Why hot yoga is more than just another fitness trend

I’ve been practising hot yoga for just over five years now, and I can confidently say (without sounding too overdramatic) that it’s truly changed my life.

Yoga does wonders for our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. If I miss a few weeks of practice, I feel off-kilter - everyday life just doesn’t flow the same way. But when I step into the studio and unroll my mat, I can feel my body begin to unfurl and the day’s stresses melt away.

When talking to friends about my love for hot yoga, the same question always pops up: is hot yoga actually worth it, or is it just another overhyped fitness trend? I’m here to answer all your burning (pun intended) questions and share everything you need to know before stepping into the heat.

What is hot yoga?

Hot yoga is essentially regular yoga - but cranked up a notch. Classes take place in a heated room, with temperatures typically set between 35°C and 40°C. While the added heat might sound like a gimmick, it actually enhances the practice, offering a unique range of benefits that go beyond what you’d get in a standard class.

The beauty of hot yoga is its versatility - any style of yoga can be practised in the heat, from the flowing movements of vinyasa to the slower, more restorative poses of yin or hatha. The heat brings an extra dimension to your practice, helping your muscles stretch further, improving circulation, and intensifying the workout.

How will I feel after a hot yoga class?

Proud, sweaty, and a little euphoric. The best way I can describe it is like giving yourself a full-body massage in a sauna. On the days I practise hot yoga, I sleep like a (very happy) baby.

That being said, hot yoga isn’t for the faint-hearted. The heat can be intense, and there may be times when you need to pause and take a breather in child’s pose. And guess what? That’s absolutely fine. Listening to your body is essential. Some days, you’ll amaze yourself by flowing through challenging poses with ease. Other days, you might need to take it slow - and that’s all part of the process.

And if you’re anything like me, you’ll leave class looking like a tomato, hair wild, and drenched in sweat. But you’ll also be glowing with pride, knowing you pushed yourself and showed up for your practice.

Is hot yoga better than regular yoga?

The hot yoga vs. regular yoga debate really depends on what you're looking to get out of your practice.

Flexibility: The heat in hot yoga helps your muscles relax, making it easier to sink deeper into stretches and poses.

Intensity: If you’re after a more challenging workout, hot yoga ramps up the intensity, getting your heart pumping and boosting blood circulation.

Benefits: Both hot yoga and regular yoga offer incredible physical and mental health benefits - stress relief, improved flexibility, and better focus. The key difference? Hot yoga feels more like a workout, while regular yoga tends to be less taxing on the body and offers a more relaxed pace. Regular yoga is also less demanding on your cardiovascular system, making it a gentler option for those who prefer to ease into their practice or need a slower pace due to injury or fatigue.

In the end, it’s less about which is “better” and more about which aligns with your goals and how you feel on the mat. Both practices have their own unique magic, so it’s about finding what works best for you.

Why hot yoga is good for you

Still on the fence? Here are six reasons why hot yoga is not just beneficial for your body and mind, but could also be the transformative practice your routine has been missing - giving you both physical and mental rewards.

1. Boost your heart health

The heat elevates your heart rate, giving your cardiovascular system a solid workout while building endurance.

2. Improve your flexibility

Warm muscles are more malleable, helping you safely stretch further and attempt those tricky poses you’ve been eyeing.

3. Endorphin high

Yoga is scientifically proven to boost your mood. During a hot yoga class, endorphins flood your brain, leaving you grinning from ear to ear.

4. Combat everyday stress

Hot yoga is like hitting pause on life’s chaos. It lowers stress and anxiety levels, leaving you feeling grounded and refreshed.

5. Sharpen your focus

Balancing in a heated room requires serious concentration. It’s a skill that naturally spills into other areas of life, like staying calm during that Monday morning meeting.

6. Grow your confidence

Each class pushes you out of your comfort zone, and there’s no better feeling than nailing a pose you once thought impossible. It’s an instant confidence booster both on and off the mat.

What should I bring to a hot yoga class?

If you're ready to give hot yoga a try, here's your checklist to ensure you have everything you need:

• A towel or two: One for your mat (to prevent slipping) and another for wiping sweat from your body. Trust me, you’ll need it!
• A water bottle: Hydration is key, especially in the heat. Keep it close and take regular sips throughout the class.
• Breathable workout clothes: Wear something comfortable and moisture-wicking. For better stability during balancing poses, I recommend leggings over shorts, as shorts can make your legs slippery - which can be quite frustrating!
• A hair tie: Keep those unruly strands out of your face so you can focus on your practice.
• A grippy yoga mat: Some studios provide mats, but if you’re serious about hot yoga, invest in your own. I swear by the Lululemon Reversible Mat - its top layer is made from FSC-certified rubber, which helps prevent you from sliding all over the place.

Ready to get sweaty?

Whether you’re aiming to boost your fitness, clear your mind, or simply try something new, hot yoga has something for everyone. It’s a little challenging, incredibly rewarding, and guaranteed to leave you feeling amazing - once you’ve cooled down, of course.

So, roll out your mat, pack your towel, and get ready to sweat it out. You might just find yourself falling in love with hot yoga, too.