yoga. It’s either raving or being hated. People who are afraid of yoga generally use the excuse that they’re not calm enough to relax and meditate. Usually too “slow”; not worth the fast-paced daily workout. Yoga haters, think again. We have found a happy medium.
Hot yoga, also known as Bikram yoga, is very similar to regular yoga in that you flow through the movements and breaths to create a mind and body connection, except it is done in a room that’s 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Yes that’s right! 105 degrees. Hot yoga might appeal a bit more to the fast-paced and passionate people. Why? Doing yoga at a high body temperature causes the body to feel like it is working harder, pushing itself, and really burning those calories and fat cells. It requires more effort than regular yoga because your heart pumps faster to lower your body temperature.
Why is everybody raving about hot yoga?
Hot yoga is great for relieving stress and relieving tension in the body, while forcing you to think about your breath. (Literally, otherwise you’ll pass out.) This detoxifies the body and skin of poisons because the amount you sweat and the high temperature allow the body to sit safely deeper into the pose, increasing the body’s flexibility. Hot yoga is a practice that kills two birds with one stone; it’s cardio and strength training. Certain poses work muscles you did not even know you had, and trust me the result is a sore (but happy) body the next day. Coming out of hot yoga at the end of a session is like walking into an air-conditioned room after running a mile in the desert. If you think your elbows and knees haven’t got sweat glands, think again.
What should you know before trying hot yoga?
You MUST be hydrated. Some people think it is possible to drink less water throughout the day, and make up for this by drinking lots of water during a hot yoga class. This is wrong. Drinking too much during hot yoga in fact causes stomach discomfort, and will not make up for the absence of water during the day.
Practice hot yoga on an empty stomach. You will get the most out of your workout this way.
Bring bath towels and hand towels. Your yoga mat will get VERY slippery during your practice, so placing a towel on it will reduce the chances of you slipping during your poses. Also keep a hand towel handy to wipe yourself often during practice.
Don’t wear loose clothing. It will get soaked and hinder your practice. Instead, wear leggings and a tank top or tight t-shirt.
