Is hot yoga bad for diabetics?: Is hot yoga terrible for people with diabetes?
Bikram Yoga, created by a yogi called Bikram Chaudhury, is performed in a heated room at 105degF (41.1degC), with 40% humidity. The class consists of 26 postures and two breathing exercises performed in the same order every time. Bikram sessions last about 90 minutes.
In contrast, hot yoga is simply a room heated above average temperature. Yoga instructors can set the temperature to their liking, usually between 80-100degF (27-38degC).
Hot yoga classes can be a variety of poses and vary in length from studio to studio. Hot yoga is often more interactive and includes music than Bikram Yoga, which is quieter.
Traditional yoga can help a 160-pound person burn 183 calories per hour. You can burn more calories by turning up the heat.
Researchers at Colorado State University have found that a 90-minute Bikram Yoga session can burn as many as 460 calories for men and as low as 330 calories for women. Even if hot yoga isn’t as intense as Bikram, it will still burn more calories than traditional yoga.
Hot yoga is especially beneficial for those at higher risk of type-2 diabetes. A study from 2013 Trusted Source showed that a short-term Bikram Yoga program improved glucose tolerance among older adults who were obese but had a lesser effect on lean, young adults.
It’s not for everyone. If you like regular yoga and want to take it up a level, hot yoga may be for you. Hot yoga has many benefits, both for your body and mind. You can burn calories, improve flexibility, increase cardiovascular fitness, and build bone density.
It can also reduce stress and ease depression. Consult your doctor before you do a session of hot yoga if you suffer from any health issues. [Is hot yoga bad for diabetics?]
7 powerful yoga exercises are best for diabetics
- Vrikshasana (Tree Pose)
- Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
- Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)
- Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
- Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
- Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)
- Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)
1. Vrikshasana (Tree Pose)
Modifying Tree Pose can make this practice more accessible for beginners and those seeking a gentler method. Keep the toes on the ground of the foot lifted.
This will provide a smooth transition. For added stability, you can place the foot inside the ankle. As you gain more balance, move to the classic Tree Pose by gradually raising the foot.
The traditional yoga philosophy gave a tree pose (Vrikshasana ), representing a forest’s graceful strength and beauty. It helps practitioners to feel grounded and stable by connecting them with their roots.
Tree Pose aligns with the more profound yogic philosophy that harmonizes mind, body and spirit. The pose is a soul journey that fosters a connection to nature and the inner self. [Is hot yoga bad for diabetics?]
2. Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
The mountain pose can also improve body awareness by correcting imbalances, improving posture and reducing injury risk.
Tadasana is a static, simple pose that makes adjusting and developing awareness easier. This same attention can be applied to more advanced poses.
A study from 2019 showed that yogYogaither on its own or in conjunction with other therapies (complementary), may be beneficial for depression. Yoga, as a complementary therapy, can help treat anxiety disorders and, most importantly, panic disorder.
Play with your weight distribution and balance to increase body awareness. Your weight is backward and forward. Next, shift your weight to the outside and inside of your foot.
Then, balance first on your balls and then on your heels. Observe how these changes affect your posture, alignment, and balance. [Is hot yoga bad for diabetics?]
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3. Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)
Jane has studied Yoga for more than 30 years. Her triangle pose is impressive compared to what you can find in magazines and books. Many people with tight hamstrings would give their lives to have those hamstrings.
Jane’s pain and discomfort over the past few years is something they would not want. You may hear the cries from a collapsing joint if you listen closely.
Jane realizes that what she thought was desirable 20+ years ago – the pelvis moving quickly over the femur with her hand on the floor – puts a lot of strain on ligaments. The femur is now stuck in a position it doesn’t want to be.
Yoga changes as we grow older and our bodies change. We have all kept old teacher instructions applicable then but not necessarily for our current body. Our intention to practice is the root of our problem. [Is hot yoga bad for diabetics?]
4. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
Bhujangasana, or cobra pose, is a backbend for beginners. It also works the abdomen, pelvis, arms, shoulders, and chest. This is the seventh asana of the Surya Namaskar sequence (Sun Salutation).
In the first posture, the neck and upper torso are raised upwards. This position is similar to a cobra, hence the name (bhujang means cobra in Sanskrit).
Bhujangasana’s impact is profound on a subtler level. It works on the root, solar, sacral, and throat chakra. This article will discuss the bhujangasana posture and its benefits and contraindications.
The cobra pose opens the chest and back. It deepens and improves breathing. It is highly beneficial to the back as it strengthens and stretches the muscles and nerves. It keeps the spine flexible and healthy, relieving back pain and stiffness. [Is hot yoga bad for diabetics?]
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5. Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
Dhanurasana reminds us that we must be balanced in our lives, just like the bow. The string can snap if there is too much tension or if it is not tight enough. Dhanurasana derives from the Sanskrit Dhanu, meaning bow and asana posture. The English translation is bow pose.
Parsva Dhanurasana, or the side bow position, is the most common variation of this pose. You will need to complete the above steps until you reach Dhanurasana. Pull your right shoulder to the floor, then pull your feet together.
Roll over to your side while you are still in this pose. You may need to try a few times before you get it right. If you have trouble, you can also try without holding your ankles.
This pose is used to demonstrate our strength both spiritually and physically. The celestial arch given by Lord Shiva to King Janaka is the subject of a story. The bow was so heavy that no mortal but the king’s daughter, Sita, could lift it. This was a test that the king used to find Sita a suitable husband. [Is hot yoga bad for diabetics?]
6. Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)
Paschimottanasana is a seated forward bend that looks easy but is not. According to Barbara Benagh of The Down Under School of Yoga, “Forward bends can be a challenge for many of us.”
Benagh explains that exercising, like running, hiking, and weight training, can lead to losing flexibility if you’re not careful. She says sitting at a desk for long periods is also not good.
Simple forward bends relieve tight hips, lower back, hamstrings and thighs. Don’t go as hard on your exercise routine as with other exercises. Benagh says that most people achieve Paschimottanasana slowly and with patience.
If you are not already very flexible, start this pose without considering bending your legs. [Is hot yoga bad for diabetics?]
7. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)
Bridge Pose is a highly versatile posture. This pose can be done dynamically, restoratively or as a relaxing pose. You can find a backbend pose that suits you.
Bridge is a form of yoga that uses your entire body. Perhaps what is being bridged here is the understanding that yoga does not have to be about struggle and effort but can instead focus on breathing and finding ease.
Yoga is an excellent and healthy exercise. All yogYogases offer unique benefits and effects. Setu Bandha Sarvangasana is no exception. It is a powerful yoga pose with many benefits. It rejuvenates the body.
The pose is known to be calming and therapeutic for the performer. This Bridge Pose is essential for women at every stage, including during menstruation and pregnancy. [Is hot yoga bad for diabetics?]
Conclusion:
Hot yoga isn’t necessarily bad for people with diabetes. However, it does require caution and careful management. The heat may cause dehydration and blood sugar fluctuations, even though it can offer benefits such as improved flexibility or stress relief. People with diabetes must consult their doctor, monitor their blood glucose, stay hydrated, and take the necessary precautions to practice hot yoga. [Is hot yoga bad for diabetics?]
Is hot yoga bad for diabetics? FAQ
1. Is Hot yoga for people with diabetes?
Ans: Hot yoga is safe for people with diabetes but requires caution. Heat can cause blood sugar fluctuations and dehydration, so monitor your blood glucose levels before, during and after a session.
2. What are the benefits of hot Yoga for diabetics?
Ans: Hot yoga improves flexibility, circulation, and stress management. It can help with weight loss, which is essential for blood sugar management.
3. Can hot yoga affect blood sugar levels?
Ans: Hot yogurt causes hypoglycemia if you are taking glucose-lowering drugs or insulin. Keeping a quick-acting carbohydrate on hand, such as glucose tablets or juice, is essential if your blood sugar drops.