting a yoga practice, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure safety and effectiveness.\\n\\nBenefits of Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis\\nStress and Fatigue Reduction: Yoga provides a calming and relaxing effect on the body and mind, which can help ease the mental and physical stresses of MS. It can lead to a reduction in fatigue levels and promote a more peaceful state of mind.\\nImproved Balance and Coordination: MS can cause issues with balance and coordination, but yoga can help improve these areas. The practice of yoga involves movements that require balance and coordination, which can improve the function of the nervous system.\\nIncreased Flexibility and Strength: Yoga poses require the use of muscles that may not be utilized in everyday activities. Practicing yoga regularly can lead to increased flexibility and strength, which can improve overall fitness levels.\\nRespiratory Function Improvement: MS can affect respiratory function, but yoga can help improve breathing patterns. Certain yoga practices involve deep breathing exercises that can help increase lung capacity and oxygenation of the body.\\nPain Management: MS can cause pain and discomfort, but yoga can be an effective tool for managing these symptoms. The gentle movements of yoga can help relieve tension and tightness in the muscles, which can reduce pain and improve overall comfort.\\nImproved Overall Health and Well-Being: By providing a range of physical and mental benefits, yoga can improve overall health and well-being for individuals with MS. Regular practice can promote a sense of inner calm and peacefulness, which can positively impact all areas of life.\\n\\nYoga Poses for Multiple Sclerosis Symptom Management\\nSeated or chair yoga poses are ideal for individuals with limited mobility, while standing poses are suitable for those with greater mobility. Focus on poses that improve balance, coordination, and flexibility, such as:\\n\\n1.Child's Pose (Balasana): \\n\\nSit on your heels with your knees apart, and fold your torso forward, resting your forehead on the floor. Stretch your arms forward, palms facing down. Hold for 5-10 deep breaths.\\n\\n2.Cat-Cow (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana): \\n\\nStart on your hands and knees, with your wrists under your shoulders and knees under your hips. Inhale and lift your chest and tailbone towards the ceiling (Cow pose), and exhale, rounding your spine towards the ceiling (Cat pose). Repeat for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n3.Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II): \\n\\nFrom a standing position, step your left foot back and turn it out 90 degrees. Bend your right knee, keeping it directly over your ankle. Extend your arms out to the sides, and gaze over your right hand. Hold for 5-10 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n\\n4.Tree Pose (Vrksasana): \\n\\nStand with your feet hip-distance apart, and shift your weight onto your left foot. Place your right foot on your left thigh, and balance here. Place your hands in prayer position at your heart or extend your arms overhead. Hold for 5-10 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n\\n5.Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): \\n\\nFrom a tabletop position, walk your hands forward and lift your hips up and back, forming an inverted V-shape with your body. Press your hands and feet into the ground and hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n6.Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I): \\n\\nFrom a standing position, step your left foot back and turn it out 45 degrees. Bend your right knee, keeping it directly over your ankle. Extend your arms overhead and gaze forward. Hold for 5-10 breaths and repeat on the other side.\n\\n7.Sphinx Pose (Salamba Bhujangasana): \\n\\nLie on your stomach with your elbows under your shoulders and forearms on the ground. Press into your forearms and lift your chest up, keeping your shoulders relaxed. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\n\\n8.Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana): \\n\\nLie on your back with your knees bent and feet hip-distance apart. Press into your feet and lift your hips up, keeping your arms and shoulders on the ground. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n9.Triangle Pose (Trikonasana): \\n\\nFrom a standing position, step your left foot back and turn it out 90 degrees. Extend your arms out to the sides and reach forward with your right hand, placing it on your shin or a block. Gaze up at your left hand. Hold for 5-10 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n\\n10.Corpse Pose (Savasana): \\n\\nLie on your back with your arms and legs extended. Close your eyes and focus on your breath, allowing your body to fully relax. Stay here for at least 5-10 minutes.\\n\\nBreathing and Meditation Practices for Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis\\nHere are some breathing and meditation practices that can be incorporated into a yoga practice for multiple sclerosis symptom management:\\n\nDeep Breathing: Sit comfortably and take deep, slow breaths through the nose, filling the lungs completely. Exhale slowly through the nose, releasing all the air. Repeat for several minutes.\\nAlternate Nostril Breathing: Sit comfortably and use the thumb to close one nostril while inhaling through the other. Then, use the ring finger to close the opposite nostril while exhaling through the first. Repeat for several minutes.\\nMindful Breathing: Focus on the sensation of the breath as it enters and leaves the body. If the mind wanders, gently bring the focus back to the breath.\\nBody Scan Meditation: Lie down or sit comfortably and bring attention to each part of the body, starting from the toes and moving up to the head. Notice any sensations or tensions and release them as you move through each part.\\n\\nConclusion\\nPracticing yoga can provide many benefits for individuals with multiple sclerosis, including reduced stress and fatigue, improved balance and coordination, and increased flexibility and strength. Incorporating yoga poses and practices into your routine can help manage symptoms and improve overall health and well-being. Remember to consult with a healthcare provider and find a qualified yoga teacher to begin a safe and effective practice."},"category":["fitness"]},{"id":"clg55sr3657wd0airoeszt66q","slug":"yoga-for-carpal-tunnel-syndrom","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga for Carpal Tunnel: Top 10 Yoga Poses, Benefits, FAQs","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Alleviate carpal tunnel symptoms with yoga! Discover 10 poses to reduce pain and improve wrist and hand health. Learn best practices and protect yourself.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Relieve carpal tunnel with yoga! 10 poses to manage symptoms and improve wrist and hand health.","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-06T13:33:53.820514+00:00","coverUrl":"fyzezortjqar8ovbd4vf.jpg","content":{"text":"Do you ever experience pain or tingling in your hands and fingers? It could be carpal tunnel syndrome, a common condition that affects many people who use their hands and wrists frequently. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the compression of the median nerve in the wrist, which can lead to discomfort, numbness, and weakness in the hand and fingers.\\nFortunately, yoga can offer a natural and effective way to manage carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. In this article, we'll explore some yoga poses and practices that can help relieve pain and improve flexibility in the wrists and hands.\n\n\\nBenefits of Yoga for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome\\nYoga has many benefits for overall health and wellness, and it can be particularly helpful for managing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Here are just a few of the benefits:\\nReducing pain:\\n Certain yoga poses can help stretch and strengthen the muscles in the wrist and hand, which can reduce pain and discomfort.\\nImproving flexibility: \\nTight muscles and tendons in the wrist and hand can exacerbate carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, but yoga can help improve flexibility and mobility.\\nReducing stress:\\n Stress and tension in the body can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, but yoga can help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.\n\\n\\nYoga Poses for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Relief\\nYoga poses, or asanas, can be a powerful tool for managing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Here are a few poses to try:\\n\n\\n1.Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the wrists and forearms, reducing pain and stiffness. To perform this pose, sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Bend your right knee and place your right foot on the floor, outside your left thigh. Bring your left heel toward your right buttock. Cross your left arm over your right arm and bring your palms together. Hold for 5-10 breaths, then switch sides.\\n\n\\n2.Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the muscles in the hands, wrists, and arms, improving flexibility and reducing pain. Start on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Lift your hips up and back, straightening your arms and legs. Press your hands into the floor and lengthen through your spine. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\n\\n3.Garudasana (Eagle Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help strengthen the muscles in the hands and wrists, which can improve grip strength and reduce pain. To perform this pose, stand with your feet hip-width apart and your arms at your sides. Bring your right arm under your left arm, and bend both elbows to bring your palms together. Cross your right thigh over your left thigh. Balance on your left foot and hold for 5-10 breaths, then switch sides.\\n\n\\n4.Utthita Trikonasana (Extended Triangle Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the wrists and forearms, promoting flexibility and reducing pain. To perform this pose, stand with your feet about 3-4 feet apart. Turn your right foot out 90 degrees and your left foot in slightly. Reach your right arm forward and hinge at your hip to reach your right hand toward your right shin or the floor. Extend your left arm straight up toward the ceiling. Hold for 5-10 breaths, then switch sides.\\n\n\\n5.Padangusthasana (Big Toe Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the muscles in the hands, wrists, and arms, improving flexibility and reducing pain. To perform this pose, stand with your feet hip-width apart. Inhale and lift your arms up overhead. Exhale and fold forward, reaching for your big toes with your hands. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n6.Marjariasana (Cat Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch and mobilize the wrists, reducing stiffness and promoting flexibility. To perform this pose, start on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Inhale and arch your back, lifting your tailbone and dropping your belly. Exhale and round your spine, tucking your chin to your chest. Repeat for several breaths.\n\\n7.Bitilasana (Cow Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch and mobilize the wrists, reducing stiffness and promoting flexibility. To perform this pose, start on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Inhale and arch your back, lifting your tailbone and dropping your belly. Hold for a breath or two, then return to neutral spine.\n\\n8.Matsyasana (Fish Pose):\\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the chest and shoulders, relieving tension in the upper body and reducing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. To perform this pose, lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Lift your hips and slide your hands, palms down, under your buttocks. Press your forearms and elbows into the floor and lift your chest. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n9.Baddha Konasana (Butterfly Pose):\\n \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the inner thighs, hips, and groin, which can alleviate pressure on the wrists and hands. To perform this pose, sit on the floor with the soles of your feet together and your knees bent out to the sides. Hold your ankles or feet with your hands and gently press your knees down toward the floor. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\n\\n10\\n.\\nUttanasana (Standing Forward Bend)\\n: \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the muscles in the hands, wrists, and arms, reducing stiffness and promoting flexibility. To perform this pose, stand with your feet hip-width apart. Inhale and lift your arms up overhead. Exhale and fold forward, reaching for the floor with your hands. Hold for 5-10 breaths. If you have difficulty reaching the floor, you can place your hands on blocks or a chair seat.\n\n\\nBreathing and Meditation Practices for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Relief\\nIn addition to yoga poses, breathing exercises and meditation can be helpful for managing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Here are a few practices to try:\\nDeep Breathing:\\n Taking slow, deep breaths can help reduce stress and tension in the body, which can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.\\nGuided Meditation:\\n Guided meditations can help promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can in turn reduce carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.\\nVisualization:\\n Visualizing the body healing and repairing itself can help reduce pain and promote healing in the wrists and hands.\n\\n\\nTips for Practicing Yoga with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome\\nWhen practicing yoga with carpal tunnel syndrome, it's important to listen to your body and modify your practice as needed. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:\\nUse Props\\n: Props like blocks or straps can help make poses more accessible and comfortable.\\nModify Poses\\n: If a pose is too painful or uncomfortable, modify it or skip it altogether.\\nBe Mindful\\n: Pay attention to your body and how it feels during your practice. If a certain pose or practice is causing pain or discomfort, stop and modify or skip it.\\n\\nConclusion:\\nManaging carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms can be a challenge, but incorporating yoga into your routine can be a natural and effective way to find relief. By practicing yoga poses, breathing exercises, and meditation regularly, you can improve flexibility, reduce pain, and promote relaxation in your wrists and hands. Give it a try and see how yoga can benefit your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms today!\n\n\\nFrequently Asked Questions about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome\\n\\nQ1. How can yoga help people with carpal tunnel syndrome?\\nAns: \\nYoga is a great way to manage carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms! Certain yoga poses can help stretch and strengthen the muscles in the wrists, hands, and arms, which can relieve pressure on the median nerve and reduce symptoms like pain, numbness, and tingling. Plus, practicing yoga can help reduce inflammation, increase flexibility, and improve circulation in the affected area.\\n\\nQ2. What yoga poses should you avoid with carpal tunnel?\\nAns:\\n If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, it's important to avoid yoga poses that put too much pressure on the wrists or require excessive bending or flexing of the hands. Poses like Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff Pose), Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose), and Plank Pose can worsen carpal tunnel symptoms and should be avoided. Instead, focus on poses that gently stretch and strengthen the wrists and hands.\n\\nQ3.What are the best practices for carpal tunnel?\\nAns:\\n In addition to practicing yoga, there are several other best practices for managing carpal tunnel syndrome. These include taking frequent breaks from repetitive tasks that strain the wrists and hands, using ergonomic tools and equipment to reduce strain, maintaining good posture, and engaging in regular exercise and stretching to promote overall health and flexibility. It's important to take care of yourself both on and off the mat!\n\\nQ4.How can you protect yourself from carpal tunnel?\\nAns:\\n There are several steps you can take to protect yourself from developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Using ergonomic tools and equipment, taking frequent breaks from repetitive tasks, and maintaining good posture can all help reduce your risk. Engaging in regular exercise and stretching can also help keep your hands and wrists healthy and flexible. Remember to listen to your body and take action if you notice any symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, such as pain, numbness, or tingling in the hands or wrists. A healthcare provider can help diagnose and treat any issues before they become more serious."},"category":["fitness"]},{"id":"clg3manw0c2300bk8q089x7gd","slug":"yoga-for-improved-mobility","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Top 10 Yoga Poses for Improved Mobility: Unlock Your Body's Potential","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga is an incredibly efficient tool for improving your mobility for the better, regardless of your age, background, or ability.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn about the best yoga poses for improving your mobility.\n","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-05T11:40:10.955124+00:00","coverUrl":"mo0n5st8ek3dj2p0m8ib.jpg","content":{"text":"We know that yoga can help elevate your mental and emotional wellbeing, but it’s actually an incredibly efficient tool for improving your mobility for the better, regardless of your age, background, or ability.\\nWhat do we mean by mobility, and why is it important? Mobility refers to the level of ease with which you can move your body. This affects your ability to walk, run, lift, and engage in physical activities like sports, dancing, or just playing in the backyard with your kids or grandkids. Your level of mobility directly translates to your overall well-being, and it can greatly influence whether or not you experience chronic pain.\\n\\nHow Yoga Improves Mobility?\\nA typical yoga practice includes performing a holistic routine of stretches that work to improve your flexibility, balance, and strength — which all directly impact your mobility. Let’s break down how each of those factors work.\\nFlexibility refers to the range of motion between your joints and muscles, and an inflexible body is rigid, stiff, and achy, with a relatively small range of motion. A regular yoga routine can help lengthen and strengthen your muscles, improving your range of motion while preventing injury and reducing your risk for chronic pain. Along with increasing mobility, improving your flexibility also puts less strain on your body overall.\\nBuilding strength is crucial to achieve better mobility, since stronger muscles give you better stability, balance, and control over your movements. Yoga targets muscle groups and makes them stronger, more toned, and more capable of increased movement with more control. Increasing strength also helps prevent injury, improves your sense of balance, and reduces your risk for issues later in life – like osteoporosis.\\nIt may be surprising to learn that yogic breathing can also help improve your mobility. By calming your mind, improving your awareness, and relaxing your body, you can build a greater connection with your physical self and reduce tension. This can lead to an increase in your range of motion and a better understanding of your personal limitations.\\nThe best part about yoga is that it's low impact, and it's approachable for everyone. It doesn’t matter how old you are, or whether or not you’re a beginner. You can start out with slow, gentle movements that can greatly improve your mobility without the risk of injury. You can also practice yoga in the comfort of your own home, by following the sequence below or working with one of the many qualified yoga instructors available here at \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n.\\n\\nYoga Poses for Better Mobility\\nTo get started practicing yoga for improved physical mobility, try performing the poses below several times per week over an extended period of time. \\n1.Sun Salutations\\n\\nStart at the top of your mat in Mountain pose, with your hands in prayer position. With flowing, dynamic movement, progress through the following postures 3 or more times:\\nUpward Salute\\nStanding Half-Forward Bend\\nStanding Forward Fold\\nLow Lunge (left foot forward)\\nPlank\\nFour-Limbed Staff pose\\nUpward Facing Dog or Cobra\\nDownward Facing Dog\\nLow Lunge (right foot forward)\\nStanding Half-Forward Bend\\nStanding Forward Fold\\nUpward Salute\\nReturn to Mountain pose\\nRepeat\\n\\n2. Chair Pose\\n\\nStand in Mountain pose at the top of your mat, with your hands at your sides and feet hip distance apart. As you inhale, raise your hands over your head, with your arms parallel with your ears. As you exhale, hinge slightly at your waist, bend your knees and lower your torso forward as if you were about to sit down in a chair. Keep your core engaged and your spine straight while you hold this posture for several breaths.\\n\\n3. Downward Facing Dog\\n\\nStart in a tabletop position, with your hands and knees on your mat. Push up from your hands and knees, lifting your hips until you are balanced on your hands and feet, with your body resembling an inverted “v.” Keep your head in between your arms, ears balanced over your shoulders, and stay in this pose for several breaths.\\n\\n4. Low Lunge\\n\\nFrom your position in Downward Dog, you can easily transition to Low Lunge by bringing your left foot forward and bending your left leg at the knee. With your right leg behind you, gently kneel on your right knee. Inhale as you reach your arms up over your head, parallel with your ears. Expand your chest, lengthen your spine, keep your chin level and your gaze focused forward in front of you.\\n\\n5. Plank\\n\\nLie face down on your mat, and using your palms to push up from the floor, lift your body until you are balanced on your palms and the toes of your feet. In this pose, your body should be positioned in a straight line, with your gaze directed at the floor in front of you. Hold for a few breaths, or for 30-60 seconds if you are feeling strong in this pose.\\n\\n6. Cobra Pose\\n\\nStart by laying with your stomach facing down on the floor, with your legs straight and your arms folded under your head. Place your palms on the mat parallel to your chest. Slightly lift your head off the mat, keeping your head and back aligned, and press your thighs together. Now, steadily pull your elbows towards your rib cage keeping your hands underneath your shoulders. With a deep inhale, press your hands into the mat, curl your shoulders backward, and lift your upper body off the mat, arching your back. Hold this position for a few breaths and then rest.\\n\\n7. Cat-Cow Pose\\n\\nStart in a tabletop position with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your spine. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n\\n8. Bow Pose\\n\\nLie down on your stomach with your forehead against the mat and your hands resting at your sides. Inhale and engage your core, slightly lifting your torso up, bending your legs and grabbing your ankles with each hand. Open your chest and lift your chin, so that your gaze is facing forward. Maintain a steady breath while holding this pose, allowing your body to gently rock back and forth with each inhale and exhale. Release after 20-30 seconds.\\n\\n9. Bridge Pose\\n\\nStart by lying on your back with your knees bent. On your next exhale, tuck your chin and lift your hips, being careful not to allow your knees to splay outward. Interlace your fingers on the floor underneath you and lift your hips higher, while staying in the pose for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n10. Corpse Pose\\n\\nSit on your yoga mat and lower your body to the floor, relaxing your legs and letting your arms rest on the floor at your sides, palms up. Keep your eyes closed and focus on your breathing. Relax the muscles in your face and neck, and visualize every part of your body letting go of all tension. Hold this pose for 5-7 minutes.\\n"},"category":[]},{"id":"clg0gw3o0ycc30ak0rlfm4ea9","slug":"yoga-for-endometriosis","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga for Endometriosis: 6 Easy Poses to Try at Home","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga can help ease symptoms of endometriosis, and it’s a great option for women who are looking for a low-risk, low impact way to cope with the condition.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn the best yoga poses for endometriosis symptoms.\n","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-03T06:45:34.990165+00:00","coverUrl":"htglzgglkwtr6is6mzmi.jpg","content":{"text":"Endometriosis is a disorder that affects about 190 million women worldwide, causing painful periods, infertility, and other severe symptoms that can significantly reduce the overall quality of their lives. While science is still working to fully understand endometriosis, right now there are a few ways in which women can manage the symptoms of this painful condition, including medication, surgery and various forms of therapy. Yoga can also help ease symptoms, and it’s a great option for women who are looking for a low-risk, low impact way to cope with endometriosis.\\nYoga helps reduce the troubling symptoms of endometriosis in a few different ways. The overall practice of yoga activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for operating the body's relaxation and digestive responses. These responses tell your body to slow down and rest, which are crucial when it comes to reducing the pain, anxiety, and stress that comes with endometriosis.\\nYoga also enhances blood flow to your reproductive organs, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Yoga poses work to stretch the muscles and tissues around your uterus and ovaries, which can help reduce the intensity and duration of menstrual cramps. Endometriosis commonly causes intense chronic pain in the pelvis, lower back, and hips, which yoga can help alleviate through gentle stretches and movement that help open up and relax the muscles in these areas.\\nEndometriosis can also cause infertility due to scarring around the reproductive organs, but yoga can help offset this issue by increasing blood flow to the area and lowering inflammation. Yoga also works to balance your hormones by reducing cortisol and other stress hormones and regulating your menstrual cycle.\\nIn terms of mental health, yoga is one of the most effective tools in managing anxiety and depression, which are common symptoms of endometriosis. This condition can cause immense chronic pain, which typically results in emotional distress that yoga can help alleviate. Yoga sends signals to your mind and body that encourage both to relax, reducing tension, calming anxious thoughts, and improving your sense of well-being.\\n\\nWhat Types of Yoga are Best for Endometriosis?\\nThere are many different kinds of yoga, but if you’re experiencing symptoms of endometriosis you may want to stick with gentle postures like those you would perform in Hatha, Restorative, Gentle, or Yin yoga. These types of yoga focus on easy, low-impact movement, along with relaxation and stress reduction, and they typically involve some type of yogic breath work – which can also help reduce inflammation and chronic pain.\\nIf you’re considering yoga for managing your symptoms of endometriosis, there are certain precautions you should take in order to avoid making those symptoms worse. While you’re on your period, it’s important to avoid inverted postures that might interrupt or change your body’s natural flow. If a specific posture causes pain or discomfort, exit the pose immediately and take a break. It’s important to listen to your body and avoid any kind of position that doesn’t feel good. If you’re unsure about your alignment or you’d like some guidance on how to practice yoga for endometriosis, you can enroll in an online class or book a private session with one of the instructors here at \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n.\n\\n6 Easy Yoga Poses for Endometriosis\\nIf you’re experiencing the painful symptoms of endometriosis, try the gentle poses below for some relief.\\n1.Child’s Pose\\n\\nStart on your hands and knees and then lower yourself down so that your backside is resting on your heels, and your big toes are touching each other. Move your hands forward, palms down, so that your forehead is resting on the floor. Allow your spine to lengthen and your neck muscles to fully relax. Breathe deeply and mindfully while staying in this pose for 5-6 minutes.\n\\n2. Cat-Cow Pose\\n\\nStart in a tabletop position with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your spine. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n\\n3. Fixed Angle Pose\\n\\nSit on your yoga mat with your knees bent and the soles of your feet pressed against each other. With your spine straight, press your hands behind you and gently open up your chest and tuck in your abdomen. Hold the pose for 1-2 minutes.\\n\\n4. Seated Forward Fold Pose\\n\\nSit in the center of your mat with your legs stretched out in front of you. Take a deep inhale and raise your arms directly over your head. As you exhale, slowly lean forward and place your head and chest on top of your legs, and grab your big toes with both of your hands. Tuck your chin and curl abdomen, relaxing your lower back as you sink into this pose. Hold for one minute.\\n\\n5. Supine Twist Pose\\n\\nLie on the floor with your knees bent and bring them to your chest. Slowly and mindfully drop your left side while extending your arms outward in a “t” shape. Hold this pose for about 30 seconds while breathing mindfully. Bring your knees back to your chest, and then repeat on your right side.\\n\\n6. Legs Up The Wall Pose\\n\\nPlace a folded blanket parallel against a wall. Sit sideways in the middle of the blanket, and turn yourself toward the wall, lifting your legs up and propping them against the wall. Lay back comfortably, rest your head and neck on the floor, and fully straighten your legs. Spread your arms out to your sides with your palms facing up. Allow your chest, abdomen, and pelvis to completely relax. Breathe evenly and mindfully while holding this pose for 5-8 minutes.\\n\\nPranayama for Endometriosis\\nYogic breath work can help ease feelings of stress and anxiety, while giving you tools with which to manage pain. Try these breathing exercises to encourage a sense of calm and relaxation.\\n1.Nadi Sodhana or “Alternate Nostril Breathing”\\nExhale completely, and then place your right index finger onto your right nostril, and breathe deeply in through the left. Alternate and place your thumb over your left nostril, and exhale through your right. Continue alternating, repeating at least 10 times.\\n\\n2. Ujjayi or Ocean’s Breath\\nStart by breathing in through your mouth. As you exhale, pull in your chin in toward your body and so that your throat is partly constricted. Then, breathe in and out through your nose, making a slight sound that is similar to the ocean.\\n"},"category":["yoga_poses"]},{"id":"clg0fojrzxeqr0biq6yvfzdjk","slug":"yoga-for-acid-reflux","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga and Digestion: 8 Poses to Help Ease Acid Reflux Symptoms","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga helps alleviate symptoms of acid reflux and prevent onset by reducing stress and anxiety, activating your digestive system, and improving your posture.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn the best poses for reducing acid reflux.\n","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-03T06:11:42.97583+00:00","coverUrl":"ckauzlgegiwd249grkhg.jpg","content":{"text":"If you experience acid reflux on a regular basis, then you’re already familiar with how it typically unfolds. It often starts with a burning sensation in your chest and the repeated urge to burp and let go of accumulated gas. There are lots of reasons why acid reflux occurs, including a number of lifestyle factors like poor diet and emotional stress. Thankfully, yoga can help manage symptoms and reduce episodes if they are stress-related. \\n\\nHow Yoga Helps with Acid Reflux\\nOne of the ways that yoga helps reduce acid reflux is by reducing stress and anxiety. These are the common culprits for acid reflux, because they cause your body to engage in a cascade of fight/flight/freeze responses that includes increased production of stomach acid. By reducing your stress and anxiety, you can help your body avoid switching on that fight/flight/freeze response.\\nAnother way that yoga can reduce acid reflux is through improving your posture and alignment. Poor posture can contribute to chronic acid reflux by placing too much pressure on your stomach and esophagus. Yoga postures that correct your alignment — like Downward Facing Dog and Standing Forward Fold — help relieve this pressure and prevent the onset of acid reflux. It’s important to note that in order to truly improve your posture, you need to practice these poses regularly and for the long term – over time they can help reduce your risk of developing acid reflux in the first place.\\nYoga can also help regulate your digestive system, which is another factor that contributes to acidity. When food gets stuck in your digestive tract, it can cause gas and bloating, slowing your entire digestive system down, which eventually manifests in your stomach with an acidic reaction. By stimulating your digestive system, you can help your body move and process food smoothly through your digestive tract without gas, bloating, or acidity.\\nOne of the most important ways yoga can help prevent acid reflux is by strengthening your diaphragm, which is the muscle that prevents acid from moving up into your esophagus. When the diaphragm is weak or tense, it can actually allow acid reflux to rise up from your stomach and push its way into your esophagus, which is what causes that uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest. Yoga postures that promote diaphragmatic breathing, such as Seated Forward Fold and Corpse pose can help strengthen this muscle and prevent acid reflux.\n\\n\\n8 Effective Yoga Poses for Acid Reflux\\nIn order to get the most benefit from practicing yoga for acid reflux, it’s recommended that you develop a regular routine that involves performing yoga at least 3-4 times per week for 6-9 months. This isn’t a quick fix, but with a long term commitment you can reduce the onset of acid reflux and improve your overall quality of life.\\nThe poses below are basic, primary yoga poses you can practice in your very own home. If you’re unsure how to practice the postures, or you’d like some professional guidance, try working with one of our certified yoga instructors at \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n.\\n1.Mountain Pose\\n\\nStart by standing at the top of your mat with your feet hip distance apart. Balance your weight evenly on both feet. Keep your arms relaxed at your sides, with your spine straight and your chest lifted. Your gaze should be focused straight ahead of you while you breathe easily and gently. Hold the pose for 1-2 minutes.\n\\n2. Standing Forward Fold\\n\\nStand at the front of your mat, feet hip distance apart. Exhale and bend forward from the waist, with your knees slightly bent and touching your hands to the floor in front of your feet. Inhale and exhale, allowing your torso to extend without rounding your back. Lengthen and soften your neck, and let the muscles of your thighs and lower back open and release any built-up tension. Hold the pose for 1-2 minutes.\\n\\n3. Downward Facing Dog Pose\\n\\nWith your hands and knees on the floor, push your hips upward until you are balancing on your hands and feet, and your body resembles an inverted “v” shape. Reach your heels toward the floor, stretching your hamstrings and activating your thighs. Keep your head between your arms, lengthening your side-body as you stretch. Stay here for several breaths.\\n\\n4. Seated Spinal Twist Pose\\n\\nSitting with your knees bent and your feet tucked in next to your left butt cheek, inhale with your spine straight, lifting your chest. As you exhale, rotate your torso to your right. Position your right hand on the floor just slightly behind you, and rest your left hand on your right knee. On your next breath, rotate a little more as you exhale, turning your head to look over your right shoulder. Hold this pose for 20 to 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side.\\n\\n5. Cat-Cow Pose\\n\\nStart with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your back. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n\\n6. Child’s pose Pose\\n\\nStart on your hands and knees and then lower yourself down so that your backside is resting on your heels, and your big toes are touching each other. Move your hands forward, palms down, so that your forehead is resting on the floor. Allow your spine to lengthen and your neck muscles to fully relax. Breathe deeply and mindfully while staying in this pose for 5-6 minutes.\n\\n7. Seated Forward Fold Pose\\n\\nStart by sitting on your yoga mat with your legs stretched out in front of you. Come onto your sit bones and inhale with a straight spine. Raise your arms over your head and as you exhale, begin to bend forward by hinging at your waist. Slowly lower your torso toward the tops of your legs, allowing your spine to curve forward as you reach your legs. Hold this pose for 30-60 seconds.\\n\\n8. Corpse Pose\\n\\nSit on your yoga mat and lower your body to the floor, relaxing your legs and letting your arms rest on the floor at your sides, palms up. Keep your eyes closed and focus on your breathing. Relax the muscles in your face and neck, and visualize every part of your body letting go of all tension. Hold this pose for 5-7 minutes."},"category":["yoga_poses"]}],"randomPosts":[{"id":"cldvl2glpzjco0biq8fz81p4i","slug":"yoga-mudras-and-meditation-chakras","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Level Up Your Yoga Practice With Mudras (Meditation Mudras for Chakras Explained)","createdAt":"2023-02-08T11:24:14.600082+00:00","coverUrl":"mtzclby030ft7pqfp6qp.jpg","content":{"text":"There is an easy way to get more out of your yoga and meditation practice, and this method is commonly overlooked. Mudras, or hand gestures, can be used to help heal specific issues, gain powerful insight, or direct the flow of energy throughout your chakras. These hand gestures vary depending on your intended use, and some are more simple than others. But overall, they are effortless to try and can help you gain so much more from your practice.\\nFirst, let’s understand what mudras are and how we can use them.\\n\\nMudras: An Ancient Technique for Modern Living\\nAs we mentioned above, mudras are symbolic hand gestures with specific purposes. Think of your hands and fingers as powerful conductors — certain pressure points emphasize targeted benefits that work in tandem with pranayama (breath work), meditation, and yoga postures. These sacred gestures have been around a long time, first incorporated by ancient yogis thousands of years ago. As far as we know, mudras first appeared in 15th century Sanskrit texts, but they may have been used long before that and kept secret. The actual origin of these gestures is still unknown.\\nThe possibilities for mudras are endless, and there are hundreds to choose from. For instance, in Bharatanatyam, there are 59 mudras and 32 of them are for just one hand. But if you are just getting started with these powerful gestures, you can easily get acquainted with the simplest ones and go from there. It’s best to approach each mudra with mindfulness and curiosity, taking care to notice how you feel and any changes within your body and/or energy field.\\nWhen you are practicing with mudras, keep in mind that each finger of your hand represents an element. Mudra hand sign will help you understand how each mudra works to direct energy within your being, and how you can utilize mudras for specific goals. Mudras can perform simple tasks, like improving your mood, clearing your mind, sharpening your focus, or deepening your practice. As mentioned above, they can also direct energy throughout your chakras, offer healing, longevity, and a multitude of other uses.\\nEach one of your fingers represent the following: \\nThumb - Fire\\nIndex finger - Air\\nMiddle finger - Space/Ether\\nRing finger - Earth\\nPinky finger - Water\\n\\nCan Beginners Use Yoga Mudras?\\nEven though ancient yogis may have kept mudras hidden from less accomplished practitioners, that is no longer the case in modern times. We now have access to a wealth of information about these sacred gestures, and anyone can use them. Even if you’re a beginner, you can start incorporating mudras into your practice to level up your energy, emotional health, and spirituality. \\nIf you’re not sure where to begin, you can approach mudras with a specific goal in mind, or simply an open, experimental attitude. Below, we’ve provided a road map to a selection of mudras that are easy to perform and impart meaningful benefits that are useful to anyone who is just starting out. Like many other yogic traditions, regular practice of these mudras is key to realizing long term gains.\\n\\nEasy Mudras You Can Try At Home\\nTry one or several of the mudras below to get started deepening your yogic journey. You can use any of these mudras in conjunction with your yoga, meditation or pranayama practice. If you’re not sure how to approach a mudra, simply sit in Easy or Lotus pose for 30-45 minutes while performing the task. Following are the list of mudras with pictures :\\n\\n1. Ashwini Yoga Mudra \\n\\nAshwini Mudra is a yogic technique that involves contracting and relaxing the anal sphincter muscles. This practice is considered to be an important aspect of Hatha Yoga, as it helps in controlling and regulating the energy flow within the body. \\nAshwini Mudra is believed to stimulate the Muladhara, or the root chakra, which is responsible for grounding and stability. The contracting and relaxing of the anal sphincter muscles during the practice of Ashwini Mudra is said to help release stored tension and increase blood flow to the area, promoting physical and mental well-being. Additionally, this mudra is believed to improve digestion, regulate elimination, and increase the overall strength of the pelvic floor muscles. As with any form of yoga, it is important to practice Ashwini Mudra under the guidance of a qualified instructor to ensure proper form and avoid injury.\\n\n2. Prithvi Mudra\\n\\nPrithvi Mudra aids the healing process by spiritually balancing the earth element within your body. Along with meditation and pranayama, you can use this mudra while performing some yoga postures — particularly those that require careful balance to help ground and support your body.\\n Touch your thumbs to the tips of your ring fingers on the same hand, with your remaining three fingers extended straight — connecting the earth element with fire.\\n\\n3. Anjali Mudra\\n\\nChances are you’ve been practicing this mudra all along without realizing it. Anjali Mudra is the prayer position students make with their hands at the beginning or end of a yoga session. It activates your third eye chakra, improves focus, self-awareness, and stability.\\nSimply press both palms together in a prayer position at the center of your chest, or directly in front of your heart. Your fingertips should be pointed toward the ceiling, taking care to press the entire surface of your palms completely together.\\n\n4. Dhyana Mudra\\n\\nIf this mudra looks familiar, you may have seen it on display with buddhist statues, or in a meditation class. The purpose of Dhyana Mudra is to act as a seal — promoting stillness, concentration, and balance.\\nWhile sitting in Easy or Lotus pose, rest your hands in the center of your lap with your right hand on top of your left, palms facing up. Touch your right and left thumbs together to create the “seal.” \\n\\n5. Gyan Mudra\\n\\nThis is another commonly used mudra that you may have already incorporated into your meditation practice. It’s the mudra you turn to in order to promote mental clarity and gain access to your higher wisdom.\\nTouch the tip of your index finger to the tip of your thumb, with your remaining three fingers extended straight. Rest each hand in this mudra on your knees while sitting in Easy or Lotus pose.\\n\\n6. Shuni Mudra\\n\\n\\nLike Gyan and Prithvi Mudra, this gesture also involves connecting your thumb (fire) with another element. By activating your space (or ether) element with fire, you can increase your level of positivity, patience, and self discipline. Use this mudra whenever you feel the need to empower your sense of duty and self-control.\\nPress the tip of your middle finger together with the tip of your thumb. You can use this mudra while meditating or performing a pranayama technique — like Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril) breathing. You can also turn to this mudra anytime you need a little help with patience.\\n\\n7. Prana Mudra\\n\\nAre you looking to power up your chakras and awaken your kundalini energy? Prana Mudra is intended for that purpose, as the mudra for removing blockages in your chakras and energizing your vital life force.\\nTouch both your ring and pinky fingers with your thumb, uniting earth and water with fire. Keep your middle and index finger straight. Perform this mudra while sitting in a meditative posture, or while practicing specific kundalini postures.\\n\\n8. Apan Mudra\\n\\nIf you’ve attended a rock concert, you might have seen this mudra on display without realizing it. Little known to fellow concert goers, this hand position actually utilizes space and earth elements to improve digestion and release stress.\\nTo practice Apana Mudra, you can meet the tips of your middle and ring fingers with the tip of your thumb. Alternatively, you can hold the tips of your middle and ring fingers behind your thumb. For best cleansing results, perform this mudra while practicing Breath of Fire.\\n\n\\n9. Rudra Mudra\\n\\nIn this mudra, we are connecting air and earth elements with fire for greater concentration, increased energy, improving your blood circulation, and decreasing stress. Rudra Mudra can also help to balance your emotions and relieve dizziness or vertigo.\\nPress the tip of your index and ring fingers to the tip of your thumb, while keeping your remaining fingers extended. You may find it difficult to keep your middle and pinky fingers straight — just do the best you can.\\n\\n10. Kali Mudra\\n\\nKali Mudra, also known as the \"thumb mudra,\" is a hand gesture commonly used in yoga and meditation practices. This mudra is formed by touching the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger, while keeping the other fingers extended. The thumb represents the individual consciousness, while the little finger symbolizes the supreme consciousness. When the two are joined in Kali Mudra, it is believed to symbolize the union of the individual and universal consciousness. This mudra is said to bring balance and peace to the mind, helping practitioners to focus and deepen their meditation practice. Additionally, \\nKali Mudra is believed to enhance the flow of energy in the body, promoting physical and mental well-being. It is typically performed while sitting in a comfortable and upright position, with the back straight and the eyes closed. Kali Mudra is a simple yet powerful tool for enhancing one's spiritual practice and achieving a greater sense of inner peace and harmony.\\n\\n7 Types of Meditation Mudras for Chakras\\nMeditation Mudras are hand gestures used in various spiritual practices to help direct energy flow and focus the mind. Each mudra is associated with specific chakras, or energy centers, within the body and is believed to help activate and balance these centers. In this article, we will explore the various types of meditation mudras for the chakras and their significance.\\n\\n1. Root Chakra (Muladhara): \\nRoot chakra is associated with the feeling of safety, stability, and grounding. To activate the root chakra, the Vajra Mudra can be used. This mudra involves touching the thumb and index finger together, creating a circle.\\n\\n2. Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana): \\nSacral chakra is associated with emotions, creativity, and sexuality. To activate the sacral chakra, the Varuna Mudra can be used. This mudra involves touching the thumb and the little finger together, while keeping the other fingers extended.\\n\\n3. Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura): \\nSolar chakra is associated with personal power, self-esteem, and self-confidence. To activate the solar plexus chakra, the Ganesha Mudra can be used. This mudra involves touching the thumb and the middle finger together, while keeping the other fingers extended.\\n\\n4. Heart Chakra (Anahata): \\nHeart chakra is associated with love, compassion, and forgiveness. To activate the heart chakra, the Anjali Mudra can be used. This mudra involves bringing the palms together in front of the heart, as if in prayer.\\n\\n5. Throat Chakra (Vishuddha): \\nThroat chakra is associated with communication, self-expression, and creativity. To activate the throat chakra, the Shuni Mudra can be used. This mudra involves touching the thumb and the index finger together, while keeping the other fingers extended.\\n\\n6. Third Eye Chakra (Ajna): \\nThird Eye chakra is associated with intuition, imagination, and inner vision. To activate the third eye chakra, the Shambhavi Mudra can be used. This mudra involves looking at the space between the eyebrows, with the eyes slightly closed.\\n\\n7. Crown Chakra (Sahaswara): \\nCrown chakra is associated with spirituality, wisdom, and enlightenment. To activate the crown chakra, the Sahasrara Mudra can be used. This mudra involves touching the tips of the index and middle finger to the thumb, while keeping the other fingers extended.\\n\\nIn conclusion, meditation mudras are an important tool in helping to activate and balance the chakras, promoting physical and mental well-being. By using these hand gestures in meditation and spiritual practices, one can cultivate a greater sense of inner peace and harmony, and achieve a deeper connection with the divine"}},{"id":"cl1mnxay3bwdu0cimo90fcsk6","slug":"yoga-for-2","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"It Takes Two! 10 Yoga Poses for Two People","createdAt":"2022-04-05T21:37:49.198754+00:00","coverUrl":"x2dpmpppeogskjpgg84c.jpg","content":{"text":"Did you know that yoga means “union” in Sanskrit? Which means couples yoga is an excellent way to strengthen a relationship between two people. \\nWhether it’s a couple of besties, kids, teenage lovebirds, coworkers, or a couple in a more intimate type of relationship, couples yoga is beneficial for both parties involved!\\nYoga poses for 2 people not only require the couple involved to cooperate with each other, they require trust. Know what else couples yoga often involves? Laughter! Couples yoga doesn’t have to be serious. Quite the opposite, this form of yoga generally evokes a sense of lightheartedness and fun!\\nWhen a couple practices yoga poses for two, there may be some falling, stumbling, imbalance. There may be some mismatch of abilities and some awkwardness. And that’s all a part of connecting with that other person, building trust, and learning how to cooperate, compromise, and grow together.\\nWe’ve curated a list of ten yoga poses for 2 below, but hope you’ll check out others in one of the \\nmany\\n classes in the MyYogaTeacher community!\\nIf you haven’t joined our online yoga community yet, \\nscoop up your two week free trial here\\n! No credit card required. Plus, you get two free 1-on-1 yoga sessions as well! Private yoga in your home, 2-way live streaming with one of our expert yoga instructors.\\nTraditional, authentic yoga, taught live and delivered to you wherever you are in the world.\\n1. Double-tree pose (beginner level)\\nAn easy and fun yoga pose for two, double-tree pose is an adaptation from the traditional version. In this couples yoga pose, each partner balances on one leg while holding on to each other with one or both arms. Alternatively, they can each bring an open palm to the center to create prayer hands as seen in the picture below! \\n\\n\\n\\n2. Partner camel pose (intermediate level)\\nWe’re showing you two versions of this yoga pose! Camel pose is great for building core strength, opening up the chest and heart chakra, and can help couples eventually advance to a backbend. To make it more beginner friendly, you and your partner can simply reach your arms above your head and grab each other’s hands.\\n\\n\\n\n3. Seated spinal twist for two (beginner level)\\nSpinal twists relieve lower back pain and tension, especially if you or your yoga partner sit for long periods of time during the day. This couples yoga pose is simple but builds the relationship through the connection of the back and light intertwining of the arms with your partner.\\n\\n\\n\\n4.Two person standing forward fold (beginner level)\\nAhhhh. The sweet release of a standing forward fold! This fun yoga pose for 2 may bring about some laughter (since you’re coming face-to-face with your partner), but it’s great for lengthening the spine, stretching the hamstrings, and creates more stability in the pose. Plus, the interlocking of your arms with your partners adds traction for an even deeper stretch for those who are already fairly flexible! \\nTwo person standing forward fold can also be practiced with the legs together by reaching your arms around the outside of the thighs and clasping the upper portion of your partners arms.\\n\n\\n\\n\\n5. Double chair pose (intermediate to advanced level)\\nAre you and your partner ready to build some trust \\nand\\n strength - in your partner and your body? Double chair pose requires you and your partner to communicate, balance, and compromise! You’ll also feel the burn as you use those quads and glutes!\\nBe sure to start in standing position, and spread your feet apart for more stability. Keep them together for more of a challenge, but make sure your partner is on board with that first!\\n\n\\n\\n\\n6. Warrior 3 yoga pose for 2 (beginner to intermediate level)\\nIf you and your partner are fairly comfortable with Warrior 1, 2, and 3 already, then this is a great easy option for you! Practicing warrior 3 with a partner means you can go deeper in the pose and hold it for longer. For those of you who are challenged by warrior 3, practicing with a partner will help you gain stability and strength so you can do it even better when you’re back on your own!\\n\\n\\n\\n7. Double plank pose (advanced level)\\nThis couples yoga pose is for people who already know how to hold a plank properly for at least 5-10 good breaths! Also, this pose is best done with two people who are approximately the same size or with the larger partner on the bottom. Once one partner is in plank position, the other partner starts from the side by placing their hands on their partner’s ankles. Then they can lift one foot at a time into place with the ball of their foot on the shoulder of their base.\\nBe prepared to laugh! This one may take a few tries to get it right.\\n\\n\\n\\n8. Couples backbend yoga pose (beginner level)\\nSimilar to camel pose, just standing! Don’t let go of your partner, though, or someone might wind up on the floor. This yoga pose for two builds trust, connection, and can help develop the flexibility in your back muscles that are used for more advanced poses like full backbends.\\n\\n\\n\\n9. Royal dancer for two (intermediate level)\\nFor some yogis, this pose isn’t considered an easy pose. For others, it is! Whether you can easily and gracefully practice royal dancer pose or not, practicing it with a partner makes it easier. Trusting the stability of your partner in yoga poses for two people is imperative to success. \\nIf you don’t already know how to perform this pose, grab your free trial of MyYogaTeacher and ask one of our expert yoga instructors! You’ll be able to message them individually!\\n\\n\\n\\n10. Double temple pose (beginner level)\\nThis is another great chest opener that stretches the back muscles. And this pose doesn’t require you to have good balance or a lot of strength, perfect for beginners! Start by standing facing each other. Inhale and raise your arms above your head before touching palms and gently leaning into this nice couples pose.\\n\\n\\n[image courtesy of The Yoga Nomad]\\nReady for more? \\nMyYogaTeacher offers 1:1 \\nclasses\\n with authentic yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! And if you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:\\n\\nRadiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health & fitness\\n42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!\\nDiscounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!\\nMaking new like-minded friends from around the world\\n\n\\n\\nGrab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!\\n"}},{"id":"cl8kb5f23jq1w0ciscs2h2bxw","slug":"benefits-of-yoga-for-pregnancy","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"What are the Benefits of Yoga for Pregnancy?","createdAt":"2022-09-27T14:42:36.767798+00:00","coverUrl":"kvvlqndsbow5dsckhw7i.jpg","content":{"text":"When you get pregnant, people come out of the woodworks with advice, remedies and old wives tales. Everyone’s got an opinion on how you should spend your pregnancy. But the one thing we know for sure is, yoga is great for mom and baby alike. If you’re curious about prenatal yoga, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down why this type of yoga is excellent for moms (and babies).\\nWhat is prenatal yoga?\\nPrenatal yoga was designed for women who are expecting. Rather than taking a regular class and having to worry about modifications or safety, this class is specifically designed for pregnancy. The practice can help women with common pregnancy aches and pains, ease hormonal and emotional stress and help women’s bodies prepare for birth and their postpartum journey. A regular yoga practice when pregnant has tons of amazing benefits!\\nBenefits of Prenatal yoga: \\nWe asked women who’ve done prenatal yoga while pregnant for their reviews, one said “ It’s excellent for stress relief, pain relief, and preparation for labor.” And they all said they’d recommend it to friends! \\nSo let's break down the benefits: \\nRelaxation : \\nPregnancy can be very stressful! But yoga will help you to relax physically, mentally and emotionally and create a safe, relaxing environment for birth. Prenatal helps you with coping and breath techniques for all stages of your pregnancy.\n\\nPreparation for birth : \\nFor first time moms, and even sometimes vets, labor can be scary. This practice will help you to learn birth techniques so you’re relaxed and ready to go!\n\\nYoga can Help with Labor : \\nIn a 2015 study\\n, It was found that a regular yoga practice in the last 10-12 weeks of pregnancy can improve the mother's comfort during labor and help facilitate the labor process. The “yoga group” in this study on average was in labor two hours less than those who didn’t practice. Past your due date? Prenatal Yoga is also known to help induce labor\n\\nCommunity : \\nYoga classes have always been known to help us build community but during pregnancy, it's so important to have a group of women who understand what you’re going through. Taking part in a prenatal class puts you in a group of women who get it. You’ll have a built in support system and maybe even first friends for your baby!\\nFrequently Asked Questions about Prenatal Yoga:\\nIs Yoga for Pregnancy safe?\\nYes. Yoga is generally considered safe during pregnancy. However, you should always consult your doctor & make sure you’re practicing with a teacher who understands the prenatal experience and can keep you safe. Our teachers are experts in yoga and are ready to help you on your journey. If you’d like to check out our offerings, you can get started today with a two week free trial! \\nWhen during pregnancy can you practice yoga?\\nDuring your first trimester, you can stick to your regular practice with some modifications. \\nYour second trimester is a GREAT time to start prenatal yoga! At this point, you’ll be starting to officially come into your “pregnancy body” and you’ll need to be practicing poses more specific to prenatal. The second and third trimester are considered the “prep period” for your body to prepare for labor. So it's a great time to keep moving and stretching in your new skin as you make room for the baby to grow! \\nWhat yoga poses should you avoid doing? \\nFor the most part, yoga is considered safe during pregnancy. You really only need to focus on any poses that put pressure on your abdomen. You should avoid any and all twisting poses, backbends and inversions.. \\nYoga for Pregnancy Poses you can perform at Home :\\nIt’s important to stay active during your pregnancy for both mom and baby! You should try to get in some sort of movement daily for at least 30 minutes. You can stick to low impact workouts or walks but if you want to do some yoga at home, it’s a great way to end your day. Yoga while pregnant can help with pain, help you sleep better and fight tiredness and fatigue. \\nHere are some poses you can practice at home to keep you moving! And as a bonus, most of these poses will also help your body prepare for giving birth!\\n1. Bound angle pose (Baddha Konasana) :\\n\\nBaddha Konasana pose will help you open your hips, releasing any pain in your back. It can also help to reduce swelling\\nHow it helps with labor: Opening the hips will help you to stretch the muscles needed to open the birth canal.\\n2. Cat-cow pose (Marjaryasana Bitilasana) :\\n\\nMarjaryasana Bitilasana pose release back and shoulder pain and also reduce pressure from the belly\\nHow it helps with labor: Back pain is a common occurrence during the birth process. This pose will help to keep your muscles limber and help to avoid muscle spasms and pain in your back during labor. \\n3. Yogi squat (Malasana) :\\n\\n\\nBeen sitting too long\\n? This is a great hip opener and will also release lower back pain. \\nHow it helps with labor: This pose will widen the pelvic floor making the birth easier,which may help to reduce injury during birth.\\nRemember, if you’re practicing at home, it’s always best to consult your doctor and make sure yoga is safe for your pregnancy.\\n\\nOther ways to practice self-care during pregnancy\\nBeing a mom is the hardest job in the world. And there are no days off. Starting with pregnancy, we feel out of control of our body, its growth and the way we feel. Remember to take time during this beautiful process to practice self-care so you can be present, happy and relaxed. \\nBook a prenatal massage :\n\nA prenatal massage is GREAT for mom and baby. It can help reduce stress and swelling without meds, help you to sleep and get your body ready for labor and delivery. \n \\nTake a bath :\n\nTaking a warm bath while pregnant can also help to reduce stress and lower your blood pressure. It’s a great way to relax and rest your growing body. If you’re feeling pain or swelling, it can be very beneficial to relax in a warm bath. \n\\n\\nAyurveda for Pregnancy :\\n\n\nThis week, MyYogaTeacher has a special Ayurveda event running where you’ll learn how to align with your best self through nutrition and health changes. This specific class is designed to help you have your most healthy pregnancy with nutrition guidelines for a mom and foods to help with baby's development! \\n\nYou can also choose to work 1 on 1 with an instructor of your choice through your MyYogaTeacher membership! Let us help you have your healthiest pregnancy possible! \\n\\nGet started today!\\n"}}],"relatedPosts":[{"id":"cl8a9804vy5de0biznpg4ai2t","slug":"yoga-benefits-for-runners","author":{"name":"Ritesh Bhatt","teacherMytSlug":"ritesh-1","pictureUrl":"ritesh.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga For Runners : Why Runners Should Incorporate Yoga Into Their Training?","createdAt":"2022-09-20T13:50:56.406936+00:00","coverUrl":"tbdacuzob0fuqml8dyjd.jpg","content":{"text":"Training for a big race? Setting some goals you want to crush before the year ends? No matter what your reasons, yoga can be a great way to cross train for running from a 5k to a marathon! Running is great for your heart and body but can also be a huge strain on the muscles. Having an active yoga practice to complement your running routine can have tons of benefits! Let’s dive into how yoga can help!\\n1. Breathing\\nProper breathing and breath stabilization are both incredibly important principles in Yoga and Running. If you can practice proper breathing while running, you can maintain speed longer because you will take long deeper breaths to match your long strides, instead of short breaths which cause instability and speed decline.\\nPracticing Pranayama for runners - \\nAdding a pranayama breath practice before a run can help you to maintain focus as well as speed. Even if running is a release for you, and feels relaxing, Using breathwork to relax and focus can help you clearly see the physical and mental road ahead. Pranayama can also help if things are going off course on your run. If you need to regain control, you can come back to your breath and refocus. With these practices together, your run really can be a religious experience, or a way to relieve stress! \\nTo start a pranayama practice, all you need to do is focus on controlling your inhale and exhale. Start by standing tall and relaxed, or sitting tall and calm if you prefer. Close your eyes and focus inward. Start by breathing in for two and out for two. As you continue to grow your practice, you can build up to breathing in for six and out for six. You can even play with pausing for two to four breaths in between your inhale and exhale. When you finally build a practice you’re confident with, you can start to set intentions and visualize your success. With this practice, you’ll begin to see your running dreams come true!\\n\\n2. Flexibility/Strength\\nIt would be great if in life, we only ever needed to do one thing to get to our goals. But in reality,just like we can’t have cookies for every meal, cross training for runners is essential to maintaining a long term healthy routine. While you could easily just add weight training or stretching a la cart into your week, yoga gives you more by going deeper and getting into those smaller, harder to access ligaments and tendons you might otherwise miss with strength training . Adding yoga into your running routine can reduce the risk of injury and help to maintain your goals. The more flexible your muscles are, the less likely they are to tense up or be stressed during running so you can move with more confidence and ease. Not to mention, it’s always great to look forward to a nice long stretch after a run. \\n\n3. Conditioning \\nWe all know running is GREAT for your cardiovascular health, can add years on to your life and keep your heart pumping at its best! But it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a veteran, running can make your body sore. Yoga is great for conditioning those tired and fatigued muscles without having to “take a day off” to rest. In between your runs or on conditioning days, you can take a class focused on your back or knee health, or even a class to open tight hips after a long run. There’s nothing the magic of yoga can’t do! \\n\n4. Balance/Posture\\nEven though running is a “walk in the park” compared to ballet where balance is concerned, you still need to do your best to focus on alignment while you move.\\nYoga can improve your running form by elongating the limbs so you cover more ground in less time. You'll be PR’ing in no time! Proper alignment is also important when running because as you increase your speed, the level of impact (and injury) becomes greater. Maintaining your body's alignment during movement assures you arrive at the finish line aliment free! Love a tree pose? Want to learn to fly into a warrior? Lots of yoga poses force you to balance on one leg, which helps you to build a unilateral movement practice much like the ebbs and flows you take while running. \\n5. Stress and Mental Clarity\\nFeeling stressed before a big run? Worried about your PR? Yoga can help! Focus your breathing and set an intention. You’ve got this!\\nFocus and clarity are so important when running so you can know where you’re headed and stay on track. Add your yoga practice in before training or race days and you’ll feel your worries melt away. According to scientists at \\nHarvard,\\n adding just minutes of yoga to your week can improve your outlook, slow down the body and decrease stress. You’ll find your body will be more relaxed, focused and ready to run for those goals when you release your tension with yoga. \\nGetting started:\\nSo what do you need to get started? Simple! Yourself, a mat, some water and a quiet space are all you need! Are you ready to add yoga into your running routine? \\nGet started with a two week free trial of our classes and one on one sessions!\\n\\nLet’s figure out where your yoga practice would serve you best! \\nDoing yoga BEFORE your run will help you to warm up your muscles and ligaments. By fully warming up your body before you hit the pavement, you decrease the chances of injury, help with an easier recovery and can improve your PR as you continue to train! \\nBest Yoga Poses to practice before a run :\\nHigh Lunge - This pose stretches the legs from top of the thighs down to the ankle\\n\\nWarrior II - Helps with focus and stamina. Great before heading out!\\n\\nSide angle bend - This stretch helps to stretch the side body and release any tension in the shoulders and spine. \\n\\nPrefer to do yoga after your run? That’s a great option too! Yoga is great for recovery after a run! Finishing your running routine with a yoga stretch helps you to rebalance. You can stretch muscles or limbs that became tight during your run and strengthen anything that may have become fatigued. You can also refocus and deepen your breath to reset for the next part of your day. \\nBest Yoga Poses to practice after a run :\\nButterfly Pose - a basic hip opener to ease into your stretch\\n\\nHalf Pigeon - A great pose for multiple alignments! Working through the psoas and hip flexors. Make sure to practice on both sides.\\n\\nHappy Baby - This pose is great for finishing up your hip opener extension while giving a nice massage to the back and stretching the soles of the feet.\\n\\nWant to take a class? Try some of our favorite classes for runners!\\n\\nYoga for Strength and flexibility \\n\\n\\nYoga for Knee Pain\\n\\n\\nYoga for Back health\\n\\nReady to join us for class? \\nGet started with a free trial now! \\n\\nRemember, with a great training plan for your runs, and an ongoing yoga practice you’ll be ready to run to your greatest finish line feeling and looking your best! Just like peanut butter and jelly, yoga and running are great together!"}},{"id":"ckfqyyhww01wi0126n9chm1xw","slug":"yoga-as-personal-therapy","author":{"name":"Shilpi","teacherMytSlug":"shilpi-1","pictureUrl":"shilpi4.jpg"},"title":"Yoga as Personal Therapy","createdAt":"2019-09-09T00:00:00+00:00","coverUrl":"shilpi4.jpg","content":{"text":"During an agitated and confused time in my life, I glimpsed in asana practice the possibility of refuge. As the practice became consistent over the years, that refuge has gone to open something deeper inside me. \\nYoga\\n became the therapy session I spent with myself, the mat became my world creating a space to reclaim the mind-body connection that the difficult phase of my life had severed.\\n\\nWith qualifications having nothing to do with yoga, a BE (Computer Engineering) and an MBA, I found the next natural transition to train to teach yoga. I completed my Yoga Alliance certified 200 Hr Teacher Training under the guidance of Regeesh and Mrinali at Aayana Yoga Academy, Bangalore. The seeds of this desire to share this practice have sprouted, taken root, and now gradually developing baby shoots in my teaching journey. I teach group, personal and corporate classes in Vinyasa, Hatha and \\nProp Yoga\\n. I also manage the operations of a yoga studio and this has given me the opportunity to interact and work with diverse teachers and learn from them, deal with myriad students and get a perspective from both the teacher and students end.\\n\\nShilpi\\n\\nI believe creativity is not about compartmentalising or remaining in a neatly labeled box. With interests in all things to do with art, craft, handmade, homemade, go-green, recycle-reuse-refuse, veganism, healthy eating, baking, minimalism, zero waste, animal compassion - the list goes on - I am one busy yogi, welcome to my chaos! Yoga remains my anchor to this essence, my steady ship amidst seas of change. I believe that yoga gives you the tools to make your own raft to navigate the stormy seas of life and once steady you can also board on others on your raft to take along the way.\\n\\nEven though the category reads ‘instructor’, I believe I will always be a student attending classes to fine tune my practice and find my teaching style true to the the saying 'you can't pour from an empty cup'. I am grateful to all my teachers - without them I wouldn't have been a student and to all my students - without them I wouldn't have been a teacher. I love the experience that comes with seeing people experience the goodness that yoga brings on the mat. Who needs yoga? Honestly, we all do. If you can breathe, you can do yoga! Every last one of us can benefit from building strength, gaining flexibility, and finding a bit of calm in the day. So let’s make that happen…hop on to your mat!\n\nCheck out our latest \\nMud therapy\\n workshop!\\n"}},{"id":"cl8ydkwnvhu6s0aheyrlyqlrv","slug":"how-to-practice-yoga-at-home","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga at Home : 10 ways to start your home yoga practice","createdAt":"2022-10-07T10:59:25.142855+00:00","coverUrl":"ajwcgjkkcaeg1mp3bb9p.jpg","content":{"text":"How to get Started:\\nAre you ready to commit to an at home yoga practice? No matter what your reasons for deciding to start an at home practice, \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n has you covered! We will help you begin your journey from beginner to advanced yogi, all without having to leave the comfort of your own home.\\n1. Set up your yoga space\\nWhen you decide to start an at home practice you want to create a space that inspires movement. Since you’ll be coming to your Zen space often, this should be a spot in your home that promotes joy, comfort and peace.\n\\nWhat you need\\nStart with a quiet space. You don’t want to be in a space where you can hear traffic, noise or your family bickering. Find a space where you’re away from noise. If you can’t find a place that’s quiet, invest in headphones for your practice.\\nPlay some music! Grab a small speaker or headphones and find your tunes. There are tons of great yoga playlist available. Find one that inspires you!\\nVisual aids Images or quotes that motivate you. You can put these up or even make a vision board which will help with intentions when you’re read to set them!\\nYourself! The most important thing you’ll need is you! Come as you are to your space. Thank yourself for showing up and have some grace as you begin your journey.\\n2. Get your gear\\nTo begin a yoga practice at home, there are a few things you’ll need to bring to your physical space. If you’re a yogi on a budget, no worries! We’ll provide you with a swap you already have at home!\\nA Mat or towel : Normally for yoga, we use a mat for our practice. If you don’t have one, you can use a towel or two. Just make sure it’s thick and doesn’t slip too much!\\nA bolster or small pillow and blanket: If you’re interested in a relaxation or deep stretch practice, these are essential. A small couch pillow can take the place of a bolster and any blanket will suffice.\\nBlocks or books: Sometimes we use blocks in our practice to help deepen a pose or get us closer in our pose. You can also use a chapter book in place of a block!\\nWith these swaps there’s no excuse to wait till you can purchase props to get started! You have everything you need already!\\n \\n3. Find your Why\\nWhy do you want to build an at home yoga practice?\\nWhat are your goals? Before you get started, sit down and think about your “why”. Be intentional about why you’re on this journey. Our online classes can be a great addition to your at home practice! \\nYou can grab a free trial and get started with us today! \\n\\n Do you want to get stronger?\\n \\nTry a power\\n or\\n \\nvinyasa practice.\\n\\nAre you looking to find more ways to relax?\\n \\nTry a restorative\\n or\\n \\nyin practice.\\n \\n \\nTrying to lose weight?\\n \\nTry our mindful weight loss class.\\n\\n \\n4.Find Your Style\\nWhat type of Yoga is right for you?\\nLet’s break down some of the most popular styles so you can find the right fit for your home practice!\\nVinyasa\\nA vinyasa practice is meant to build strength in your body and mind. Typically, we move with our breath in a vinyasa class. One breath per movement. This flow class is good for building strength.\n\\nHatha\\nGetting back into a fitness routine? Hatha is great for building into an existing or newly revamped fitness routine. This style is meant to improve overall health and fitness as well as build a mind-body connection.\n\\nAshtanga\\nAn Ashtanga practice is for toning up. This practice helps you to build strength and flexibility. This practice is better for intermediate or advanced students as it uses a lot of upper body and core strength.\n\\nYin Yoga\\nLooking to relax? Yin is meant to relax the body and help alleviate any pain or tension in the body. This style is great for recovery for athletes or those rehabbing an injury!\n\n\\nNow you’re ready to practice:\n\\n5. Begin your journey\\n· Rule of 5’s – Stick to your goals by practicing the rule of 5’s. Five minutes, Five poses, Five deep breaths(slow inhales and exhales) . This is a great way to get started! Slow and steady wins the race and you can ease into your journey with just five minutes at a time!\\n· Poses for beginners – Five poses to get you started! These poses are great for everyone beginner through advanced.\\n\\n- Mountain Pose\\n\\n\\n\\n- Forward Fold Pose\n\\n\\n\\n- Downward Facing Dog Pose\\n\\n\\n\\n- Pigeon Pose\\n\\n\\n\\n- Child Pose\\n\\n\\n\\n6. Set an Intention\\nThis is your guiding force. It can change with each practice or always be the same. Pick a mantra or an intention. Let it drive you. Let it help you find your focus\\n \\n7. Find your breath\\nBegin a prana practice! There are lots of different types of breath practices. Find one that helps you find balance and try to add it into your practice.\\nRead more about them in\\n \\nthis article\\n from our website!\\n\\n8.\\n \\nCommit to a schedule\\nFitting yoga into your life should be easy. Take some time to think about your goals.\\nHow much time do you want to commit to your practice daily or weekly?\\nSet a goal to do yoga a certain number of days per week. Remember to make your goal attainable. It can always be adjusted. Yoga is a practice, not a perfect. There are no wrong answers in yoga. Any time you make to move your body is an achievement.\\n \\n9. Enhance your home practice\\nStill building your Zen space? Here are some things to add to your space to create an atmosphere you can really relax in!\\nEssential Oils- Grab a few of your favorite oils and a diffuser so your space’s aroma puts you in the right state of mind to move.\\nJournaling- Sometimes the only way to get out of our heads is to put a pen to paper. If your mind is too busy while you practice, try to journal before. Get a notebook and special pen you can keep in you Zen den!\\nBuilding a meditation practice- Extend your yoga practice by building a meditation practice to add on before or after your flow. This can help you emerge from your space more calm, cool and collected.\\n \\n10.\\n \\nFind your community\\nHow to begin an at home practice with us at MyYogaTeacher. \\n\\nJoin our free trial\\n: You’ll get two FREE weeks of unlimited group classes and two free 1-on-1 sessions. \\nHave a plan! Our expert yoga teachers will help customize a plan that’s perfect for you! \\nTake classes & build your practice every day! \\nNow that you have the tools and information, you’re ready to go! Make a plan and get started! Your body will thank you!"}}],"blogContent":{"id":"ckobw6cog4k610b73p7ectzwu","slug":"what-is-hot-yoga","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"What Is Hot Yoga: Pump Up the Temp—And the Benefits!","createdAt":"2021-05-05T20:07:09.885867+00:00","updatedAt":"2022-05-17T11:43:08.509741+00:00","coverUrl":"hotyoga_ckobw6cog4k610b73p7ectzwu.png","seoDescription":"What is hot yoga? Discover the benefits of hot yoga here and understand better whether a hot yoga class is for you or whether to avoid it.","content":{"text":"What is Hot Yoga?\\nHot yoga is a style of yoga that is practiced using a series of yoga postures in a heated room. The first form of hot yoga was Bikram Yoga, founded by Bikram Choudhury in the 1970s. Bikram Yoga is traditionally practiced in a room heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit with a humidity level of 40%. Every Bikram Yoga class uses the same series of poses.\\n\\nOver time, and due to a desire to distance hot yoga from the controversy surrounding Choudhury, hot yoga came to refer to any yoga practiced in a heated room (80–100 degrees Fahrenheit).\\n\\nYoga originated thousands of years ago as a way to connect the mind and body. In the Western world, we tend to focus on yoga in terms of asanas, or movements, rather than the meditative and spiritual aspects of the practice.\\nThere are several different styles of yoga. One of the more popular styles focused on fitness is hot yoga. There are three main types of hot yoga, all of which have several benefits that we'll talk about later.\\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\nTypes of Hot Yoga\\nBefore we get into the benefits of hot yoga, let's explore the three types of hot yoga you might run into in a yoga studio.\\n\\nBikram Yoga\\n\\nBikram Yoga was created by Bikram Choudhury in the 1970s and follows a 26-pose sequence consisting of one pranayama, one shatkarma (a purification to prepare for the session), and 24 asanas (postures or movements). Bikram Yoga classes generally last around 90 minutes and the room is heated to at least 105 degrees Fahrenheit with 40% humidity.\\n\\nHot Power Yoga\\nHot power yoga is an intense blend of Bikram and \\nAshtanga Yoga\\n. The room is heated to between 80–100 degrees Fahrenheit. Since Ashtanga is quite vigorous and the heat adds an additional challenge, this type of hot yoga can be especially challenging for beginners.\\n\\nHeated Vinyasa Yoga\\nHeated \\nVinyasa Yoga\\n is a flowing series of asanas practiced in a room heated 75–95 degrees Fahrenheit.\\n\\nBenefits of Hot Yoga\\nWhile hot yoga tends to be pretty intense and challenging, many come to hot yoga because it's also fairly relaxing. You work up a nice sweat and the heat makes your muscles more pliable and flexible. Let's look at a few of the benefits of hot yoga, according to research.\\n\\nImproves Flexibility\\n\\nAccording to a 2013 study, young adults who completed 24 90-minute Bikram sessions over the course of eight weeks showed \\nincreased flexibility\\n in their shoulders, hamstrings, and lower back compared to the control group that didn't practice yoga.\\n\\nIncreases Bone Density\\nBone density is something we often overlook when we think about health and the benefits of working out or practicing yoga. Since bone density declines with age, it's never too early to start taking steps to improve it. Premenopausal women and older adults are most at risk. In a 2014 study, premenopausal women were able to increase bone density in their necks, hips, and lower back by practicing Bikram Yoga over a five-year timeframe.\\n\\nIncreases Cardiovascular Endurance\\nWith the added heat and humidity in a hot yoga class, it's a lot more taxing on your cardiovascular system. One study in 2014 found that a hot yoga class is similar to a brisk walk (3.5mph) in terms of heart rate.\\n\\nReduces Stress and Eases Depression\\nYoga is wonderful for \\nreducing both stress and depression\\n, but hot yoga is a particularly great release. And science backs it up. A 2016 study of people who regularly practiced Bikram Yoga experience significant improvements to their mood and stress levels after a 90-minute practice.\\n\\nWhat to Expect From a Hot Yoga Session\\nAs you can probably imagine, hot yoga is, well, hot. The room will be anywhere from 75–108 degrees Fahrenheit and might have humidity up to 40%. This means that you should expect to sweat as your internal body temperature rises.\\n\\nHot yoga typically has shorter warmups than other yoga classes. Since the room is already warm, it takes less time to get your body ready and warmed up. After the quick warmup, you'll be taken through a series of postures. While Bikram has a specific set of moves, other types of hot yoga will vary. The class will likely last 60–90 minutes.\\n\\nPractice Hot Yoga Safely\\nThere are some potential safety issues involved with the practice of hot yoga. Here are three ways you can stay safe during your practice to avoid overstretching your muscles, dehydration, or heat exhaustion.\\n\\nCheck In With Your Body\\nEverybody's body has a different response to heat and movement. Be sure to check in with your body throughout your hot yoga practice. If you're tired, take a break. If you're thirsty, take a drink. If you experience signs of heat exhaustion (dizziness, nausea, confusion, weakness, or a prolonged elevated heart rate), excuse yourself from the room and take a seat somewhere you can cool down and hydrate.\\n\\nDon't Overstretch\\nHeat does amazing things for your flexibility. That means it's important to ease into stretches during a hot yoga session. Overstretching can lead to ligament tears, so take it easy and pay attention to your body. If you find yourself wanting to go deeper in your stretches than you normally do in a regular yoga class, ease back a bit.\\n\\nStay Hydrated\\n\\nYou will sweat during hot yoga. The heat combined with sweating can easily lead to dehydration. Be sure to drink water with electrolytes and take breaks as you need to.\\n\\nHot Yoga Contraindications\\nHot yoga is not recommended for everyone. Here are some of the contraindications associated with the practice. If you have any of these conditions, be sure to check with your doctor before practicing hot yoga.\\nElderly\\nHeart conditions like hypertension, hypotension, congestive heart failure, impaired coronary circulation, etc.\\nPregnancy\\nChronic diseases or conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's, diabetes with neuropathy, central nervous system tumors, and any conditions associated with impaired ability to sweat\\nAcute joint injury within 48 hours or until the swelling goes down (whichever is longer)\\nChronic joint diseases\\nEnclosed infections\\nHemophilia\\nFever\\nInsensitivity to heat\\nAlcohol addiction that's not in remission\\nDrunkenness\\nMedications like beta-blockers, barbiturates, diuretics, and antihistamines\\nSurgical implants or silicone\\nLearn More About Yoga With myYogaTeacher\\nHot yoga is an enjoyable practice that you can practice in a studio, your own home (try it out in your bathroom after a steamy shower!), or even outdoors on a hot day (wear sunscreen). It offers all the benefits you get from other styles of yoga but with the added bonus of tons of sweating. Be sure to stay hydrated and wear moisture-wicking clothes.\\n\\nReady to learn more about yoga? Grab your mat and \\nsign up for a free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher\\n where you'll get access to more than 35 live, online yoga classes every single day!","html":"<h2>What is Hot Yoga?</h2><p>Hot yoga is a style of yoga that is practiced using a series of yoga postures in a heated room. The first form of hot yoga was Bikram Yoga, founded by Bikram Choudhury in the 1970s. Bikram Yoga is traditionally practiced in a room heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit with a humidity level of 40%. Every Bikram Yoga class uses the same series of poses.</p><p></p><p>Over time, and due to a desire to distance hot yoga from the controversy surrounding Choudhury, hot yoga came to refer to any yoga practiced in a heated room (80–100 degrees Fahrenheit).</p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/output=format:png/resize=,width:600,height:400/0JDWHesbTZCcVdFpzgHE\" alt=\"triangle pose.png\" title=\"triangle pose.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /><p>Yoga originated thousands of years ago as a way to connect the mind and body. In the Western world, we tend to focus on yoga in terms of asanas, or movements, rather than the meditative and spiritual aspects of the practice.</p><p>There are several different styles of yoga. One of the more popular styles focused on fitness is hot yoga. There are three main types of hot yoga, all of which have several benefits that we'll talk about later.</p><p>[CTA-DEFAULT]</p><h2>Types of Hot Yoga</h2><p>Before we get into the benefits of hot yoga, let's explore the three types of hot yoga you might run into in a yoga studio.</p><p></p><h3>Bikram Yoga</h3><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/output=format:png/resize=,width:600,height:400/8QSKZ8a7QEOGDKzBrTs3\" alt=\"bikram yoga.png\" title=\"bikram yoga.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /><p>Bikram Yoga was created by Bikram Choudhury in the 1970s and follows a 26-pose sequence consisting of one pranayama, one shatkarma (a purification to prepare for the session), and 24 asanas (postures or movements). Bikram Yoga classes generally last around 90 minutes and the room is heated to at least 105 degrees Fahrenheit with 40% humidity.</p><p></p><h3>Hot Power Yoga</h3><p>Hot power yoga is an intense blend of Bikram and <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs\">Ashtanga Yoga</a>. The room is heated to between 80–100 degrees Fahrenheit. Since Ashtanga is quite vigorous and the heat adds an additional challenge, this type of hot yoga can be especially challenging for beginners.</p><p></p><h3>Heated Vinyasa Yoga</h3><p>Heated <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/what-is-vinyasa-yoga\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/what-is-vinyasa-yoga\">Vinyasa Yoga</a> is a flowing series of asanas practiced in a room heated 75–95 degrees Fahrenheit.</p><p></p><h2>Benefits of Hot Yoga</h2><p>While hot yoga tends to be pretty intense and challenging, many come to hot yoga because it's also fairly relaxing. You work up a nice sweat and the heat makes your muscles more pliable and flexible. Let's look at a few of the benefits of hot yoga, according to research.</p><p></p><h3>Improves Flexibility</h3><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/output=format:png/resize=,width:600,height:400/lXFBoz3wTWWF8xBjPACZ\" alt=\"increase flexibility.png\" title=\"increase flexibility.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /><p>According to a 2013 study, young adults who completed 24 90-minute Bikram sessions over the course of eight weeks showed <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-for-strength-and-flexibility\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-for-strength-and-flexibility\">increased flexibility</a> in their shoulders, hamstrings, and lower back compared to the control group that didn't practice yoga.</p><p></p><h3>Increases Bone Density</h3><p>Bone density is something we often overlook when we think about health and the benefits of working out or practicing yoga. Since bone density declines with age, it's never too early to start taking steps to improve it. Premenopausal women and older adults are most at risk. In a 2014 study, premenopausal women were able to increase bone density in their necks, hips, and lower back by practicing Bikram Yoga over a five-year timeframe.</p><p></p><h3>Increases Cardiovascular Endurance</h3><p>With the added heat and humidity in a hot yoga class, it's a lot more taxing on your cardiovascular system. One study in 2014 found that a hot yoga class is similar to a brisk walk (3.5mph) in terms of heart rate.</p><p></p><h3>Reduces Stress and Eases Depression</h3><p>Yoga is wonderful for <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-for-stress-and-anxiety\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-for-stress-and-anxiety\">reducing both stress and depression</a>, but hot yoga is a particularly great release. And science backs it up. A 2016 study of people who regularly practiced Bikram Yoga experience significant improvements to their mood and stress levels after a 90-minute practice.</p><p></p><h2>What to Expect From a Hot Yoga Session</h2><p>As you can probably imagine, hot yoga is, well, hot. The room will be anywhere from 75–108 degrees Fahrenheit and might have humidity up to 40%. This means that you should expect to sweat as your internal body temperature rises.</p><p></p><p>Hot yoga typically has shorter warmups than other yoga classes. Since the room is already warm, it takes less time to get your body ready and warmed up. After the quick warmup, you'll be taken through a series of postures. While Bikram has a specific set of moves, other types of hot yoga will vary. The class will likely last 60–90 minutes.</p><p></p><h2>Practice Hot Yoga Safely</h2><p>There are some potential safety issues involved with the practice of hot yoga. Here are three ways you can stay safe during your practice to avoid overstretching your muscles, dehydration, or heat exhaustion.</p><p></p><h3>Check In With Your Body</h3><p>Everybody's body has a different response to heat and movement. Be sure to check in with your body throughout your hot yoga practice. If you're tired, take a break. If you're thirsty, take a drink. If you experience signs of heat exhaustion (dizziness, nausea, confusion, weakness, or a prolonged elevated heart rate), excuse yourself from the room and take a seat somewhere you can cool down and hydrate.</p><p></p><h3>Don't Overstretch</h3><p>Heat does amazing things for your flexibility. That means it's important to ease into stretches during a hot yoga session. Overstretching can lead to ligament tears, so take it easy and pay attention to your body. If you find yourself wanting to go deeper in your stretches than you normally do in a regular yoga class, ease back a bit.</p><p></p><h3>Stay Hydrated</h3><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/BoIdvHyfRHqbVLYNQIwd\" alt=\"stay hydrated.png\" title=\"stay hydrated.png\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1335\" /><p>You will sweat during hot yoga. The heat combined with sweating can easily lead to dehydration. Be sure to drink water with electrolytes and take breaks as you need to.</p><p></p><h3>Hot Yoga Contraindications</h3><p>Hot yoga is not recommended for everyone. Here are some of the contraindications associated with the practice. If you have any of these conditions, be sure to check with your doctor before practicing hot yoga.</p><ul><li><div>Elderly</div></li><li><div>Heart conditions like hypertension, hypotension, congestive heart failure, impaired coronary circulation, etc.</div></li><li><div>Pregnancy</div></li><li><div>Chronic diseases or conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's, diabetes with neuropathy, central nervous system tumors, and any conditions associated with impaired ability to sweat</div></li><li><div>Acute joint injury within 48 hours or until the swelling goes down (whichever is longer)</div></li><li><div>Chronic joint diseases</div></li><li><div>Enclosed infections</div></li><li><div>Hemophilia</div></li><li><div>Fever</div></li><li><div>Insensitivity to heat</div></li><li><div>Alcohol addiction that's not in remission</div></li><li><div>Drunkenness</div></li><li><div>Medications like beta-blockers, barbiturates, diuretics, and antihistamines</div></li><li><div>Surgical implants or silicone</div></li></ul><h2>Learn More About Yoga With myYogaTeacher</h2><p>Hot yoga is an enjoyable practice that you can practice in a studio, your own home (try it out in your bathroom after a steamy shower!), or even outdoors on a hot day (wear sunscreen). It offers all the benefits you get from other styles of yoga but with the added bonus of tons of sweating. Be sure to stay hydrated and wear moisture-wicking clothes.</p><p></p><p>Ready to learn more about yoga? Grab your mat and <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\">sign up for a free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher</a> where you'll get access to more than 35 live, online yoga classes every single day!</p>"},"category":["fitness"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"loading":false,"blog_content":[{"type":"HTML","value":"<h2>What is Hot Yoga?</h2><p>Hot yoga is a style of yoga that is practiced using a series of yoga postures in a heated room. The first form of hot yoga was Bikram Yoga, founded by Bikram Choudhury in the 1970s. Bikram Yoga is traditionally practiced in a room heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit with a humidity level of 40%. Every Bikram Yoga class uses the same series of poses.</p><p></p><p>Over time, and due to a desire to distance hot yoga from the controversy surrounding Choudhury, hot yoga came to refer to any yoga practiced in a heated room (80–100 degrees Fahrenheit).</p>\n <picture>\n <source \n type=\"image/webp\"\n srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/output=format:png/resize=,width:600,height:400/0JDWHesbTZCcVdFpzgHE\" \n alt=\"triangle pose.png\"\n title=\"triangle pose.png\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <source \n type=\"image/jpg\"\n srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/output=format:png/resize=,width:600,height:400/0JDWHesbTZCcVdFpzgHE\"\n alt=\"triangle pose.png\"\n title=\"triangle pose.png\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <img \n srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/output=format:png/resize=,width:600,height:400/0JDWHesbTZCcVdFpzgHE\"\n alt=\"triangle pose.png\"\n title=\"triangle pose.png\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n </picture>\n <p>Yoga originated thousands of years ago as a way to connect the mind and body. In the Western world, we tend to focus on yoga in terms of asanas, or movements, rather than the meditative and spiritual aspects of the practice.</p><p>There are several different styles of yoga. One of the more popular styles focused on fitness is hot yoga. There are three main types of hot yoga, all of which have several benefits that we'll talk about later.</p>"},{"type":"CTA","value":"[CTA-DEFAULT]"},{"type":"HTML","value":"<h2>Types of Hot Yoga</h2><p>Before we get into the benefits of hot yoga, let's explore the three types of hot yoga you might run into in a yoga studio.</p><p></p><h3>Bikram Yoga</h3>\n <picture>\n <source \n type=\"image/webp\"\n srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/output=format:png/resize=,width:600,height:400/8QSKZ8a7QEOGDKzBrTs3\" \n alt=\"bikram yoga.png\"\n title=\"bikram yoga.png\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <source \n type=\"image/jpg\"\n srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/output=format:png/resize=,width:600,height:400/8QSKZ8a7QEOGDKzBrTs3\"\n alt=\"bikram yoga.png\"\n title=\"bikram yoga.png\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <img \n srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/output=format:png/resize=,width:600,height:400/8QSKZ8a7QEOGDKzBrTs3\"\n alt=\"bikram yoga.png\"\n title=\"bikram yoga.png\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n </picture>\n <p>Bikram Yoga was created by Bikram Choudhury in the 1970s and follows a 26-pose sequence consisting of one pranayama, one shatkarma (a purification to prepare for the session), and 24 asanas (postures or movements). Bikram Yoga classes generally last around 90 minutes and the room is heated to at least 105 degrees Fahrenheit with 40% humidity.</p><p></p><h3>Hot Power Yoga</h3><p>Hot power yoga is an intense blend of Bikram and <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs\">Ashtanga Yoga</a>. The room is heated to between 80–100 degrees Fahrenheit. Since Ashtanga is quite vigorous and the heat adds an additional challenge, this type of hot yoga can be especially challenging for beginners.</p><p></p><h3>Heated Vinyasa Yoga</h3><p>Heated <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/what-is-vinyasa-yoga\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/what-is-vinyasa-yoga\">Vinyasa Yoga</a> is a flowing series of asanas practiced in a room heated 75–95 degrees Fahrenheit.</p><p></p><h2>Benefits of Hot Yoga</h2><p>While hot yoga tends to be pretty intense and challenging, many come to hot yoga because it's also fairly relaxing. You work up a nice sweat and the heat makes your muscles more pliable and flexible. Let's look at a few of the benefits of hot yoga, according to research.</p><p></p><h3>Improves Flexibility</h3>\n <picture>\n <source \n type=\"image/webp\"\n srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/output=format:png/resize=,width:600,height:400/lXFBoz3wTWWF8xBjPACZ\" \n alt=\"increase flexibility.png\"\n title=\"increase flexibility.png\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <source \n type=\"image/jpg\"\n srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/output=format:png/resize=,width:600,height:400/lXFBoz3wTWWF8xBjPACZ\"\n alt=\"increase flexibility.png\"\n title=\"increase flexibility.png\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <img \n srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/output=format:png/resize=,width:600,height:400/lXFBoz3wTWWF8xBjPACZ\"\n alt=\"increase flexibility.png\"\n title=\"increase flexibility.png\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n </picture>\n <p>According to a 2013 study, young adults who completed 24 90-minute Bikram sessions over the course of eight weeks showed <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-for-strength-and-flexibility\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-for-strength-and-flexibility\">increased flexibility</a> in their shoulders, hamstrings, and lower back compared to the control group that didn't practice yoga.</p><p></p><h3>Increases Bone Density</h3><p>Bone density is something we often overlook when we think about health and the benefits of working out or practicing yoga. Since bone density declines with age, it's never too early to start taking steps to improve it. Premenopausal women and older adults are most at risk. In a 2014 study, premenopausal women were able to increase bone density in their necks, hips, and lower back by practicing Bikram Yoga over a five-year timeframe.</p><p></p><h3>Increases Cardiovascular Endurance</h3><p>With the added heat and humidity in a hot yoga class, it's a lot more taxing on your cardiovascular system. One study in 2014 found that a hot yoga class is similar to a brisk walk (3.5mph) in terms of heart rate.</p><p></p><h3>Reduces Stress and Eases Depression</h3><p>Yoga is wonderful for <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-for-stress-and-anxiety\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-for-stress-and-anxiety\">reducing both stress and depression</a>, but hot yoga is a particularly great release. And science backs it up. A 2016 study of people who regularly practiced Bikram Yoga experience significant improvements to their mood and stress levels after a 90-minute practice.</p><p></p><h2>What to Expect From a Hot Yoga Session</h2><p>As you can probably imagine, hot yoga is, well, hot. The room will be anywhere from 75–108 degrees Fahrenheit and might have humidity up to 40%. This means that you should expect to sweat as your internal body temperature rises.</p><p></p><p>Hot yoga typically has shorter warmups than other yoga classes. Since the room is already warm, it takes less time to get your body ready and warmed up. After the quick warmup, you'll be taken through a series of postures. While Bikram has a specific set of moves, other types of hot yoga will vary. The class will likely last 60–90 minutes.</p><p></p><h2>Practice Hot Yoga Safely</h2><p>There are some potential safety issues involved with the practice of hot yoga. Here are three ways you can stay safe during your practice to avoid overstretching your muscles, dehydration, or heat exhaustion.</p><p></p><h3>Check In With Your Body</h3><p>Everybody's body has a different response to heat and movement. Be sure to check in with your body throughout your hot yoga practice. If you're tired, take a break. If you're thirsty, take a drink. If you experience signs of heat exhaustion (dizziness, nausea, confusion, weakness, or a prolonged elevated heart rate), excuse yourself from the room and take a seat somewhere you can cool down and hydrate.</p><p></p><h3>Don't Overstretch</h3><p>Heat does amazing things for your flexibility. That means it's important to ease into stretches during a hot yoga session. Overstretching can lead to ligament tears, so take it easy and pay attention to your body. If you find yourself wanting to go deeper in your stretches than you normally do in a regular yoga class, ease back a bit.</p><p></p><h3>Stay Hydrated</h3>\n <picture>\n <source \n type=\"image/webp\"\n srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/BoIdvHyfRHqbVLYNQIwd\" \n alt=\"stay hydrated.png\"\n title=\"stay hydrated.png\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <source \n type=\"image/jpg\"\n srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/BoIdvHyfRHqbVLYNQIwd\"\n alt=\"stay hydrated.png\"\n title=\"stay hydrated.png\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <img \n srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/BoIdvHyfRHqbVLYNQIwd\"\n alt=\"stay hydrated.png\"\n title=\"stay hydrated.png\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n </picture>\n <p>You will sweat during hot yoga. The heat combined with sweating can easily lead to dehydration. Be sure to drink water with electrolytes and take breaks as you need to.</p><p></p><h3>Hot Yoga Contraindications</h3><p>Hot yoga is not recommended for everyone. Here are some of the contraindications associated with the practice. If you have any of these conditions, be sure to check with your doctor before practicing hot yoga.</p><ul><li><div>Elderly</div></li><li><div>Heart conditions like hypertension, hypotension, congestive heart failure, impaired coronary circulation, etc.</div></li><li><div>Pregnancy</div></li><li><div>Chronic diseases or conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's, diabetes with neuropathy, central nervous system tumors, and any conditions associated with impaired ability to sweat</div></li><li><div>Acute joint injury within 48 hours or until the swelling goes down (whichever is longer)</div></li><li><div>Chronic joint diseases</div></li><li><div>Enclosed infections</div></li><li><div>Hemophilia</div></li><li><div>Fever</div></li><li><div>Insensitivity to heat</div></li><li><div>Alcohol addiction that's not in remission</div></li><li><div>Drunkenness</div></li><li><div>Medications like beta-blockers, barbiturates, diuretics, and antihistamines</div></li><li><div>Surgical implants or silicone</div></li></ul><h2>Learn More About Yoga With myYogaTeacher</h2><p>Hot yoga is an enjoyable practice that you can practice in a studio, your own home (try it out in your bathroom after a steamy shower!), or even outdoors on a hot day (wear sunscreen). It offers all the benefits you get from other styles of yoga but with the added bonus of tons of sweating. Be sure to stay hydrated and wear moisture-wicking clothes.</p><p></p><p>Ready to learn more about yoga? Grab your mat and <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\">sign up for a free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher</a> where you'll get access to more than 35 live, online yoga classes every single day!</p>"},{"type":"CTA","value":"[CTA-DEFAULT]"}],"isSlugACategory":false,"searchCategory":"what-is-hot-yoga","showPopUp":false,"popUpType":null,"showedPopup":false,"windowWidth":null,"ctaPath":"signup","redirectURL":"#","current_url":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/what-is-hot-yoga","student_details":"","facebookUrl":"","twitterUrl":"","copyUrl":"","emailUrl":"","ctaContent":[{"id":"ckxrz2i14tov40c25g1dpicsg","name":"[CTA-DEFAULT]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz37hsu0cj0a76mgb4594m","name":"[CTA-FREECLASS]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz4d5stsye0b75dtlx1w0n","name":"[CTA-TRENDS]","description":{"html":"<p>Get ahead of the next trend and practice with authentic Indian yoga teachers! Sign up today and <strong>get 2 free private yoga sessions PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong>. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Practice with Authentic Indian Yoga Teachers</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz6nq0tqdr0c258titvagg","name":"[CTA-REVIEWS]","description":{"html":"<p>Find out what all the hype is about! <strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>103,478 Happy Students & 12,086 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reviews</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz7nzktu400b752fym6wpw","name":"[CTA-HATHA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private hatha yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(including tons of daily Hatha yoga classes). No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Hatha Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>with Authentic Indian Teachers</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cky90p88g3zgc0d23yz6taont","name":"[CTA-NASAL]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private sessions </strong>to relieve post nasal drip and clear out your sinus. </p><p><strong>PLUS, 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>with authentic Indian yoga teachers. 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No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Learn Trataka (Candle Gazing) Meditation Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyisqh482ck60b79rp1r1jcg","name":"[CTA-YIN]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong>, work with an experienced yoga therapist to reduce (and even eliminate) your back pain. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(like ‘Yoga for Back Pain’) with authentic yoga teachers. 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No credit card required to sign up.</p><p></p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>for Lymphatic Drainage & Boosting Your Immune System!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl2vqlpyfe3yh0biohgxyx2hg","name":"[CTA-LEAD]","description":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl4gnwnrlga640ck37gutx7sn","name":"[CTA-GC]","description":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"}],"post":{"id":"ckobw6cog4k610b73p7ectzwu","slug":"what-is-hot-yoga","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"What Is Hot Yoga: Pump Up the Temp—And the Benefits!","createdAt":"2021-05-05T20:07:09.885867+00:00","updatedAt":"2022-05-17T11:43:08.509741+00:00","coverUrl":"hotyoga_ckobw6cog4k610b73p7ectzwu.png","seoDescription":"What is hot yoga? Discover the benefits of hot yoga here and understand better whether a hot yoga class is for you or whether to avoid it.","content":{"text":"What is Hot Yoga?\\nHot yoga is a style of yoga that is practiced using a series of yoga postures in a heated room. The first form of hot yoga was Bikram Yoga, founded by Bikram Choudhury in the 1970s. Bikram Yoga is traditionally practiced in a room heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit with a humidity level of 40%. Every Bikram Yoga class uses the same series of poses.\\n\\nOver time, and due to a desire to distance hot yoga from the controversy surrounding Choudhury, hot yoga came to refer to any yoga practiced in a heated room (80–100 degrees Fahrenheit).\\n\\nYoga originated thousands of years ago as a way to connect the mind and body. In the Western world, we tend to focus on yoga in terms of asanas, or movements, rather than the meditative and spiritual aspects of the practice.\\nThere are several different styles of yoga. One of the more popular styles focused on fitness is hot yoga. There are three main types of hot yoga, all of which have several benefits that we'll talk about later.\\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\nTypes of Hot Yoga\\nBefore we get into the benefits of hot yoga, let's explore the three types of hot yoga you might run into in a yoga studio.\\n\\nBikram Yoga\\n\\nBikram Yoga was created by Bikram Choudhury in the 1970s and follows a 26-pose sequence consisting of one pranayama, one shatkarma (a purification to prepare for the session), and 24 asanas (postures or movements). Bikram Yoga classes generally last around 90 minutes and the room is heated to at least 105 degrees Fahrenheit with 40% humidity.\\n\\nHot Power Yoga\\nHot power yoga is an intense blend of Bikram and \\nAshtanga Yoga\\n. The room is heated to between 80–100 degrees Fahrenheit. Since Ashtanga is quite vigorous and the heat adds an additional challenge, this type of hot yoga can be especially challenging for beginners.\\n\\nHeated Vinyasa Yoga\\nHeated \\nVinyasa Yoga\\n is a flowing series of asanas practiced in a room heated 75–95 degrees Fahrenheit.\\n\\nBenefits of Hot Yoga\\nWhile hot yoga tends to be pretty intense and challenging, many come to hot yoga because it's also fairly relaxing. You work up a nice sweat and the heat makes your muscles more pliable and flexible. Let's look at a few of the benefits of hot yoga, according to research.\\n\\nImproves Flexibility\\n\\nAccording to a 2013 study, young adults who completed 24 90-minute Bikram sessions over the course of eight weeks showed \\nincreased flexibility\\n in their shoulders, hamstrings, and lower back compared to the control group that didn't practice yoga.\\n\\nIncreases Bone Density\\nBone density is something we often overlook when we think about health and the benefits of working out or practicing yoga. Since bone density declines with age, it's never too early to start taking steps to improve it. Premenopausal women and older adults are most at risk. In a 2014 study, premenopausal women were able to increase bone density in their necks, hips, and lower back by practicing Bikram Yoga over a five-year timeframe.\\n\\nIncreases Cardiovascular Endurance\\nWith the added heat and humidity in a hot yoga class, it's a lot more taxing on your cardiovascular system. One study in 2014 found that a hot yoga class is similar to a brisk walk (3.5mph) in terms of heart rate.\\n\\nReduces Stress and Eases Depression\\nYoga is wonderful for \\nreducing both stress and depression\\n, but hot yoga is a particularly great release. And science backs it up. A 2016 study of people who regularly practiced Bikram Yoga experience significant improvements to their mood and stress levels after a 90-minute practice.\\n\\nWhat to Expect From a Hot Yoga Session\\nAs you can probably imagine, hot yoga is, well, hot. The room will be anywhere from 75–108 degrees Fahrenheit and might have humidity up to 40%. This means that you should expect to sweat as your internal body temperature rises.\\n\\nHot yoga typically has shorter warmups than other yoga classes. Since the room is already warm, it takes less time to get your body ready and warmed up. After the quick warmup, you'll be taken through a series of postures. While Bikram has a specific set of moves, other types of hot yoga will vary. The class will likely last 60–90 minutes.\\n\\nPractice Hot Yoga Safely\\nThere are some potential safety issues involved with the practice of hot yoga. Here are three ways you can stay safe during your practice to avoid overstretching your muscles, dehydration, or heat exhaustion.\\n\\nCheck In With Your Body\\nEverybody's body has a different response to heat and movement. Be sure to check in with your body throughout your hot yoga practice. If you're tired, take a break. If you're thirsty, take a drink. If you experience signs of heat exhaustion (dizziness, nausea, confusion, weakness, or a prolonged elevated heart rate), excuse yourself from the room and take a seat somewhere you can cool down and hydrate.\\n\\nDon't Overstretch\\nHeat does amazing things for your flexibility. That means it's important to ease into stretches during a hot yoga session. Overstretching can lead to ligament tears, so take it easy and pay attention to your body. If you find yourself wanting to go deeper in your stretches than you normally do in a regular yoga class, ease back a bit.\\n\\nStay Hydrated\\n\\nYou will sweat during hot yoga. The heat combined with sweating can easily lead to dehydration. Be sure to drink water with electrolytes and take breaks as you need to.\\n\\nHot Yoga Contraindications\\nHot yoga is not recommended for everyone. Here are some of the contraindications associated with the practice. If you have any of these conditions, be sure to check with your doctor before practicing hot yoga.\\nElderly\\nHeart conditions like hypertension, hypotension, congestive heart failure, impaired coronary circulation, etc.\\nPregnancy\\nChronic diseases or conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's, diabetes with neuropathy, central nervous system tumors, and any conditions associated with impaired ability to sweat\\nAcute joint injury within 48 hours or until the swelling goes down (whichever is longer)\\nChronic joint diseases\\nEnclosed infections\\nHemophilia\\nFever\\nInsensitivity to heat\\nAlcohol addiction that's not in remission\\nDrunkenness\\nMedications like beta-blockers, barbiturates, diuretics, and antihistamines\\nSurgical implants or silicone\\nLearn More About Yoga With myYogaTeacher\\nHot yoga is an enjoyable practice that you can practice in a studio, your own home (try it out in your bathroom after a steamy shower!), or even outdoors on a hot day (wear sunscreen). It offers all the benefits you get from other styles of yoga but with the added bonus of tons of sweating. Be sure to stay hydrated and wear moisture-wicking clothes.\\n\\nReady to learn more about yoga? Grab your mat and \\nsign up for a free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher\\n where you'll get access to more than 35 live, online yoga classes every single day!","html":"<h2>What is Hot Yoga?</h2><p>Hot yoga is a style of yoga that is practiced using a series of yoga postures in a heated room. The first form of hot yoga was Bikram Yoga, founded by Bikram Choudhury in the 1970s. Bikram Yoga is traditionally practiced in a room heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit with a humidity level of 40%. Every Bikram Yoga class uses the same series of poses.</p><p></p><p>Over time, and due to a desire to distance hot yoga from the controversy surrounding Choudhury, hot yoga came to refer to any yoga practiced in a heated room (80–100 degrees Fahrenheit).</p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/output=format:png/resize=,width:600,height:400/0JDWHesbTZCcVdFpzgHE\" alt=\"triangle pose.png\" title=\"triangle pose.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /><p>Yoga originated thousands of years ago as a way to connect the mind and body. In the Western world, we tend to focus on yoga in terms of asanas, or movements, rather than the meditative and spiritual aspects of the practice.</p><p>There are several different styles of yoga. One of the more popular styles focused on fitness is hot yoga. There are three main types of hot yoga, all of which have several benefits that we'll talk about later.</p><p>[CTA-DEFAULT]</p><h2>Types of Hot Yoga</h2><p>Before we get into the benefits of hot yoga, let's explore the three types of hot yoga you might run into in a yoga studio.</p><p></p><h3>Bikram Yoga</h3><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/output=format:png/resize=,width:600,height:400/8QSKZ8a7QEOGDKzBrTs3\" alt=\"bikram yoga.png\" title=\"bikram yoga.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /><p>Bikram Yoga was created by Bikram Choudhury in the 1970s and follows a 26-pose sequence consisting of one pranayama, one shatkarma (a purification to prepare for the session), and 24 asanas (postures or movements). Bikram Yoga classes generally last around 90 minutes and the room is heated to at least 105 degrees Fahrenheit with 40% humidity.</p><p></p><h3>Hot Power Yoga</h3><p>Hot power yoga is an intense blend of Bikram and <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs\">Ashtanga Yoga</a>. The room is heated to between 80–100 degrees Fahrenheit. Since Ashtanga is quite vigorous and the heat adds an additional challenge, this type of hot yoga can be especially challenging for beginners.</p><p></p><h3>Heated Vinyasa Yoga</h3><p>Heated <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/what-is-vinyasa-yoga\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/what-is-vinyasa-yoga\">Vinyasa Yoga</a> is a flowing series of asanas practiced in a room heated 75–95 degrees Fahrenheit.</p><p></p><h2>Benefits of Hot Yoga</h2><p>While hot yoga tends to be pretty intense and challenging, many come to hot yoga because it's also fairly relaxing. You work up a nice sweat and the heat makes your muscles more pliable and flexible. Let's look at a few of the benefits of hot yoga, according to research.</p><p></p><h3>Improves Flexibility</h3><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/output=format:png/resize=,width:600,height:400/lXFBoz3wTWWF8xBjPACZ\" alt=\"increase flexibility.png\" title=\"increase flexibility.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /><p>According to a 2013 study, young adults who completed 24 90-minute Bikram sessions over the course of eight weeks showed <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-for-strength-and-flexibility\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-for-strength-and-flexibility\">increased flexibility</a> in their shoulders, hamstrings, and lower back compared to the control group that didn't practice yoga.</p><p></p><h3>Increases Bone Density</h3><p>Bone density is something we often overlook when we think about health and the benefits of working out or practicing yoga. Since bone density declines with age, it's never too early to start taking steps to improve it. Premenopausal women and older adults are most at risk. In a 2014 study, premenopausal women were able to increase bone density in their necks, hips, and lower back by practicing Bikram Yoga over a five-year timeframe.</p><p></p><h3>Increases Cardiovascular Endurance</h3><p>With the added heat and humidity in a hot yoga class, it's a lot more taxing on your cardiovascular system. One study in 2014 found that a hot yoga class is similar to a brisk walk (3.5mph) in terms of heart rate.</p><p></p><h3>Reduces Stress and Eases Depression</h3><p>Yoga is wonderful for <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-for-stress-and-anxiety\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-for-stress-and-anxiety\">reducing both stress and depression</a>, but hot yoga is a particularly great release. And science backs it up. A 2016 study of people who regularly practiced Bikram Yoga experience significant improvements to their mood and stress levels after a 90-minute practice.</p><p></p><h2>What to Expect From a Hot Yoga Session</h2><p>As you can probably imagine, hot yoga is, well, hot. The room will be anywhere from 75–108 degrees Fahrenheit and might have humidity up to 40%. This means that you should expect to sweat as your internal body temperature rises.</p><p></p><p>Hot yoga typically has shorter warmups than other yoga classes. Since the room is already warm, it takes less time to get your body ready and warmed up. After the quick warmup, you'll be taken through a series of postures. While Bikram has a specific set of moves, other types of hot yoga will vary. The class will likely last 60–90 minutes.</p><p></p><h2>Practice Hot Yoga Safely</h2><p>There are some potential safety issues involved with the practice of hot yoga. Here are three ways you can stay safe during your practice to avoid overstretching your muscles, dehydration, or heat exhaustion.</p><p></p><h3>Check In With Your Body</h3><p>Everybody's body has a different response to heat and movement. Be sure to check in with your body throughout your hot yoga practice. If you're tired, take a break. If you're thirsty, take a drink. If you experience signs of heat exhaustion (dizziness, nausea, confusion, weakness, or a prolonged elevated heart rate), excuse yourself from the room and take a seat somewhere you can cool down and hydrate.</p><p></p><h3>Don't Overstretch</h3><p>Heat does amazing things for your flexibility. That means it's important to ease into stretches during a hot yoga session. Overstretching can lead to ligament tears, so take it easy and pay attention to your body. If you find yourself wanting to go deeper in your stretches than you normally do in a regular yoga class, ease back a bit.</p><p></p><h3>Stay Hydrated</h3><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/BoIdvHyfRHqbVLYNQIwd\" alt=\"stay hydrated.png\" title=\"stay hydrated.png\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1335\" /><p>You will sweat during hot yoga. The heat combined with sweating can easily lead to dehydration. Be sure to drink water with electrolytes and take breaks as you need to.</p><p></p><h3>Hot Yoga Contraindications</h3><p>Hot yoga is not recommended for everyone. Here are some of the contraindications associated with the practice. If you have any of these conditions, be sure to check with your doctor before practicing hot yoga.</p><ul><li><div>Elderly</div></li><li><div>Heart conditions like hypertension, hypotension, congestive heart failure, impaired coronary circulation, etc.</div></li><li><div>Pregnancy</div></li><li><div>Chronic diseases or conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's, diabetes with neuropathy, central nervous system tumors, and any conditions associated with impaired ability to sweat</div></li><li><div>Acute joint injury within 48 hours or until the swelling goes down (whichever is longer)</div></li><li><div>Chronic joint diseases</div></li><li><div>Enclosed infections</div></li><li><div>Hemophilia</div></li><li><div>Fever</div></li><li><div>Insensitivity to heat</div></li><li><div>Alcohol addiction that's not in remission</div></li><li><div>Drunkenness</div></li><li><div>Medications like beta-blockers, barbiturates, diuretics, and antihistamines</div></li><li><div>Surgical implants or silicone</div></li></ul><h2>Learn More About Yoga With myYogaTeacher</h2><p>Hot yoga is an enjoyable practice that you can practice in a studio, your own home (try it out in your bathroom after a steamy shower!), or even outdoors on a hot day (wear sunscreen). It offers all the benefits you get from other styles of yoga but with the added bonus of tons of sweating. Be sure to stay hydrated and wear moisture-wicking clothes.</p><p></p><p>Ready to learn more about yoga? Grab your mat and <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\">sign up for a free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher</a> where you'll get access to more than 35 live, online yoga classes every single day!</p>"},"category":["fitness"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"recommendations_group_class":[{"session_uuid":"fb4ff6e9-ee8d-46a2-a017-f77e46464f79","student_uuid":"9319f08d-cbc7-485b-84be-fd550dd61808","teacher_uuid":"829414d7-4ff5-4706-8f2c-b3a6b46d7fa5","teacher_name":"Neelmani Chauhan","teacher_first_name":"Neelmani","teacher_slug":"neelmani-1","teacher_photo":"https://res.cloudinary.com/dgerdfai4/image/upload/v1651561727/teacher/photos/yyut16aylwf5ninm7xmt.jpg","group_session_name":"Power Yoga: Amplify Your Strength and Flexibility","group_session_description":"Sweat it out and get fit with Power yoga. 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