These past few months I’ve been hearing a lot about Hot Yoga. Everyone that participates seems to be enjoying the benefits of this new trend and the more I get to know about it, the more I want to inform you all. For those who are unaware, Hot Yoga is essentially yoga in a 110-degree room. Its benefits include increased concentration, increased flexibility, detoxification, and increased muscle tone. Who wouldn’t want that? I love feeling like I actually made an affect on my body after working out and after a session with Hot Yoga, you will definitely be feeling the workout!
Not convinced yet? Here’s what Pitt Sophomore/Hot Yoga beginner, Christina Vaghetto and Pitt Freshman/Intermediate Hot Yoga-goer, Alexis Miller have to say about it…
Me: What’s your favorite yoga move?
AM: Downward dog or child’s pose
CV: The cobra pose, and then after that I like the tree pose
Me: Hot Yoga or Standard Yoga?
AM: I like hot yoga better!
CV: Hot yoga!
Me: Why?
AM: I actually feel like I’m getting a workout since you sweat so much. It has all the benefits of regular yoga plus more!
CV: You feel a lot better after it because you literally sweat so much; it’s just really refreshing and rejuvenating after. The heat is nice too because it lets you burn more calories while doing the same amount of work and the same poses. It’s just a better workout and for me it feels really good to sweat out your stress”
Me: Favorite place to go to Hot Yoga?
AM & CV: Yoga Flow in Shadyside
Me: What do you wear to a Hot Yoga session?
AM: I usually wear a workout tank and leggings. Some people wear shorts just because it gets so hot.
CV: I wear yoga shorts, like the kind from Victoria’s Secret but mine were from Justice, I work there (laughs). Other people wore running shorts like Nike shorts or yoga leggings. You don’t wear shoes. And on top, girls might wear tank tops or sports bras. I started off with this yoga ‘bralette’ from Victoria’s Secret and a tank, but I had to take the tank off because it was literally a sauna in there!
Me: What would you suggest people bring with them to hot yoga?
AM: People should bring 1 or 2 water bottles with them and something to tie their hair back with.
CV: They’ll give you a sweat towel, but some people brought their own. You can rent a mat for around a dollar, but if you have your own you can bring it too. Bring a TON of water, at least a whole bottle full because you get soo soo thirsty! I’d probably bring a change of clothes too because it gets pretty sweaty.
Me: What advice would you give before going to hot yoga?
AM: My advice would be to hydrate before and after and also eat a few hours before. You definitely don’t want to do it on a full stomach, but you wouldn’t want to do it on a completely empty stomach either.
CV: Drink a ton of water and don’t eat a lot before. Also, don’t freak yourself out when you first walk into the room and it’s so hot, it gets easier as the hour goes on.
Me: Have you had overall positive experiences with hot yoga?
CV: Yes absolutely! I just tried it for the first time and it’s my new favorite workout.
Me: Would you recommend Hot Yoga to others?
AM: I would definitely recommend this to people! Hot yoga is an amazing workout and you feel so good afterwards! It is also really fun if you go with friends.
CV: Yes for sure. It was really fun and wasn’t as boring as running on the treadmill or going to the gym. It’s a lot more relaxing, but still gave me a really good workout.