Longevity logo

7 things no one told you about hot yoga

Hot yoga can be a pretty intimidating concept. Engaging in physical activity in a studio where the temperature is between 90 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit can seem terrifying. Still, hot yoga has many benefits and is gaining a lot of followers who swear by it.

By Victor LawrencePublished 3 years ago 3 min read
1
7 things no one told you about hot yoga
Photo by Erik Brolin on Unsplash

To familiarize beginners, here is some information you should have in hand before you start! Hot yoga is a form of exercise that involves the practice of yoga in a heated room.

1. Arrive prepared!

Hot yoga is a slippery activity due to sweat so gear up properly. Dress lightly in shorts and a camisole made from natural fabrics that breathe well and dry quickly, and invest in a good non-slip mat.

Yoga mat is a thin foam pad, typically made of PVC or rubber, that provides traction and prevents the yoga practitioner's feet from slipping when on a hard surface.

Most mats are designed to be used either with bare feet or with socks. Mats range in thickness from less than half an inch to three inches and in length and width from two feet to 16 feet.

2. You can take breaks

It's not called hot yoga for nothing. You will be hot from the moment you step into the studio so imagine when you start to move. Don't hesitate to take a few minutes' break if you feel overwhelmed, dizzy, or overheated.

3. Eat well throughout the day.

By Louis Hansel - Restaurant Photographer on Unsplash

Since it's best not to eat one to two hours before the workout, consider eating well-balanced throughout the day if you have a hot yoga class after work. If you absolutely must eat before the session, consider something small and easily digestible. Coconut water with a banana could make a great pre-yoga snack.

4. Drink water, more water.

Yoga is known to be a healthy practice that can help control weight, reduce stress, and keep bones strong. It's an excellent form of exercise that has the added bonus of stretching muscles and improving flexibility. Yoga is also known to improve mood by calming down anxiety, stress, and depression.

However, people who do hot yoga might have different opinions on this matter. Some people say it’s good for their mental health because they feel so relaxed afterwards. Other people say it makes them more anxious or gives them headaches.

People who do hot yoga typically sweat more than those who practice other styles of yoga. This process can lead to dehydration which can cause headaches or dizziness if not prevented with water intake before and during the workout session.

It's important for everybody to Never forget your water bottle during a hot yoga class because you will quickly regret it. To avoid discomfort from heat or dehydration, be sure to drink water throughout the session even if you are not yet thirsty.

5. You will become muscular.

Hot yoga will not only make you sweat and relax, there are many hot yoga benifits. You will also work all the muscles in your body and gain muscle mass. Yoga engages your whole body, so get ready to see your muscles appear.

6. Hot yoga is better for flexibility.

By Alex Shaw on Unsplash

The heat is great for relaxing the muscles so better flexibility can be expected when practicing hot yoga.

The best part about hot yoga is that it can produce a variety of benefits in the body. It can help people with their flexibility, allows them to relax and calm down, and it can also improve their mood. The heat in a hot yoga room simulates the environment from which we evolved from, which makes us feel at home.

7. If you don't like it, then you aren't doing it right.

The notion of heat intimidates many people, but remember that this is just a regular yoga class, so relax and have fun. Take breaks and go at your own pace to fully enjoy the session.

Check out some wondeful books around Hot Yoga

yoga
1

About the Creator

Victor Lawrence

Victor is a content creator and love to share his thoughts across the web.

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.