To Hot or Not to Hot…That is the question
When I first dipped my toe into the wild world of yoga, it was the sizzling HOT route. My first hot yoga class was in my hometown Wellington... Picture this: Upstairs, bright lights, a wall of mirrors reflecting my sweaty confusion, and... wait for it...carpeted floors! Yes, CARPET. It was the infamous 26 plus 2 sequence. (Also known as Bikram Yoga but let’s just stick with “26 plus 2” since, frankly, Bikram’s reputation belongs in the depths of fiery history hell. Fun fact - he didn’t invent the poses, he just imported them and slapped his name on the package. But we can unpack that drama over a chai latte another day.)
I stumbled out of class, drenched from head toe, feeling strangely unburdened. I also felt a little lighter thanks to the litres of sweat lost. Thus began my love affair with the hot room.
If you haven’t tried hot yoga yet, here’s the deal: The room is heated to roughly 38 degrees -usually via infrared heaters that make you feel like you’re slowly heating up from the inside out. You’ll practice the 26 plus 2 sequence or any other style except YIN, because that’s meant for cold muscles, and you will sweat. Oh, you will sweat. You’ll need to focus on your breathing, probably more than ever, as your heart rate soars, and you consider taking more breaks than a Netflix binge. Everyone in the room is channeling their inner waterfall, and you have no choice but to embrace it.
Now, if this sounds as appealing as a root canal, stay with me.
The hot room will test you in ways you never expected. Some classes will be a breeze (well, as much as anything can be breezy in a sauna,) while others will leave you crawling to the exit. But when you step out into the crisp air and the endorphins hit, you’ll feel like you just conquered Mount Everest - minus the frostbite.
So, what’s in it for you?
The epic sweating leaves you feeling fresh, like you just wrung out your soul.
Your heart gets a workout, as though it’s training for the Olympics.
Your mind gets tougher - focus and perseverance are mandatory if you want to avoid melting into a puddle.
Plus, you get a mood boost and less stress, courtesy of the endorphin parade and the pride of surviving the heat.
Who should steer clear?
People with low blood pressure or heart issues - this isn’t a “sweat it out” scenario for you.
Hypermobile people beware: The heat can turn you into Stretch Armstrong, which sounds fun until you overdo it.
If you’re dehydrated, expect headaches, nausea, or a surprise nap on the studio floor. You must drink loads of water prior and after.
Pregnant women? This is a hard pass (think of it like sauna rules).
Notice I didn’t mention perimenopausal or menopausal women? That’s because, plot twist, the heat can actually be a hero for you.
If you’re navigating the hormonal rollercoaster of perimenopause or menopause, hot yoga might just be your secret weapon. The heat helps relax your body, easing muscle tension and joint stiffness so you can finally uncurl from that pretzel shape. Sweating out toxins can help with bloating and water retention, common complaints in this stage of life (and let’s be honest, nobody likes feeling like a water balloon).
Plus, the endorphin boost from the hot room can tackle mood swings, anxiety, and insomnia like a champ. Some women report fewer hot flashes, not because the room isn’t hot, but because your body starts handling temperature swings like a pro. All in all, the mindful breathing and movement can bring your body and mind some much needed TLC during perimenopause and menopause.
Still not sold? Hey, I gave it my all - no hard feelings. But if you’re tempted to try the hot room adventure, shoot me a message or email. I’d love to welcome you to my Sunday morning class in BUSSO for your own sweaty, steamy debut. Come see what all the fuss (and sweat) is about.
Peace, love and yoga farts
Deb
