Last week, I was encouraged by a friend to switch up my workout routine (which usually only consists of running) and take a hot yoga class with her. While I have done yoga before and enjoyed it, I was not prepared for what was about to happen.
“Drink lots of water and try to have a pretty big lunch,” she texted me early in the day. Later, I got another text. “You’re drinking a lot, right?” I started getting nervous. I realize it’s going to be hot and I need to be hydrated, but what am I getting myself into? I started chugging water, with only a couple hours before the class was scheduled to begin.
I showed up in a tank top and shorts, with a giant bottle of water and two towels: one to lie down on top of the yoga mat and a smaller one to dry myself off. Â The class was an hour and a half, and the room was heated up to 98 degrees.
Why exercise in such a hot temperature? It is less likely to injure muscles when they are warmed up than if they are cold. Also, pulses increase with the temperature, helping burn more calories. Many people interested in weight loss are taking an interest in hot yoga.
While I found the room cozy at the beginning, I started sweating almost right away. I found myself grabbing my towel between poses to dry off. I really enjoyed the class, and the time went by so fast! It was great to try something different, though I started feeling fatigued and a little dehydrated toward the end. Walking outside afterward, the Florida weather felt cool and refreshing in comparison to the humid room. I never felt happier to take a shower when I got home.
Would I take a hot yoga class again? Definitely. Â The class I took in Largo, FL was only $12 for 90 minutes, and I felt great after stretching my muscles, relaxing, and sweating out toxins. Next time I will make sure to drink more water though.
Photo source: http://supernaturalbotanicals.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/birkam…
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