I Took A Hot Yoga Class, And Survived

Let's talk Hot Yoga.

Upward Facing Dog

It's different to Bikram Yoga which is performed in a 40 degree plus room.

The class I attended tonight was a 'Yogafusion' - A power style of yoga, which has a baseline structure, but varying sequences, which flow from one posture to the next connecting the breath with movement in a room heated to 37-38 degrees.

I finished the class under 2 hours ago; and don't want to jinx myself for tomorrow - but I feel good.

I'm not gonna lie.. It was challenging. And hot. Duh!

And I was surprised that there were roughly 45 people, row after row, within such a confined, hot space.

But after a while, I could ignore the sweat dripping from my face and body; and really focus on the movements and the breathing.

They say yoga is good for the mind, body and soul. Until today I had never experienced a yoga class where I believed that to be true.

As an added bonus, the practice of yoga within a heated room has many health benefits - It is good for blood flow & circulation; Promotes elimination of toxins within the blood; Relieves nervous tension; Stimulates metabolism; and assists to repair tissue damage and skin problems.

Before stepping foot into the class, I did some research. And for that I am thankful!

It was a daunting new experience that I didn't want to attempt without atleast trying to understand what to expect.

I googled the Yoga Studio; I read a few blog posts from others who have tried/failed/loved Hot Yoga; And after reading about how your yoga outfit can either help or hinder the experience, I went to Lorna Jane and had a comprehensive conversation with 2 staff members and 3 other customers who happened to be in the store at the same time; and I spoke to a friend whose only advice was "Just go into the class with the promise that you will stay in the room for the entire duration. The mental challenge of not leaving the heated room before the class is over will exhaust you"...

Hmmm... My enthusiasm to even walk into a heated room, much less practice yoga, was somewhat deflating..

But I went. And I kinda enjoyed it.

Yes - It was hot.
But I could do most of the movements and this gave me confidence. Part way through, I did wonder how I would feel tomorrow. Will I still feel the effects of the class? We'll have to wait and see...

Thinking of trying a class? Here are my tips - 

Wear breathable clothing. 

Drink plenty of water throughout the day before you go to the class.

Take little sips of your water during the class.

Take a hand towel to wipe the sweat from your face.

Take a larger/bath towel to position over your yoga mat, coz it will get slippery.

Wear your hair pulled back - I saw too many girls with their hair sticking to their face... EEW!

One last thought - Those Yogis can be super philosophical - - 

“it’s never too late, it’s never too bad, and you’re never too old or too sick to start from scratch once again”

-bikram choudhury

xx