Q & A's - HOT YOGA
What are some of the benefits of Hot Yoga?
Hot Yoga practice is stimulating and cleansing on many levels. There are several benefits including stress reduction, increased blood circulation which stimulates the heart to strengthen its contractions, which is exercise for the heart muscle itself. As a result, the heart pumps efficiently thereby lowering blood pressure. Hot Yoga also improves flexibility and strength. After class you will feel energized, rejuvenated, and cleansed. In essence, the heat is a form of cardiovascular conditioning. The heat aids in detoxification, increases blood flow to speed up metabolic processes of vital organs, glands, and mobilizing toxins for elimination. Heat stimulates fat receptors, activating fat stores and facilitating fat loss and releasing these fat-soluble toxins. Additional responses of the heat include, the stimulation of white blood cell production, boosting the immune system, promoting relaxation, and an increase in healing injuries and disease symptoms. Overall, the body’s response to heat strengthens, detoxifies, and heals, which in turn creates a sense of health and well-being.
Is Hot Yoga a cardiovascular workout?
You will find every class no matter what style challenging. All the postures combine flexibility, strength, and balance to work the entire body. You heart rate will go up! With dedication and commitment many people have seen weight loss, muscle tone and strength.
How should I prepare for a hot yoga class?
Please bring a bottle of water and make sure to hydrate at least two hours before class. We also recommend you keep an empty stomach a couple hours before class. The recommendations for hydration before, during and after exercise are as follows:
What should I wear/bring to class?
Please bring a bottle of water, a towel and a mat if you have one. Wear fitted exercise clothes that you can sweat in. Arrive to the studio 5 minutes before class to r, relax on your mat, and be present before class.
When can I expect to see progress in my yoga practice?
During your practice, it is important to be honest with yourself, and accept where you are in the stages of growth as you work continually to improve yourself. First, keep the pose steady and firm, the mind calm and content. Second, be aware that perfection occurs when your effort is relaxed. Third, while keeping the focus on being strong, steady and calm and maintaining an even breath, focus on the Infinite; this creates the balance.
How often should I practice?
Daily practice rejuvenates body, mind and spirit. For life changing results five or more times a week is recommended. A practice two to three times a week, if consistent, will create transformation over time.
What if I’m not flexible?
Flexibility is something you will gain through yoga practice. You don’t have to be flexible to start your practice. Yoga will allow you to lengthen and expand, and release toxins that build up during these activities. Whether you can touch the floor or not, the ultimate benefit of yoga is to harmonize body, mind and spirit in a healthful physical practice.
Why is the studio heated and will this make the class more challenging?
The classes are practiced in a heated room which helps stretch muscle fibers and tendons and helps prevent injuries to these areas while stretching. Heat also helps increase circulation to tissue and organs and enhances the functioning of the immune system and produces great healing influence to the entire body. See Benefits of the Heat under our New to Hot Yoga section for more detail.
Can beginners do Hot Yoga?
Yes, the classes accomodate all levels and abilities of yoga. We encourage beginners to pace themselves in class and recommend beginners commit to coming to as many classes as possible in the first week. This will build a solid physical base and awareness that will improve strength, focus, endurance, and flexibility.
What is the best Path to Progress?
• Strength-be strong and relaxed
• Flexibility-being comfortable
• Balance-move gracefully with concentration
• Self-discipline-stay committed and dedicated to your practice
• Determination-do your best always, don’t give up
• Concentration-practice with intention
• Patience-the virtue that will bring it all together
• Faith-trust yourself and believe in yourself
HAVE FUN AND ENJOY!
What are some of the benefits of Hot Yoga?
Hot Yoga practice is stimulating and cleansing on many levels. There are several benefits including stress reduction, increased blood circulation which stimulates the heart to strengthen its contractions, which is exercise for the heart muscle itself. As a result, the heart pumps efficiently thereby lowering blood pressure. Hot Yoga also improves flexibility and strength. After class you will feel energized, rejuvenated, and cleansed. In essence, the heat is a form of cardiovascular conditioning. The heat aids in detoxification, increases blood flow to speed up metabolic processes of vital organs, glands, and mobilizing toxins for elimination. Heat stimulates fat receptors, activating fat stores and facilitating fat loss and releasing these fat-soluble toxins. Additional responses of the heat include, the stimulation of white blood cell production, boosting the immune system, promoting relaxation, and an increase in healing injuries and disease symptoms. Overall, the body’s response to heat strengthens, detoxifies, and heals, which in turn creates a sense of health and well-being.
Is Hot Yoga a cardiovascular workout?
You will find every class no matter what style challenging. All the postures combine flexibility, strength, and balance to work the entire body. You heart rate will go up! With dedication and commitment many people have seen weight loss, muscle tone and strength.
How should I prepare for a hot yoga class?
Please bring a bottle of water and make sure to hydrate at least two hours before class. We also recommend you keep an empty stomach a couple hours before class. The recommendations for hydration before, during and after exercise are as follows:
- Daily intake of 8–10 glasses of water 2litres for normal activity, not including exercise.
- At least 2 hours prior to exercise, drink 1 ltr. of water or fluid without caffeine
- If possible, determine body weight while hydrated, prior to exercise.
- During exercise, drink frequently and early, before you are actually thirsty. Your goal is to replenish fluids at the same rate you are sweating.
- After exercise, evaluate change in body weight. Consume fluids to return to body weight prior to exercise.
What should I wear/bring to class?
Please bring a bottle of water, a towel and a mat if you have one. Wear fitted exercise clothes that you can sweat in. Arrive to the studio 5 minutes before class to r, relax on your mat, and be present before class.
When can I expect to see progress in my yoga practice?
During your practice, it is important to be honest with yourself, and accept where you are in the stages of growth as you work continually to improve yourself. First, keep the pose steady and firm, the mind calm and content. Second, be aware that perfection occurs when your effort is relaxed. Third, while keeping the focus on being strong, steady and calm and maintaining an even breath, focus on the Infinite; this creates the balance.
How often should I practice?
Daily practice rejuvenates body, mind and spirit. For life changing results five or more times a week is recommended. A practice two to three times a week, if consistent, will create transformation over time.
What if I’m not flexible?
Flexibility is something you will gain through yoga practice. You don’t have to be flexible to start your practice. Yoga will allow you to lengthen and expand, and release toxins that build up during these activities. Whether you can touch the floor or not, the ultimate benefit of yoga is to harmonize body, mind and spirit in a healthful physical practice.
Why is the studio heated and will this make the class more challenging?
The classes are practiced in a heated room which helps stretch muscle fibers and tendons and helps prevent injuries to these areas while stretching. Heat also helps increase circulation to tissue and organs and enhances the functioning of the immune system and produces great healing influence to the entire body. See Benefits of the Heat under our New to Hot Yoga section for more detail.
Can beginners do Hot Yoga?
Yes, the classes accomodate all levels and abilities of yoga. We encourage beginners to pace themselves in class and recommend beginners commit to coming to as many classes as possible in the first week. This will build a solid physical base and awareness that will improve strength, focus, endurance, and flexibility.
What is the best Path to Progress?
• Strength-be strong and relaxed
• Flexibility-being comfortable
• Balance-move gracefully with concentration
• Self-discipline-stay committed and dedicated to your practice
• Determination-do your best always, don’t give up
• Concentration-practice with intention
• Patience-the virtue that will bring it all together
• Faith-trust yourself and believe in yourself
HAVE FUN AND ENJOY!
