7 Incredible Benefits of Hot Yoga & Why You Should Try it ASAP

Hot yoga is taking the fitness world by storm, with countless people swearing by its positive effects. From improved flexibility to enhanced sleep, it’s clear that this intense practice offers more than just a regular yoga class.

In this post, we’re diving into the benefits of hot yoga, how to get started, and how to take care of your gear — a complete beginner’s guide to this transformative workout.

What is Hot Yoga?

Hot yoga is a dynamic yoga style practiced in a heated room, often based on the Bikram Yoga sequence. Classes typically follow the same 26 poses and breathing exercises, lasting 90 minutes in a room heated to 105°F with 40-50% humidity.

Some studios offer variations with lower temperatures or shorter class durations, making it easier for beginners or those with busy schedules to dive in.

What Equipment Do You Need for Hot Yoga?

At a minimum, you’ll need a yoga mat and your body. However, to maximize your practice, consider adding a few extras:

• Yoga towel: Helps absorb sweat and prevent slipping.

• Yoga blocks and straps: Great for modifying poses and improving flexibility.

Since your yoga gear will be exposed to intense heat and sweat, it’s essential to care for it properly.

How to Care for Your Yoga Mat

After each hot yoga session, wipe down your mat with a gentle cleaner to remove sweat and bacteria. Let it air dry completely before rolling it up to extend its lifespan.

How to Get the Sweat Smell Out of Your Yoga Clothes

After an intense hot yoga session, your clothes will likely be drenched in sweat — and over time, they can develop an unpleasant odor. Use a pre-wash treatment like FunkAway to neutralize those tough smells before washing. Trust me, it makes a huge difference!

7 Amazing Benefits of Hot Yoga

Here are the benefits I’ve personally experienced — and trust me, hot yoga lives up to the hype:

1. Increased Flexibility

The heat helps warm up your muscles and joints, allowing you to stretch deeper with less risk of injury. With consistent practice, you’ll notice increased flexibility, even outside of yoga class.

2. Weight Loss

Hot yoga can actually help you burn calories faster than regular yoga. A 2018 study showed that participants who practiced hot yoga lost significantly more body fat. The combination of heat and cardiovascular movement burns calories while toning your body.

On average, you can burn around 300 calories in an hour of hot yoga (for women), or 460 for men.

3. Stress Relief

Hot yoga is amazing for stress relief. The heat helps release tension, relax muscles, and relieve tightness. Plus, the endorphins released during a session give you that post-workout high.

4. Better Sleep

Regular yoga practice — especially hot yoga — can help improve sleep. It helps you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and make it easier to fall back asleep if you wake up at night. But, try to practice earlier in the day to allow your body to wind down before bed.

5. Stronger Muscles & Bones

Hot yoga isn’t just about flexibility — it’s also great for building strength. By using your body weight, you can tone muscles and build stronger bones, especially as you hold challenging poses.

I found hot yoga incredibly helpful for rebuilding my core strength postpartum after my c-section. It made a huge difference in my recovery.

6. Endorphin Release

Like any intense workout, hot yoga releases endorphins, making you feel energized and euphoric. It’s that “hot yoga high” that leaves you feeling on top of the world.

7. Increased Confidence

As you progress in your practice, you’ll gain strength, improve your flexibility, and nail more challenging poses. Each milestone boosts your confidence — and you’ll likely notice your clothes fitting better too!

Does Hot Yoga Detox the Body?

While hot yoga doesn’t directly detox the body, the intense sweating encourages hydration, which indirectly supports the body’s natural detoxification process. Staying hydrated is key for maintaining balance and feeling your best.

Hot Yoga Safety Tips

Before you jump into a hot yoga class, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Stay hydrated: Hot yoga can lead to dehydration, so drink plenty of water before, during, and after class.

• Start slowly: If you're new, ease into the practice. Let your instructor know so they can help you modify poses.

• Avoid over-stretching: The heat allows you to stretch deeper, but don’t push past your comfort zone. If you feel pain, stop immediately.

• Tell your instructor about injuries: If you have any pre-existing injuries or medical conditions, inform your instructor so they can guide you on proper modifications.

Should You Try Hot Yoga?

If you’re looking for a workout that improves both your mind and body, hot yoga is worth trying. While the hype might not always live up to the claims, the benefits are real. From boosting flexibility to increasing confidence, hot yoga can be a game-changer for your fitness routine.

If it makes you feel stronger and more confident, then it’s definitely worth the try.