Hot Yoga for a Healthy Body and a Happy Mind
By Laureen Young
Life is busy. As it is for many, exercise has always been another task to cross off my never-ending list. I often found myself squeezing workouts into jam-packed days, only to spend the session thinking about all the other things still left to do. That is, until I found hot yoga.
The practice is known for its physically demanding postures performed in a room heated to around 95-105 degrees Fahrenheit. By design, it requires intense concentration on the breath and the sequence of movements, all while you are drenched in sweat.
Physically, hot yoga is transformative. The heat allows for greater flexibility, making it easier to stretch deeply and safely. Hello, right split I have not seen since college.
The strength and cardiovascular benefits are also undeniable. As the class flows through the positions, I find myself working diligently to regulate my breath. My muscles fatigue and my heart races like it would during a rigorous run or a high-intensity interval session.
Yet, it is more than just a challenging workout that keeps me coming back to the mat. My perspective of dreading the gym has evolved into one where I look forward to my sweat sessions, all because of the vibe hot yoga brings me. As Elle Woods once famously explained in Legally Blonde, exercise releases endorphins and endorphins make you happy.
For me, the mental reprieve is where the true magic lies. The intensity of the class demands a focus that clears the mind of life’s noise, creating almost a meditative state as the body responds to instruction.
I encourage anyone who thinks yoga is just simple stretching and breathing to try a hot flow class. Conversely, for those who think they might not be able to keep up, I recommend you give yourself a chance.
One of the most beautiful things about the practice of yoga, hot or not, is that it is both incredibly individual and wonderfully communal. As a former dancer, I assumed there would be a competitive element of the class, with yogis all trying to outdo one another with impressive moves and flexibility. I was pleased to be proven wrong. Many times, I have heard an encouraging “you got it, girl” from a stranger in the class as I attempt a challenging pose or headstand.
If you are anything like me, you know working out is important to your health, but you also want to enjoy it. Grab a towel and a mat and give hot yoga a try. You might be pleasantly surprised.
Hot Yoga in Greater Gainesville
3045 SW 34th St UNIT 24, Gainesville, FL 32608
4136 NW 16th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32605
3265 SW 34th St Suite 4, Gainesville, FL 32608
Laureen Young is the editorial director of Guide to Greater Gainesville, Guide to Greater Tampa Bay and HOME: Living in Greater Gainesville magazines. The Editor’s Culture Corner is a monthly column where she shares a variety of arts and culture-related topics.
