Hot yoga also known as Bikram yoga is highly popular in North America. Bikram Chowdhry, of Indian origin has introduced hot yoga concept by modifying the original yoga with unique postures that are performed in a hot room of 37 degree Celsius. According to this 66 year old man, a person performing hot yoga for an hour in controlled temperature can easily burn his/her calories. This special kind of yoga postures would help in detoxifying the body and relieving the stress within you. Hot yoga is effective for treating several chronic problems like arthritis, knee injuries and backache.
In USA there is huge demand for hot yoga and people are finding it difficult to get their names enrolled in nearby a studio that conducts hot yoga. Here the teacher would not talk with you explaining about the moves. But they would rather walk through the moving postures and the conversation between you and the teacher are limited and they seriously follow the same script throughout the country. And be prepared for the sweaty smell that stinks.
Handling The Heat :
For the first few minutes inside the hot yoga classroom in winter months, you would feel comfortable with the temperature (37-38 degrees). But you need to remain there for 90 minutes stretching and contracting your body. You will soon start uncomfortable and you may be tempted to run out of the room. But trainers at Bikram yoga classes would advise you to sit down and concentrate on the asana. According to them, this is the only way to drive away the discomfort feeling. You will be asked to breath only through the nose and simply closing your mouth. And finally you will get adapted to the overpowering heat.
Stay Hydrated :
Teachers at hot yoga classes would ask you to drink enough water daily. It is good to drink at least 8-9 glasses of water splitting it evenly through the day. You are allowed to drink water during the class hours but remember that drinking too much of water may upset your stomach. It is quite common for many of the beginners to feel dehydrated during the first few minutes of the session, but you can make good by doing certain postures.