Why is the room so Hot?
How does it work?
What should I bring and how should I prepare for my first class?
How often should I come to class?
What are the benefits of hot yoga?
How many calories does one yoga class burn?
Is there anyone who shouldn’t do hot yoga?
Yoga etiquette
- The heat makes muscles more elastic and pliable which allows for deeper, safer stretching
- The heat helps you sweat; sweating detoxifies your body by flushing toxins from your blood and metabolic waste from your muscles
- The Heat enhances vasodilation so that more blood (and oxygen) is delivered to the muscles
- The Heat speeds up the breakdown of glucose and fatty acids
- The Heat thins the blood, increasing the heart rate for an excellent cardiovascular workout
- And, It feels really good to just let the sweat pour out of you!
The postures in Hot Yoga work synergistically and cumulatively to return the body to a balanced state. This yoga builds energy, stamina and finesse. It incorporates strength, flexibility, balance and most importantly, the “tourniquet effect.” The tourniquet effect gently stretches, squeezes and massages the internal organs, flushes out the cardiovascular system, and stimulates the endocrine and nervous systems. Deficient hormones and enzymes are released or inhibited as necessary. This yoga will boost the body out of its unbalanced state, allowing it to become self-regulating and self-adjusting. Cholesterol in the blood gets “blasted out” of the arteries and veins; in turn it can become regulated. Oxygen and nutrients are supplied to parts of the body that have been in “cold storage.” Toxins are eliminated and the central nervous system is both energized and soothed. The lymphatic system is flushed and the immune system strengthened. The internal organs and endocrine glands are corrected and balanced, bringing them back to peak efficiency. Lung capacity is expanded, leading to greater vitality. Bones are strengthened. The joints are opened and lubricated with synovial fluid. Muscles are strengthened, lengthened and toned, and flexibility is increased. Stretching the muscles works the body at the cellular level. As a result, calories become more accessible and are more easily burned, helping the body operate at optimal fitness.
What should I bring and how should I prepare for my first class?
-new students please come 15 minutes early. (The doors are locked once class begins, so latecomers are not accommodated);
-Come on an empty stomach, but be well hydrated;
-Wear light workout clothing- something you feel comfortable sweating in- women wear shorts, and a jog bra or tank top, men wear shorts with or without a t shirt or tank; changing rooms provided;
-Bring a bottle of water, yoga mat and towel (all available for purchase or rent)
-leave shoes on racks at the front door when you enter the studio
-Bring dry clothes to change into afterwards.
-Bring a positive attitude- you don’t have to be flexible to do yoga, you just have to do it; you will thank yourself for coming!
How often should I come to class?
Come as often as you can. Ideally, 3-5 times a week for the first two to three months. This gives your body a jump start, and in that time period you will notice incredible improvements in your practice and in your overall health and life.
You will find you will want to do this practice. Unfortunately, most people don’t have the time or budget for a daily practice. Just come as often as you can, especially in the beginning. You will start to organize your schedule to fit it in.
The harder this yoga is for you initially, the more you need to do it and the more you are going to benefit from it. The time and effort you put into it will be returned to you tenfold.
What are the benefits of hot yoga?
The benefits you receive from a regular, devoted yoga practice will vary depending on who you are, your health history, what you put into your practice, and what you may be struggling with physically or mentally. The most frequently reported benefits are:
- Escalation in energy and metabolism;
- Weight loss and increase in muscle tone;
- Increase in balance, strength and flexibility;
- reduction in heart and respiratory rates;
- decrease in blood pressure;
- improved functioning of internal organs;
- reduction of insomnia and depression;
- Strengthening of the immune system;
- Reduction in stress and a newfound ability to relax during stressful moments;
- Alleviation of symptoms of chronic diseases and injuries;
- Rejuvenated sense of calm and well-being;
- An inspired and positive outlook on life
As with anything, the amount of effort and focus you put into something is directly proportionate to the results you will achieve. Try your best. Your postures do not have to be 'perfect' in order to do yoga. It's called yoga practice for a reason. All we can ask ourselves is to try the right way with our best effort. The benefits will follow.
How many calories does one yoga class burn?
Health professionals' have estimated between 400-1200 calories are burned per class.
Is there anyone who shouldn’t do hot yoga?
If you have high blood pressure, particularly low blood pressure, or are pregnant or nursing, you should check with your doctor before trying a class. If you simply do not like the heat, you might find that your body learns to like it after a few classes!
Yoga is more than simply the physical poses; it is a process of understanding and respecting ourselves and those around us.
-Please remove shoes upon entering the studio
-keep street clothes and other personal belongings in the cubbies provided in the changing rooms
-no cell phones or beepers in the class room
-no gum in the studio
-don’t wear heavy perfumes or colognes to class
- no talking during class
-feel free to take a break at any time during class by either sitting or lying quietly on your mat
-if you need to leave the class room, please do so between poses
-At the end of class, please leave the room quietly, being mindful that some people use that time for silence and meditation
