Hot versus Not!

Some like it hot and sweaty...

Yoga, that is!

But let me explain why I choose heated yoga over non-heated yoga:

Here are some of the physical benefits of heated yoga:

• heat improves your circulation
• heat improves muscle elasticity (this means that your body will be a little more flexible after warming up than it would normally be)
• it induces a great sweat and really INCREASES the calorie burn (and who doesn't LOVE to burn more calories)
• It makes what might not otherwise be a cardio workout and makes it cardio (and let me tell you, at least 30 minutes of Power Vinyasa is a killer cardio workout!)
• It helps your body learn to cool itself more effectively
• it creates a detox through the largest organ of the body (the skin)
• IT IS LIKE GETTING A FREE FACIAL - all over your body! 
• It also creates an intensity that either forces you to give up or to still your mind and be in the moment...and that is the entire purpose of yoga. 
• Hot yoga may also help people with arthritis, asthma, allergies, unstable blood pressure, thyroid regulation and many, many other conditions. 

There really isn't even a comparison...hot verses not! 

With that said, it is very, very important to drink lots of water during and after any heated yoga class to hydrate your body, and it does take about a 2 week physical acclimation process to adapt to the heat.  During this two week period it is especially important for new practitioners to pace themselves, listen to there bodies and take rest.  A good rule of thumb for hydration is consuming 1/2 your body weight in ounces of water per day.  Consumption must be spread out so you body can assimilate. 

This is what we educate our students at Akasha with when they ask why the studio is heated.  Does it take some getting used to? Sure. Is doing yoga in the heat worth some personal discomfort at first? Yes!

But, don't take my word for it...

...Try it out for yourself!

If you have ever thought about taking a yoga class, there is no time like the present! Try it out! Or, if you still have questions or concerns, let me know! I would love to help!