Curious about heated yoga styles? Discover the key differences between hot and infrared yoga to find the perfect practice for your fitness goals.
If you've been scrolling through fitness studio websites or fitness apps, you've probably noticed heated yoga options popping up everywhere. But what's the difference between hot yoga and infrared yoga? And more importantly, which one is right for you?
Both styles use heat to enhance your yoga practice, but they work in distinctly different ways. Understanding these differences will help you choose the best option for your wellness journey and fitness goals.
Hot yoga is typically practiced in a room heated to 95–105°F (35–40°C). The most popular style is Bikram yoga, which follows a specific sequence of 26 poses in a room heated to exactly 105°F with 40% humidity.
The heat in traditional hot yoga comes from external sources like wall heaters or heating systems that warm the entire room. This method heats the air around you, creating an intense, sweat-inducing environment that can feel quite challenging, especially for beginners.
Benefits of hot yoga include:
Infrared yoga uses infrared heating technology, which emits heat in the form of light waves that directly warm your body rather than the surrounding air. The room temperature is typically lower—around 80–95°F (27–35°C)—but the infrared heat penetrates deeper into your muscles and tissues.
This innovative approach offers a gentler yet still effective heated experience. Infrared heat works at a cellular level, warming you from the inside out while keeping the room cooler and more comfortable.
Benefits of infrared yoga include:
Choosing between hot yoga and infrared yoga depends on your fitness level, health status, and personal preferences.
Start with infrared yoga if you're new to heated yoga. The lower room temperature and gentler heat make it more accessible for beginners. You'll still experience the benefits of heat without the overwhelming intensity. It's also ideal if you have asthma, sensitive skin, or tend to overheat easily.
Choose hot yoga if you're already experienced with yoga and crave a more challenging, traditional heated practice. The intense heat and rigorous sequences build impressive strength and endurance.
Both hot yoga and infrared yoga offer incredible health and wellness benefits. If you're just starting your heated yoga journey, infrared yoga is typically the more accessible entry point. It delivers real results in a comfortable, sustainable way.
However, the "best" option is the one you'll actually stick with. Visit a local studio, try both styles, and listen to your body. Your perfect yoga practice is waiting for you!