Heated vinyasa yoga has been all the rage lately and it’s easy to see why. The heat of the room makes you sweat, which helps release toxins from your body and relaxes your muscles, making it easier to get into poses that may have felt impossible before. Plus, there is a beautiful feeling of community in a heated class where everyone is so focused on their own practice but also connected with each other at the same time. It’s no wonder this practice feels like such an invigorating experience! So if you’re thinking about trying out heated vinyasa yoga for the first time, here are some things you should know:
To Nail Down The Appropriate Form, Look For A Beginning Course Or Start With A Private Lesson
As a beginner, you don’t want to go into class unclear of whether you need to alter a posture or utilize props because practicing in the heat is already a struggle.
Be Prepared For Hot Temperatures!
If you have specific health concerns, yoga studios that are deemed hot might be anywhere from 85 to over 100 degrees. Before enrolling in a class, see your doctor if you have diabetes or heart disease.
Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout class. If you’re sensitive to heat, yoga pants and a tank top or t-shirt are the best option.
Allow At Least Two Hours Between Eating A Substantial Meal And Doing Hot Yoga
If you are feeling overheated and have eaten too much, it will affect your practice negatively. If you need something quick before class, go for half a banana or a cup of yogurt.
Be Prepared For An Intense Practice!
A heated vinyasa yoga class is usually one hour long and can be very challenging. It’s important not to push yourself too hard but also to let go of expectations about how far you think your body should move in poses like a downward-facing dog. The more you accept where your body is at that day, the better chance you will have of enjoying it.
Expect Some Physical Surprises!
This kind of yoga works on building strength so sometimes muscles that were previously hidden by fat may show up again (hello abs!). There might even be changes with other parts below the belt such as pelvic floor muscles becoming more toned and the appearance of new hair growth.
Expect Some Mental Surprises!
This yoga is also known to help with depression, anxiety, insomnia, hypertension, mild arthritis pain/inflammation, and fatigue so you might find yourself feeling better in many other ways too! If not though don’t worry because yoga is meant to be fun for your body no matter what benefits or changes happen. So if something doesn’t work out exactly how you expected it’s okay because yoga isn’t a competition but one part of an amazing journey towards being healthy on all levels.
What Should I Wear?
Anything that makes you feel good, but bear in mind that you should aim for form-fitting and simple. To avoid sliding, many ladies wear long yoga pants or capris that cover the knee. When you’re hot and bothered, wearing shorts makes some positions more difficult to maintain. Because, without exaggeration, that’s how sweaty you might get.
Whether you’re an experienced yogi or new to the practice, heated vinyasa yoga is a great choice for beginners and more advanced practitioners alike. If this sounds like something that interests you but you’re not sure if it’s right for your lifestyle, don’t worry – we can help! Our team is happy to answer any questions about what heated vinyasa yoga entails and how our sessions work. Just give us a call so we can talk through everything together in person. You’ll be glad you did!
Do You Need a Hot Vinyasa Yoga Studio That’s Perfect for You?
Our Vinyasa Heated classes are heated, energetic and fast-paced. We offer modifications that simplify the poses to be more suitable for beginners as well, some of which amplify our advanced practitioners’ experience in order to accommodate all levels of practitioner! Our community-based studios provide a safe space with exceptional teachers who work together so you can strengthen your body while calming the mind through yoga practice – all at three different locations across San Francisco or our new location in Walnut Creek. It’s never been easier than now to start! Book your first class now at one of our San Francisco locations or our new location in downtown Walnut Creek!