In case you haven’t heard of it, living the lifestyle of a yogi focuses on mastering many different types of postures in order to build your body’s strength and flexibility. Yoga is nothing new. It originated in India at least 5,000 years ago and there are countless types to choose from. The one I find most interesting is hot yoga, also known as Bikram yoga. It is a form of yoga that is performed in a room heated at 105 degrees Fahrenheit while putting the humidity level at 40 percent, which is not a pleasant situation to put yourself in for 90 minutes per session.
# Great CardioBelieve it or not, practicing yoga in such extreme conditions is good for your heart. Positioning your body in 26 postures in that extreme heat has the same effect as running a mile. Furthermore, it can burn up to 1000 calories per session. The way you stretch will also boost your metabolism so your body can keep burning calories even after your routine is over.
# DepressionEver go through those times in your life where you feel too depressed to do anything with your time? Do yourself a favor and take part in just one session of hot yoga during your low periods. I guarantee it will change your state of mind.
# Clear SkinThe hot temperature of the room helps you sweat quickly and effortlessly. I know sweating doesn’t hold a very good reputation but through sweating, your body gets rid of toxins that have built up in your pores. It cleans out your skin in order to prevent it from getting infection and rashes.
# HealerHot yoga was invented for therapeutic purposes. If you practice it on a regular basis, you will notice body pains are slowly fading away, particularly back pain.
# DiabeticsPracticing and maintaining the lifestyle needed for hot yoga do help in decreasing blood pressure level. Don’t believe me? Read the book “Diabetic Always, Insulin No More.” It’s the story of a student who overcame obesity, back pain and diabetes by putting a lot of dedication in hot yoga.