Yoga is among the most popular ways to get fit, improve flexibility, and find a sense of mental calm. Its growing popularity means many yoga instructors and studios have developed diverse variations based on traditional yoga. Hot yoga is one such variation.
Is hot yoga better than regular yoga? At Ignite Yoga, we typically refer to hot yoga in Dayton, Ohio, as power yoga. We’ll dive into the differences below to help you choose the best approach.
What Is “Regular” Yoga?
Regular yoga is the term often used to describe styles free of an added component, such as heat, music, aerials, etc. Most types of regular or traditional yoga incorporate the basics, such as:
- A quieter setting to encourage mental focus
- Sessions lasting 60-120 minutes in length
- Slow to moderate position (asana) shifts
- Room-temperature environment
Traditional yoga is a fantastic physical practice that trains your body to accommodate the positions. It requires a calm atmosphere that encourages mental clarity alongside the iconic stretching exercises.
What Is Hot Yoga?
Hot yoga incorporates many of the same elements as traditional yoga, but with the addition of heat and sometimes rigor. A typical power yoga session will involve:
- A room heated between 80 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit
- Moderate to fast position shifts
- Energetic guidance from your instructor
- *sometimes* encouraging and/or driving music
Many hot yoga studios prioritize speeding up the heart rate and encouraging the student to find an inner sense of power among the challenging practice. An added bonus to a hot yoga practice is the the importance of sweat as a stress reliever and detoxifier.
The Similarities
Power yoga and traditional yoga practices have many similarities. The poses and stretches involved come from the same historical roots that promote flexibility and physical well-being. Hot and regular yoga can:
- Relieve stress
- Tone muscles
- Promote balance
- Help participants avoid injuries in other physical activities
- Much much more
Their benefits and core focuses are largely the same.
The Differences
Is hot yoga better than regular yoga? Exploring how the two differ might answer that question. While they have numerous similarities, each type of yoga differs in the following ways:
- Calorie burning: You’ll burn more calories with the average power yoga session than with traditional yoga.
- Sweating: Since hot yoga is more intense, its participants sweat more than they would during a regular yoga class.
- Blood circulation: Hot yoga gets your body moving, while traditional yoga focuses more on form and boosting your mentality. Therefore, an intense power yoga session will circulate your blood quickly.
- Mobility improvements: While both yoga practices enhance mobility and flexibility, hot yoga’s demanding speed and environment offer faster mobility results.
- Pace: Traditional yoga sessions typically move at a slower pace than power yoga.
- Environment: Traditional yoga supports a more serene, calming environment, while hot yoga keeps you on your toes!
Is Hot Yoga Better Than Regular Yoga?
Is hot yoga better than regular yoga? While hot yoga is best for those looking for a more intense, calorie-burning workout, traditional yoga is better for beginners and those wanting a more relaxing environment. If you want the best of both worlds, try our heated Zen classes at Ignite Yoga.
PS- there are many many styles of yoga that fall into the categories of hot yoga, traditional yoga, and “regular” yoga. For more answers to your questions, explore our blog or send us an email. We’ll help you find what you’re looking for.
Regardless of your route, you’ll find a yoga class that suits your needs at Ignite Yoga in Dayton.
Interested in more hot yoga benefits? Read hot yoga for the skin to improve your personal care routine.
