Hot Yoga - What To Expect

With the rise in popularity of hot yoga and in particular Bikram Yoga, it would seem that many other yoga studio operators are looking to jump on the back of the latest wellness buzz and get stuck in to performing poses under hot conditions.

Bikram Yoga operators use a hot air system that works in the same way as an air conditioning system, heating the air up to around 40⁰C. However, infrared is being touted as the latest and most practical way to heat the room ready for yogis.

There is a distinct difference between the two types of system, and it is important to clarify the difference in the results you get from a purely technical point of view.

Firstly, when the studio uses an air conditioning system, expect to feel the heat in the air.  The floor will not necessarily be that hot, but you will certainly feel the raised air temperature as you take part in the yoga class.

Picture Source:  White Ibiza Blog

The air you breathe will feel hot, and there will be background noise from the air conditioning system. 

Secondly, when the studio is heated using infrared heating - expect a different result (and feeling).  

When you walk in to the studio the air temperature will not feel as hot as though you were walking in to a hot air studio.

The reason for this is that it works by the heaters - placed along the ceiling - emitting a type of infrared heat wave (much like the sun but on a smaller scale) that is absorbed by the body, reflected off the  floor, and absorbed by the walls and other objects.

The body absorbs the infrared waves, and the body will over time get warmer and warmer - this, coupled with the action of the different yoga poses will further heat the body, making you feel hot.

I am told that as the body is at a higher temperature because of this absorbtion of heat, there is greater detoxification, and a better result from the class - I would think it depends on preference.

You will sweat, it will feel hot, but don't expect to be hit by a blast of hot air when you enter the room.

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