Hot yoga involves practising yoga moves in an environment warmed to a specific temperature, typically between 33 and 38°C. It was originally developed as a way to replicate the traditional hot and humid climate of India, where the ancient art of yoga first evolved.
What are the benefits of hot yoga classes?
The warmth boosts the circulation and can help to ease joint and muscle pain. This is because the heat dilates the blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the muscles and making it easier for them to expand and contract. It effectively gives you a helping hand and speeds up the warming up process.
As you perform the moves in a heated room, you may notice that you are more flexible than usual, and can achieve poses that you were previously unable to. It can also help you to hold the position for longer periods, which over time will build up your strength and balance.
Hot yoga will inevitably make you sweat, releasing toxins from your body and giving your skin a fresh and healthy post-exercise glow. It’s also a great stress-buster and can leave you chilled out and positive for the rest of your day.
What to wear for hot yoga
To get the most out of hot yoga, it’s important to be comfortable with the right clothing. Here’s a look at how to survive and thrive with the perfect gear.
Legwear
Many people prefer to wear cropped leggings or hot yoga shorts rather than full-length pants, both to help with moisture evaporation and movement. It might be tempting to go for loose fitting clothes, but they can get in the way as you perform the moves and will ultimately make you feel flustered and distracted.
Instead, go for form-fitting clothing in light breathable fabrics that are designed to wick away moisture. This will keep you dry and comfortable, as opposed to absorbent materials such as cotton, which will retain moisture and become unpleasantly clingy and heavy as the class goes on.
The legwear should be stretchy enough to move with you and regain its shape rather than going loose and baggy, but not be so tight that it restricts your movement. You may wish to choose high waistbands for extra fit and support, and other features such as mesh panels to aid evaporation and cooling.
Hot yoga tops
Ladies may wish to wear a sports bra or supportive crop top, either on its own or teamed with a lightweight vest or T-shirt. Again, a good fit that ensures the top stays in place but also allows for a range of movement is ideal, as are moisture wicking and breathable fabrics.
Don’t forget your towel and water bottle
Be prepared to get sweaty! You will need a water bottle to stave off dehydration, and a non-slip mat and towel to mop your brow. Don’t forget to bring a change of clean dry clothes if you are going on to other activities after your hot yoga session.