Yoga is prolific across the whole west coast, but Portland alone has one of the highest per capita rates of studios in the nation. The practice has become one of the most popular and best-respected forms of exercise, especially among women, and that popularity has diversified yoga tremendously. In Portland there is a wide array of options, but most of them boil down to temperature. For traditionalists, cold yoga retains more of the practice’s ancient roots, but hot yoga is believed to purge toxins as it strengthens the body and mind.

Sometimes called Bikram, hot yoga is practiced in controlled temperatures that range from 95-110 degrees Fahrenheit. It uses traditional poses and yoga exercises, but practitioners find their stretches can go deeper due to the heat. The real benefit, though, is the detoxifying powers the heat has. Sweat is an integral element of hot yoga practices, and it often results in a feeling of rejuvenation during and after practice.

The risks of hot yoga are obvious. Practioners can easily become dehydrated, so they need to drink copious amounts of water before and during their practice. Some may experience temperature shock too if they leave the studio immediately in colder months. Since the internal body temperature rises so steeply, it needs time to cool back down to a normal temperature. These dangers, however, are easily prevented, and they’re insignificant when weighed against the benefits.

Because yoga is such a low contact form of exercise, the body doesn’t just exercise: it’s strengthened in stretching and poses. This has made it preferred among practitioners who want to avoid the impact of running and heavy weights. When heated, though, yoga can develop a beautifying effect by purging the body and skin through sweat. 110-degree exercises may not appeal to everyone, but they do allow the body to lose weight and age beautifully.

For more information about weight loss and aging beautifully, contact Dr. Amy Bader and the rest of the Thrive Portland physicians to learn more about our services.