What to “Sweat” About in Hot Yoga

It’s safe to say that yoga has swept the nation. There are a huge amount of classes offered all around the world. Bikram, ananda, hatha, and hot yoga are just a few. Yoga has been known to provide health benefits and even maintain a longer life.

Hot yoga, for those who aren’t familiar with the term, is a practice that is held in a room ranging between 109-117 degrees Fahrenheit. The practice is similar to a flowing vinyasa style practice, linking one movement to the next. The room is placed at such a high heat to warm up the body, causing more flexibility and fewer injuries. It sounds scary, but it really is a great practice if done with precaution.

So what should you really be sweating about in hot yoga?

The number one thing people should consider before hot yoga is if they can take the heat, literally. Not only are you doing muscle strengthening and flexibility exercises, but also, odds are you aren’t doing them alone. Stay hydrated and be sure to eat before being in a room with 15 strangers all adding to the heat! Good foods to consume before a hot yoga class include raw or dried fruits, raw veggies, or any high protein nuts.

Arriving 10 minutes early to the class is a good idea. Fill up a water bottle; grab a towel, mat, and head towel. It’s good to get yourself used to the heat before starting the class. Try lying down on your mat and rubbing your shoulders, neck, and arms. This will generate circulation and prepare your muscles for what’s to come.

The next step to making sure you’re being safe in hot yoga is to lose the embarrassment factor, and don’t try to impress. Improperly stretching is one of the main causes of injury in yoga. Just because the person in front of you is scratching their back with their toes doesn’t mean you have to do it too!

Last but not least is the cool down method. Don’t skip out on this! The final stretches in hot yoga are meant to adjust your body temperature and cool it down. Sure it might sound like a lie considering you are in a room heated to over 100 degrees, but seriously, it is beneficial.

Before practicing any exercise it’s smart to check with your doctor and/or health physician to ensure there is no risk for a heat related illness or injury.

Why should you do hot yoga?

Hot yoga is an amazing way to work up a sweat, stretch, and tone muscles. Sweating rids the body of toxins, and increases endorphin release.

Check out these benefits:

• Opens pores and improves skin conditions
• Increases flexibility and strength
• Rids the body of toxins
• Improves mood
• Improves sleep at night
• Stimulates metabolism
• Keeps you heart healthy

Enjoy hot yoga? Let us know!

Namaste.