What to know about hot yoga
It seems like just about everyone you know has become a devoted yoga practitioner, with hot yoga being one of the most popular form of practice. But before you jump into the hottest fitness exercise, get some background information and weigh the pros and cons of hot yoga for yourself.
Variations
Just like standard yoga, there are various kinds of hot yoga. Bikram yoga, which is practised at certified studios globally, is still considered the original. It is performed in studios heated to a minimum of 105 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity around 40 per cent. These classes follow a set sequence of 26 postures and focus on endurance. Two yogis from Toronto founded Moksha Yoga, and their studios adhere to "green" principles—incorporating things like energy-efficient heating and sustainable flooring. There are three levels of classes, lasting anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes. The standard Moksha series begins with savasana, a resting pose that is typically found only at the end of yoga classes. From there, you do standing poses, another savasana, then on-the-floor postures for strengthening and opening muscles, and the end with another savasana. Some other studios develop their own versions of hot yoga classes, such as a hot power flow sequence, with their own philosophy and structure. Try different styles to find the best hot yoga fit for you.
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Before You Go
Be prepared for your first yoga experience, and you will no doubt come out successful. The most important thing is to be aware of your own body limitations and know what pace is suitable for you throughout the class. Don’t be overly confident, even though you may feel uneasy with so many other yoga pros around you. Start slowly and take breaks often to avoid any injury or dizziness in the heat. Be sure to be well hydrated before your first class and try not to eat for two hours before you start. You can replenish lost minerals and electrolytes with a fortified drink afterward, such as Gatorade, Emergen-C or coconut water. You can rent your own yoga mat at the studio if you don’t already have one, and bring a hand towel to dab some of the sweat off during the class.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing, preferably shorts and a tank top because it will get very hot. Put your hair up and remove your makeup to let your skin breathe, and of course bring water! Many instructors will suggest you start off with a one-hour introductory class the first time to allow your body to adjust to the heat and learn the poses. It’s also important to be calm, relaxed and don’t forget to breathe! Clear your mind of any pressing thoughts and focus on the instructor’s directions.
Benefits
Those who have been practicing for a while say hot yoga has benefited their lives mentally and physically. Most often individuals rave about the detoxification effects, as the heavy sweating experienced through the class is said to flush out toxins from the body. The heat also warms up the muscles to allow for deeper stretches and poses. It delivers a much more intense workout than a non-heated yoga class, and practitioners will see overtime that they've developed more strength, flexibility and tone than they could have ever thought - not to mention they feel they are more relaxed and able to de-stress from their daily life. A heated workout is a great cardiovascular activity and is also said to improve breathing functions - especially for those dealing with asthma.
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