I don’t know the more correct terminology, but the yoga studio down the street from me is offering “hot yoga” classes. From what I’ve heard, it’s a fast paced yoga class in a high-heat, high-humidity environment.
What’s the purpose of the high heat and humidity? How would it be more beneficial than a less hot/humid environment?
The claim is typically two-fold; one that the external heat allows for more pliable muscle tissue and therefore more/safer range of motion, and two that high heat which increases perspiration facilitates a more optimal release of “toxins” from the body.
Whether this is a truth or a layer of truth or whether it is more beneficial or not is debatable.
Thanks for the explanation, IA. I was thinking about trying the class, but I’m not entirely comfortable with the idea of doing intense yoga in a hot/humid environment. It seems like that would make you light-headed. I think I’ll stick to my air-conditioned living room! 
I really enjoy hot power yoga. I guide classes too (disclaimer). It is as stated above by IA, in addition; your stamina level increases. It is not always fast paced, depends on the teacher. If you do yoga regularly or have a fitness regimen you may want to try it. I don’t do yoga in a unheated room any longer.
[QUOTE=yoga4Astrongback;79616]Thanks for the explanation, IA. I was thinking about trying the class, but I’m not entirely comfortable with the idea of doing intense yoga in a hot/humid environment. It seems like that would make you light-headed. I think I’ll stick to my air-conditioned living room! ;)[/QUOTE]
It is completely up to you of course. A person’s practice should serve their living (read: move them toward rather than away from light, balance, growth, evolution).
When I go to a gym and see a sign outside the Sauna that cautions about duration and medical clearance that’s really all I need to know about rigorous exercise in an overheated box.
We don’t do hot yoga in a sauna. A heated room is very different. But, as you say, up to you.
Sauna temperature range: 28 - 53 degrees C
Hot yoga room: 40 degrees C
Seems to be well in sauna range to me 
I have not tried the new hot yoga style yet .but I have practiced in 90 degree heat and close to 100 percent humidity in Florida many times ,I prefer cooler temps ,I feel it is safer and I can work harder .imho
Cheers
Peace
I’m not sure if they do yoga in a/c in India. Pretty sure not so much in Mysore. Hot yoga.
Maybe “cool” yoga is a western thing.
[QUOTE=daves007;79659]I’m not sure if they do yoga in a/c in India. Pretty sure not so much in Mysore. Hot yoga.
Maybe “cool” yoga is a western thing.[/QUOTE]
they do it most times in the a.m. And p.m.
Cheers
[QUOTE=daves007;79618]I really enjoy hot power yoga. I guide classes too (disclaimer). It is as stated above by IA, in addition; your stamina level increases. It is not always fast paced, depends on the teacher. If you do yoga regularly or have a fitness regimen you may want to try it. I don’t do yoga in a unheated room any longer.[/QUOTE]
Not trying to be argumentative here, but if you stick with any style of yoga, wouldn’t your stamina level still increase with time and practice? Or are you saying that hot yoga somehow increases your stamina more quickly than if you perform yoga outside of those conditions? Again, not trying to argue; I’m just curious.
I’m not sure of the answer for you except that for myself in the beginning of doing Hot yoga regularly, I needed to rest from time to time, or a break, childs pose, etc. As time went on I do not break at all any more. I get into my “zone” and don’t break my concentration or calmness, I find myself completely focused on my mat. Of course your stamina will increase doing yoga (except restorative or nap yoga). btw, our hot yoga is 95 degrees. Not as in Bikram - 105. I know it’s not for everyone, our unheated classes attract an entirely different clientele than the hot, and have the largest attendance.
not good