Hot Yoga Workout: What Muscles Are Targeted?

Hot yoga is a type of yoga that is performed in a heated room. The room is typically heated to around 105 degrees Fahrenheit, with a humidity level of 40%. The heat and humidity can help to increase flexibility, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. But what muscles are targeted during a hot yoga workout? In this article, we'll explore the different muscle groups that are worked during a hot yoga session.

1. Core Muscles

The core muscles are the muscles that make up the trunk of the body, including the abdominals, obliques, and lower back muscles. During a hot yoga workout, these muscles are targeted through a variety of poses, including plank, boat pose, and side plank. These poses help to strengthen the core muscles, improve posture, and support the spine.

2. Leg Muscles

The leg muscles are some of the largest muscles in the body, and they are targeted during a hot yoga workout through poses such as warrior I and II, chair pose, and eagle pose. These poses help to strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, as well as improve balance and stability.

3. Arm Muscles

The arm muscles are targeted during a hot yoga workout through poses such as downward dog, chaturanga, and upward dog. These poses help to strengthen the triceps, biceps, and shoulders, as well as improve upper body strength and flexibility.

4. Back Muscles

The back muscles are targeted during a hot yoga workout through poses such as cobra, upward dog, and locust pose. These poses help to strengthen the muscles of the upper and lower back, as well as improve posture and spinal alignment.

5. Hip Muscles

The hip muscles are targeted during a hot yoga workout through poses such as pigeon pose, lizard pose, and seated forward fold. These poses help to improve hip flexibility, reduce tension in the hips and lower back, and improve overall mobility.

6. Shoulder Muscles

The shoulder muscles are targeted during a hot yoga workout through poses such as eagle pose, cow face pose, and shoulder stand. These poses help to improve shoulder flexibility, reduce tension in the shoulders and neck, and improve overall posture.

7. Chest Muscles

The chest muscles are targeted during a hot yoga workout through poses such as camel pose, bridge pose, and wheel pose. These poses help to improve chest and lung expansion, as well as strengthen the muscles of the chest and upper back.

8. Neck Muscles

The neck muscles are targeted during a hot yoga workout through poses such as fish pose, shoulder stand, and plow pose. These poses help to improve neck flexibility, reduce tension in the neck and shoulders, and improve overall posture.

In conclusion, a hot yoga workout targets a variety of muscle groups throughout the body. By incorporating these poses into your yoga practice, you can improve flexibility, strength, and overall physical health.