Getting any kind of physical activity to a frantic schedule is actually commendable, but will a warm setting make any difference? Before you start trying to keep a solid dumbbell grip, check out if heated exercises are worth wringing your clothes of.
The Pros
A hot environment will do enable your body to work into stretches if performed safely and regularly in a class. Heated exercises could be best for individuals who are struggling with joint problems such as arthritis since a hot environment keeps tissues and joints temperatures warmer.
Moreover, it can also benefit you mentally. If you exercise in a heated environment, you have a tendency to release as your body does not feel as stressed.
On the other hand, for athletes, getting sued to heat develops a better exercise heat tolerance and enhances performance.
The Cons
The thought that all of the heated exercises are good for you disregards the fact that heat stress is a crucial thing to consider. Particularly in terms of dehydration, before and at the time of exercise, they will be harmful to your health, as well as unhygienic in certain environments.
One of the greatest mistakes going into a heated workout is the fact that people think that they are able to stretch as deep as they like, once they enter the room, which may cause injury.
Before going to a warmed room, take into consideration both the humidity and temperature. During exercise, the sweats to cool down itself and in humid and heated environment, the body takes itself into overdrive. When the room is high on humidity and heat, the level of intensity of your workout will have to adjust.
Here’s an article from Lily Dayton of Los Angeles Times:
Hot exercise classes catching on like fire
As the demand for hot workouts continues to rise, heated studios are popping up all over, offering everything from traditional Bikram yoga, which started the hot exercise trend with a regimented sequence of yoga postures performed in a 105-degree room with 40% humidity, to hot power yoga, hot Pilates and hot barre. Some classes even incorporate hot weightlifting.
To be safe, check out the following tips before you do a hot workout.
Stay Hydrated
Since you will be sweating more compared to a regular workout, drink plenty of water or perhaps an electrolyte-enhanced drink like coconut water. Drink around 16-24 oz. of additional fluid 2 hours prior to your workout, and be sure to bring a water bottle to have small sips whenever you need it. While you hydrate before and during a hot workout, it is vital that you replace your lost fluids after. An individual can lose up to 30pounds of water weight in a session, and dehydration can occur as headaches and fatigue.
Warm Up
Even if the room is warmed, it does not mean that your muscles are instantly good to go. Take a few minutes of doing light stretches to allow your body to adjust to the heat.
Dress Appropriately
Since it could be more than 100 degrees, wear clothes that you will be able to breathe in like tank tops, shorts, and sports bra.
Wash Up
As you sweat a lot during a hot workout, wash your face and hands immediately. Those who take a lot of heated workout class releases toxins in their body through sweat, and they might get breakouts once they leave bad bacteria on the skin. Even better, take a shower right away.
Nourish
To keep energy up, keep away from a high-protein food soon after a workout. As you work out, your body is quite acidic due to the buildup of lactic acid, and also proteins are acidic itself. Rather, consume something that is alkalizing such as apples, kale, grapefruit, avocado, tangerines and carrots.
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