Hot Yoga.
How many of you have heard the words “Hot Yoga” and cringed? Why in the world would anyone want to intentionally put themselves in the HEAT!? Better question, why do they go back?
Many people who have never experienced hot yoga usually comment, “I would love to do a yoga class but I can’t handle the heat”.
For the majority of people, regular practice of hot yoga mentally takes them places they have never been before. Now you don’t normally spend your day’s in a 90º room with about 40% humidity, performing edge-pushing postures.
So really, people’s biggest fear isn’t even the heat, it’s the fear of the unknown.
Because out there in the unknown, there’s confusion, room to get hurt, let down, disappointment. But that’s only if you let those things in.
Think about your favorite thing to eat, even if you shouldn’t eat it. Can you remember the first time you tried it? Maybe, maybe not. The point is, that item was a part of the unknown at one point in your life. How did you know you were going to like it? How did you know it wasn’t going to make you sick? You didn’t, but you TRIED IT.
Keyword here, tried!
That’s all you need to do, to give hot yoga a chance before you say you can’t handle the heat. Give it a try!
5 Ways To Overcome Your Hot Yoga Fears
1. Embrace The Heat
Studios open 30 minutes before class so get there early to lie down and acclimatize to the heat. Still challenged by the heat? No biggie! Just sit out a few of the postures – what matters most is that you had the courage to attend class.
2. Believe In Yourself
The mind is powerful; what you think, you become. Yoga won’t only transform your body, it will transform your mind – but you need to enter into it with the strong mindset that you can do it.
3. Strengthen Your Focus
Don’t take your thoughts into class. Thinking about work or those errands you have to do isn’t going to contribute anything positive to your practice – the 60 minutes is all about YOU.
4. Own Your Breath
In all forms of Yoga, emphasis is placed more on the breath than on the postures. It’s important to remember to maintain a slow and steady breath through your nose. Mastering your breath is what’s going to make your practice all the more rewarding and enjoyable.
5. Prepare Your Body
What you do before and after class affects your overall Yoga experience:
- You’re going to sweat a lot so make sure you prepare yourself by drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to your first class. And after class, rehydrate yourself with water and electrolytes (coconut water is an excellent source of natural electrolytes).
- When class is over don’t immediately pick up your mat and bolt for the door. Lie still for a few minutes to allow your body to cool.
- Don’t jump into a cold shower straight after class; it’s important that your body cools itself down naturally.
The benefits of Yoga are many and endless. In the short term you will sleep better, feel happier and have a more energetic and toned body. And in the long term, you will have overall improved physical and mental health.
If you have told yourself that you “can’t handle the heat”, I hope this has inspired you to strengthen your mind, overcome your fears and give it a try.
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