Hot Yoga is the new pink

I just experienced my first ever hot yoga class and loved it.  Also known as Bikram yoga, this form is yoga is challenging, intense and rewarding. Did I mention it’s practiced in a very toasty room? I’ve never sweat quite like I did in my whole life, but I don’t think I’ve ever felt so rewarded, calm and exercised after a workout. You could probably say that I’m hooked!

I’ve practiced yoga for years off and on, but never seriously. I’ve heard only wonderful things about hot yoga, so I decided to give it a try today since I’ve recently gotten back into regular yoga practice.  Yoga Bliss, a local Baton Rouge studio, is running a 30-20-10 special.  For 20 dollars, you get 10 yoga classes to use in 30 days.  That is a STEAL and I couldn’t pass up the offer!  So, I gave myself the go ahead to indulge a little.

Just to give you an idea of what a hot yoga class is like, here are a few of my observations as a first timer:

• The room is hot-90 degrees or higher.  Standing poses were more challenging because hot air rises, so it was definitely warmer/muggier standing up.


• I’ve never sweat like that in my life-For ladies, wear your hair up in a ponytail and off your neck if it’s extra long like mine.  


• Attire and equipment can make or break it-Make sure to wear a tight fitting top and pants that won’t bother you if you get sweaty. A head band would be smart too.  Also, invest in a fast-drying terry cloth towel to cover your mat during hot yoga. You can purchase these made to fit over the yoga mat perfectly.  The mats alone get very slippery. (Might I suggest Borders.  They’re going out of business and having a huge sale. I bought my towel there today.) 


• Water is good- Drink lots of water before and bring a water bottle with you.


• Listen to your body and take breaks if you need to- Hot yoga is much harder on the body than is regular yoga. Got some advice from a friend in the medical field: “When moving from sitting to standing poses, move slowly or you will get really dizzy because your blood vessels are dilated from the heat.“ 


• Breathe and enjoy!

Here’s an interesting article about bikram yoga and it’s ability to makeover a person inside out.  Coupled with a proper diet, I feel like this could keep me in great shape physically and mentally.  It certainly helps to ward off stress too!  

Namaste :)