Many of us have heard of hot yoga, but maybe we’re not 100% sure what is entirely meant by hot yoga. Hot yoga is practiced in a room that may reach temperatures up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit with 40-50% humidity. Hot yoga provides some added benefits as compared to a regular yoga class, including helping you flush toxins from your body and sink even further into your stretches.
We offer several styles of hot yoga at Evolation Yoga Atlanta. Bikram Method is practiced at 105 degrees, and offered at 90, 75 and 60 minute intervals. Barkan Method is offered at the same time intervals, but practiced at 100 degrees. Hot Flow, Hot Slow Flow and Hot Power Flow are all practiced in 90 degree heat, and offered at 75 and 60 minute intervals. Each of our Hot Flow classes offer different experiences for different experience levels – if you want to take things slower while still receiving a strong practice, our Hot Slow Flow is the perfect option for your evening, but if you need to sweat – and really SWEAT – definitely opt for our Hot Power Flow classes.
We know how many of us love the heat of the Sun Room, but may not want to be in the more extreme temperatures of our Hot classes. Our warm classes help you achieve deeper stretches in cooler temperatures. Our Level II Warm Power Flow is practiced at 85 degrees for 75 minutes, and our Warm Flow is perfect for practitioners of all levels while still being 75 minutes in 85 degree heat. We also offer Warm Yin to help you decompress and receive the benefits of slowing down your practice.
Hydration is Key for Hot Yoga
With the triple digit heat in the classroom, you will sweat profusely. Drinking water before class is key so that you’re fully hydrated; however, you don’t want to “camel up” just before class as that will leave you needing to use the restroom during class and with a sloshy feeling in your stomach. Drinking water consistently throughout your day is the best way to prepare for class. Regular hydration prevents dehydration, which could lead you to feeling dizzy or fainting in class.
Nourish Your Body
Eating properly throughout the day will provide you with the energy to make it through the class. However, it’s a good idea to stop eating heavy foods 3 to 4 hours before class so that you are practicing on a nearly empty stomach. Having food in your stomach diverts blood flow to your digestive system.
When your body tries to cool itself, as it will during a hot yoga class, it has to bring blood flow to the surface of the skin to help release the heat, which leaves the undigested food to sit in your stomach for longer and creates discomfort in the body. Eating a light snack about an hour before class, such as a smoothie, banana or handful of nuts, can give you the energy boost you may need while helping you avoid the discomfort of too much food in your stomach.
Choose Proper Attire
As with any yoga practice, make sure to choose clothing that does not restrict movement. Another consideration for hot yoga is material choice – avoid cotton and instead choose form-fitting clothing that wicks moisture away from the body. For women, a great choice of attire is capri-style leggings and a sports bra. For men, shorts that have sweat-wicking fabric are a good choice. If running shorts are chosen, it is a good idea to wear compression shorts underneath to make sure you’re comfortable during class. Learn more about yogi attire here.
If you are trying yoga for the first time, please check out our $49.00 Special Intro Offer! Make sure to check out our class schedule, descriptions and contact us if you have any questions!