So you may have heard about hot yoga here and there because of its increasing popularity, but you may be curious as to what it actually is before trying it out. Keep in mind that different studios may practice slightly different variations of hot yoga, but generally, it all stems from the Bikram form.
I remember my first time trying out Bikram Yoga in a hot and stuffy room (as it should be). Here’s one mistake that I made that I strongly encourage you to learn from: before a session, drink TONS of water. Go for about 60 ounces of water, and as a rule of thumb, don’t consume anything an hour before class. You will need all that water stored up in your body because hot yoga will inevitably lead to sweat, meaning hydration is key. For my very first class, I didn’t drink enough water because I was busy that day and didn’t think too much of it. Come yoga class, I felt embarrassed because I felt light-headed and dizzy, but I knew that was a fault of my own.
So remember to thoroughly prepare yourself before starting hot yoga, and don’t be discouraged if you find the first session tough. Numerous people, including myself, did. But it is more important to note that most people DO become acclimated to the heat after returning to classes repeatedly, and eventually are able to go through the entire session with ease. So let’s get more into depth on what hot yoga is.
Who is it for?
Yoga is open to everyone, but it is important to note that hot yoga can be a little strenuous. People with high or low blood pressure, pregnant women, and those who easily start to have an increased heart rate, nausea, and dizziness should be mindful. It is SO important to have proper nutrition before a hot yoga session!
Why do it?
With all the sweating that comes with each session, studies have stated that detoxification, increased circulation, and other chronic health conditions are improved. As with mental gains, hot yoga reduces emotional eating and banishes mental thoughts, thus creating a relief from stress and greater levels of happiness.
What are the different types of hot yoga?
Bikram yoga
Most people immediately think of this yoga when they hear hot yoga. Founded by Bikram Choudhury in 1970, a figure known for suffering a knee injury that doctors believed would impair him from walking, which he then disputed through his practice of yoga, Bikram created his method of 26 postures repeated twice in 105 degree heat to the world. Bikram yoga is known for being regimented, so if you’re looking for something that is soothing and blissful, this yoga may not be the one for you.
Moksha yoga
Founded in 2004 by two yoga teachers in Toronto, Moksha Yoga is a series of postures practiced in a heated room for anytime ranging from 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the level class you choose to take. This type of yoga is a community-based, independently owned studio that uses seven philosophical pillars, which include peace, awareness, learning and open-mindedness, and support. Moksha varies from studio to studio and so does the heat temperature the instructor sets. Overall, Moksha focuses on whole-body strength and flexibility while also focusing on promoting a green, eco-conscious mindset. Classes usually begin with a mind-centering relaxation pose. If you are looking for a yoga practice that is predictable in its sequence and level of difficulty of ease, Moksha may be just for you.
Heated vinyasa
Another popular form of hot yoga, in these classes, yoga is performed in a heated room ranging from 85 to 90 degrees (if you’d like, maybe start out with this before progressing to something like Bikram). Vinyasa is essentially the alignment of breath and movement to create a dynamic, flowing form of yoga. Vinyasa poses are held for a specific number of breaths before moving on to the next pose, allowing more room for relaxation and harboring of inner-awareness. This yoga form is perfect for you if you want to build strength while feeling a sense of bliss.
Hot power yoga
Last but not least, hot power yoga is another common form of hot yoga. The term “power yoga” became popular during the mid-1990s when two American yoga teachers who had studied with Ashtanga guru Sri K. Pattabhi Jois began to make what they had learned more accessible to Western students. It is flexible in terms of style, and stems from the more rigid Ashtanga yoga style. Rooms are heated to between 85 to 100 degrees, and these yoga classes can usually be found at your local yoga studios and gyms. Power yoga can be on the more intensive side, but if you are looking to improve your flexibility, posture, and burn some calories, definitely try power yoga!
What to wear and what to bring
Considering the temperatures in room, it’s a good idea to wear as little clothing as possible. Shorts and a form fitting tank are ideal, and avoid wearing cotton because the material tends to retain water (remember all the sweating you’ll be doing). Wear something that is lightweight, breathable, but don’t wear oversize shirts because they tend to get in the way. Lastly, bring a good skidless mat, for skidding around on a mat can lead to injuries. Bring a towel to absorb sweat, and bring water! Some instructors may not allow water breaks, as that is frowned upon in hot yoga, but in case of an emergency, it’s a good idea to have some on hand.
Just remember, yoga is all about enjoying yourself and growing! Get out of your comfort zone and get stronger both mentally and physically, you can do it if you truly set your mind to it.
Will you be trying out hot yoga?
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