Yoga in the heat – It’s OK!
July 8, 2010 4 CommentsAs we experience this heat wave, many people are asking me about the pros and cons of doing yoga in the heat.
First of all, let’s move past the “Hot Yoga,” questions. I will explain hot yoga here. Just for the record, Karoun Yoga does not do Hot Yoga or Bikram Yoga.
Hot yoga, or “Bikram Yoga” is conducted in a 110 degree room. The basic idea is that the muscles are warmer so that you get a deeper stretch, and the sweat (you sweat a lot) is cleansing. That said, Bikram is not for everyone. Bikram is for those who enjoy pushing themselves to and past their limits, I’ve noticed a parallel between those who enjoy Bikram and those who enjoy extreme sports.
Back to Karoun Yoga. Room temperatures are in the 65-75 degree range. Karoun Yoga typically runs a more gentle class when it is very warm out. In general if the room is a little warmer remembering to breath is the most important part. Sometimes we are so worried about the heat, we forget to breath deeply, hence we feel the heat going to our head. Breathe, and I promise everything will be fine.
One of the perks of doing yoga in warmer temperatures is that it is in fact safer for your muscles. Because the muscles are warmer, they become more flexible. You may find that your yoga poses are deeper simply because it is warmer that day.
In addition, there is a nice hazy mellowness that comes with heat, which can lend to a deeper Savasana (guided relaxation) at the end of class.
So, don’t be afraid of coming to yoga class when it is hot out. First of all, I promise the air conditioning is on! And secondly, even if it is a little warmer, remember to breathe, find a deeper stretch, and a deeper relaxation!
That’s the reason I didn’t come in tuesday :B I didn’t even wanna sit in the car to drive up there.
I am a firm believer in doing things at a moderate temperature. It just feels so much better. Being hot and sticky isn’t always a good thing!
I attended yoga on TU, TH and SAT of last week. And as Karoun described, it was about the breath but also the muslces were able to relax more and I was able to get more from my body. I was AMAZED at what I could do at Saturday’s class!!! And, I will say that it was still entirely COMFORTABLE! Finally, I will support what Karoun wrote about Savasana (guided relaxation) at the end of class…during those days, YES, the hazy mellowness DID LEAD to a deeper more relaxed experience. I really encourage you all to try to extend yourself beyond that “comfort level” because in trying you will be suprise what you can achieve, what your body can do that what an ultimate experience you could have…as demonstrated and achieved in the last Saturday class on 7/10/10!
I’ve attened a few of your classes in may, then I stopped coming because I got sick I’ll be back when the weather cools down. the site was on pearl street. thanks.