Healthy Living: Hot Yoga

Hey there everyone!

I recently got back from my first ever bikram (hot) yoga class and thought I'd just do a quick blurb about it's benefits and my experience with it.  Hot Yoga is basically just yoga in a heated room, around 38 degrees Celsius or about 99 degrees Fahrenheit.  

 What is it? 

Hot Yoga is a cleansing, powerful and expansive approach to Yoga. The hot environment stimulates the skin to sweat, which is an effective means for eliminating toxins in the body. The heat supports the lubrication of joints and it softens stiff muscles, and it’s beneficial for maintaining cardiovascular health.  - mykula.ca  It's very popular with celebrities this year.  Nina Dobrev and Michael Trevino are two examples of celebs who have tried bikram yoga and really enjoy it. 

My Experience  

 

First off, you should know that i have never taken a yoga class in my life.  Nor have i ever been one to exercise; so for me, this class was really difficult.  I walked into the class and was immediately welcomed by a burst of really warm air.  I set my mat, water bottle, and small towel down and the class began.  I immediately began sweating.  We were in a beginners class, so the poses were fairly easy but for someone as inflexible and unfit as I they were kind of painful.  I specifically remember halfway through the class turning to my friend and muttering "oh my god, i hate this so much".  Around the 40 minute mark however, i began getting really into it.  I noticed that i felt really relaxed and my muscles didn't feel quite as stiff.  I don't think I've mentioned this before, but i have generalized anxiety disorder and nothing has ever helped lessen that feeling of worry and stress etc. but by the end of class i felt so relaxed and happy.  Something that isn't mentioned on any websites is that this makes your skin really smooth and just glow. (Not from the sweat).  Just a warning, hot yoga really makes you sweat.  It's not like you'll just sweat a little.  This is the kind of sweating where your legs become extremely slippery, your clothes are soaked and there are little puddles all around you.  (Thankfully i didn't experience that last one, but many people did and do).   I am so glad i did this and i think that you all should try it out too.  It's a wonderful experience, pretty fun and very healthy for your mind and body.  Just remember to drink LOTS of water before, during and after the class...i can't even stress that enough.

I'm definitely not a doctor, but from my personal experience, If you have generalized anxiety disorder or feeling any kind of anxiety for that matter/are really stressed i totally recommend yoga.  It helps to release all that tension and makes you feel really calm.  

What should i bring to hot yoga?

-Wear form fitting, but comfortable clothes, tanks, sports bra, shorts, capris.  (I do not recommend pants for this particular style of yoga)  Brands i wear are Nike, PINK and LuLu Lemon.  Their yoga clothes absorb sweat and make for a more comfortable experience.  

- two towels.  (one for the showers and a small wash cloth for class to wipe off the excess sweat...trust me, this is a MUST) 

- a cold water bottle.  (The floors are heated so your water bottle will heat up quicker, so make sure it's cold)  

- deodorant 

- a new set of clothes for after the shower 

- a yoga mat (obviously!)  You can purchase these at lulu lemon, winners, target, walmart...basically anywhere, yoga mats are also available for rent at many yoga studios. 

For more tips and tricks please visit www.mykula.com or any yoga studio website.  
  In case you are curious about generalized anxiety disorder http://helpguide.org/mental/generalized_anxiety_disorder.htm