The practice of Hot Yoga is great for mental health and is beneficial for weight loss. The hot temperature of the room encourages your muscles to loosen, for your pores to open and for toxins to leave the body through sweat as you move from one pose to another.
Benefits of Hot Yoga
There are many benefits to hot yoga. The one that’s touted most often is detoxification: heavy sweating is said to help flush toxins from the skin. The heat also allows you to go a little more deeply and safely into the postures. Working in a heated room also elevates the heart rate, which makes the body work harder. It can be a more intense workout if you want it to be, but for beginners we encourage you to take it slow. Acclimate to the heat. If you need a break, take one. Each day is different, give yourself permission to be where you are today.
This practice is great for those who want to develop strength, flexibility and tone along with a cardiovascular workout. Working in heat helps the body relax, improves breathing (which helps conditions like asthma) and focuses the mind, which develops better mental concentration.
The poses in hot yoga can be easily modified to accommodate any fitness level. As long as you do not attempt to take on too much, too quickly, hot yoga with a certified instructor at Yoga Studio Satya in Colorado Springs can be a good form of yoga for beginners, as well as those who are more advanced.
Following are a few tips to make your hot yoga class experience a positive one:
Drink plenty of water throughout the day so that you’re well hydrated before coming to class. Good hydration supports the healthy function of all of your body’s systems, and it makes the heat feel comfortable rather than overwhelming.
Don’t think you have to get in shape before coming to class. That puts the cart before the horse! Come take your first class, and then continue practicing as often as you can and feel absolutely wonderful, both physically and emotionally.
Arrive 15 minutes early for your first class. This gives us time for registration and orientation. Arriving early ensures a stress free and relaxed beginning to your hot yoga practice.
You will feel challenged by the yoga during class; everyone does. Always work to your edge, but listen to your body and your inner wisdom. As a beginner, never be afraid to sit down if you need to. It’s normal, especially when you first get started, to feel dizzy, nauseated or lightheaded. It’s temporary, and as your body acclimates and detoxes, these sensations will disappear.
During class nobody will look at you or judge you. The teacher will guide you and instruct you, always with compassion and respect. No need to be self conscious. It’s helpful to know that people's focus is on themselves.
Preparation for class:
You will need to have a large towel, a yoga mat (we have complimentary mats if you don't have one), and a water bottle for class. Dress for heat - lightweight clothing. Remember, you will be sweating, so be comfortable!
Come on an empty stomach. No food 1–3 hours before class. A small quantity of simple, easily digestible food is recommended for the meal prior to class.
Drink lots of water for several days before class if you’re not in the habit of drinking water. Doctors estimate you need at least 2 liters per day for normal body maintenance. Double that when doing hot yoga. If you drink large quantities of caffeine drinks or eat mostly processed foods it can affect your body’s ability to tolerate the heat.
What to expect after class:
You might feel very tired after the first class. This is absolutely normal and a good sign that your body is cleansing. Your energy levels should be restored to normal within several classes.
You might feel sore or stiff the day after your first class. Come back to class as soon as possible! Your body is waking up and coming alive and you want to keep the process going!
You might feel nauseous, dizzy or have a headache after class. This could be a sign that you are dehydrated. Please drink lots of water before returning to class. Or it could be a sign that you were trying so hard that you weren’t breathing normally. Remember to breathe and rest - listen to your body.
You might experience some skin irritation. This too is normal, it means that the skin is releasing toxins. Showering directly after class will wash the toxins away. It will also help normalize the body temperature.
You might feel very hungry after class for a while, or you might lose your appetite completely. Both reactions are normal, don’t worry too much either way.