While The Benefits To Yoga Are Endless – The Benefits To Hot Yoga Could Be Even More Rewarding

It seems like people have discovered that the secret behind picturesque bodies is exercise. Yoga is an age-old form of exercise that can be practiced by both men and women. It is an ideal choice for people who are looking for an alternative form of working out their body away from the strenuous weight lifting.

Although ordinary yoga is fulfilling and effective, it sometimes gets boring especially with the repeat of certain routines. If you are looking for a way to spice up your yoga sessions then Hot Yoga will definitely tickle your fancy.

This type of yoga may have the basics of ordinary yoga but the hot temperatures in the studio set it apart. Hot yoga studios are normally heated between 37-40 degrees centigrade. This will see you sweating in places that you never paid attention to before.

Although Hot Yoga is a bit extreme, it has vast benefits that surpass ordinary yoga. Completing a session will have you feeling like a movie star walking away from an exploding vehicle. Although the sessions may feel unbearable at some point, soldier on and keep the benefits in mind.

How to Prepare for Hot Yoga

The fact that this yoga is extreme and out of the ordinary means that you have to well prepare for it. Failure to this will only make your sessions unnecessarily difficult.

Keep Hydrated

Hot yoga equals small oceans of sweat and desperation so you’ll need to be well hydrated for it. You will definitely feel like you just walked into Kalahari desert. A bottle of drinking water is a necessity but it is advisable to drink liters of water hours before your hot yoga sessions.

Yoga Equipment

Just like any other yoga class, purchasing a yoga mat that meets needs your comfort and aesthetic needs is of the utmost importance. There is nothing worse than having a mat that is too small or that slides all over the place due to the fabric is it made of. Although blocks and cushions are usually provided, it is nice to have your own. Meditation cushions offer great cushioning for your elbows, hands, back, and feet as you settle into new movements and poses. This will keep you comfortable and your session tolerable. In addition to this, carry a yoga towel to lay on top of your yoga mat. A face towel will also come in handy when wiping off sweat from your eyes.

Do not Overeat

Yoga involves bending and performing some unimaginable poses. These would be unbelievably difficult to perform if you had stuffed yourself prior to the class.

Find your Comfort Zone

Hot yoga studios can be intimidating and trigger panic. Being in a hot room with a bunch of strangers with no windows can be quite uncomfortable. This is why it is important to take a few minutes before the session begins to relax. Some people “Ommm….” while others prefer to chat and make friends. Find something that completely relaxes you.

Wear The Correct Gear

The worst thing that you can do is wear warm clothes for a hot yoga class. It is best that you wear comfortable clothing that will facilitate aeration of the body. Steer away from baggy sweat pants and tees and go for spandex gym bras and shorts.

Benefits of Hot Yoga – Your Reconnection With The Present

1. Stress Reduction

Just like any other form of exercise, hot yoga greatly reduces stress. Your body and mind will feel rejuvenated after a few poses. Stretching your body and practicing breathing exercises will eliminate stress by calming your body down and diverting your attention away from any stress factor.

2. Increases Blood Circulation

Stretching and exercising your body helps to release hormones known to relax your body. The more you practice hot yoga the more relaxed you will feel.

3. Improves Immunity

The special thing about hot yoga is the fact that the hot temperatures paired up with the poses work your body both within and outside. The warm temperatures warm and soothe your muscles. These special exercises massage deep tissues as well as organs which help to release the toxins that have been stored there for a long period of time. They will be excreted through sweat which will then give you a glow.

4. Good for Your Joints

By stretching your body to its maximum, you actually increase its strength. It will keep your joints well lubricated and will increase muscle strength to support the under pressure. This will highly reduce your chances of developing arthritis and thyroid disorders.

5. Promotes a Sense of Well-Being

Some people perform hot yoga for relaxation, others practice it as a form of exercise for weight loss and endurance and others simply are desperate for some “me” time away from their chaotic lifestyles. Whatever your reason may be, hot yoga will relax your body and mind and even promote weight loss. These two key aspects will leave you feeling happier than you did before.

6. Promotes Flexibility

If you thought yoga is for people with rubbery joints and freakishly able acrobats then you’re wrong. Anyone can sign up for these classes. Swaying from side to side may not be as swift as others but eventually, you will notice that poses that were impossible for your, in the beginning, will now be doable. Your body is great in adapting to whichever situation its subjected to.

7. Promotes Weight Loss

Hoy Yoga is a superior form of exercise that involves a lot of stretching, balance, and flexibility. All these require the participation of your entire body from your bones to your skin. The more you keep at it, the more you will notice yourself losing inches all around your body.

After successfully completing your Hot Yoga session you might feel a sense of elation. This euphoric feeling of exhaustion is normal and should not deter you from attending future classes – like the following day (:

You will definitely feel a sense of accomplishment on your way home. Watch as your weekly stressors fall secondary to your focus on cold water and cool air!

Author bio:

Emily is founder of BodyShape101, a blog where she and her associates talk about exercise, fitness, and yoga. Their aim is to help people like you to achieve your own perfect body. BodyShape101 is concentrated on exercise & fitness tips, and making the most out of it. She is also a mother of one and she tries to find balance between her passion and her biggest joy in life.