The History and Origins of Hot Yoga
Tracing its Roots and Evolution
True Hot Yoga instructor practicing mindfulness outdoors in Arizona.
The Origins of Hot Yoga
As we know it, hot yoga originated in the 1970s as Bikram Choudhury rose to become an influential teacher in the yoga space. He developed a type of yoga known as Bikram, which follows a 26 and 2 method: 26 postures with 2 breathing exercises practiced in a heated room. He chose to heat the room to replicate India’s climate, believing that the heat combined with his 26 and 2 practice would promote all sorts of benefits from flexibility to the promotion of detoxification.
The Benefits of Hot Yoga
Although there is controversy regarding Bikram Choudhury and his practice, he was correct when it comes to many of the benefits including hot yoga in your weekly practice.
Some of the benefits of True Hot Yoga include:
Stress Relief: Breathing deeply while stretching cues the parasympathetic nervous system, slowing your heart rate and releasing muscle tension, calming the mind
Increased Mobility: Research has shown that seniors who practice yoga increase their walking speed and agility when rising from a chair
Weight Loss: When we think of losing weight, we typically consider doing cardio exercises or high-intensity workouts. Yes, yoga can help you lose weight by burning calories, but it can also help you lose weight by improving your sleep, reducing your cravings, and reducing stress, which all contribute to losing weight
How has hot yoga evolved?
Hot yoga has evolved over time, and various styles of hot yoga have emerged worldwide. For example, Vinyasa-based hot yoga (that’s what we specialize in at True Hot Yoga Scottsdale and True Hot Yoga Arrowhead) has introduced more of a sequenced flow, with synchronized breathwork. Power yoga combines strength training with more dynamic movements. Another type of hot yoga is Baron Baptiste Power Yoga. This type of Hot yoga envelopes powerful traits like leadership, community, and possibility. The goal is to stretch the body and mind to achieve these intentions outside the studio. CorePower is also a popular option right now, as is is the largest yoga studio chain in the United States. CorePower is more strenuous than other practices. It is fast-paced while also pushing meditation and spiritual elements.
There are many unique types of hot yoga, all over the world. This evolvement over the past fifty or so years has proven that there is truly something for everyone in the hot yoga world, and True Hot Yoga is a great place to start.
True Hot Yoga Arrowhead Ranch - What is True Hot Yoga?
True Hot Yoga is a yoga studio dedicated to providing an enjoyable and hot yoga experience for both beginners and seasoned yogis. True Hot Yoga combines the benefits of traditional hot yoga and Ashtanga Vinyasa flow to give you a space to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Hot yoga classes are usually taught in rooms that are either traditionally or infrared-heated between 90 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit. True Hot Yoga temperatures peak between 102-105 degrees Fahrenheit. The humidity of hot yoga ranges from 40-60%. True Hot Yoga humidity stays at 50-60%, helping to warm up the muscles, promote detoxification, and increase flexibility.
We have locations in both North Scottsdale and Arrowhead Ranch, and you can book with us on our website at www.truehotyoga.com or on our True Hot Yoga app.
If you are interested in trying a True Hot Yoga class, we offer a 3 for $33 special for new students! Book with us at www.truehotyoga.com or by downloading our app.