I have just discovered hot yoga and I LOVE it!!! I love getting to the studio early to claim my spot. I love knowing I am doing something great for the longevity of my mobility and I LOVE the heat! Yoga in 34C heat leaves you drenched and racing home for a shower, but it’s a whole vibe!
Truthfully, I am horrible at it, but I don’t care! The picture above is my goal: to touch my toes because I am as flexible as a rock. Sepsis killed my active lifestyle. To regain my strength, I was a walker but that injured my knees.
I’m also a cardio addict. In a past life I would attempt aerobic classes, but I would end up frustrated to tears because I couldn’t learn the choreography.
So why yoga and why now? I’ve lived a chaotic life where being still and alone with my thoughts was TORTURE! But being still and alone was my sepsis recovery journey, so now I am most comfortable with me, myself, and I. I’m also middle-aged and know the phrase use it or lose it. I’m working on my strength and flexibility to prevent future injuries.
The best part is there is no competition. OK, there probably is, but my sensitive self doesn’t notice it. I am there solely to better myself.
Where Do I Go?
Around Christmas last year, I was scrolling on Instagram and came across an ad for 15 classes for $15 at Oxygen Yoga and Fitness. I jumped at the chance and never looked back.
There are many classes to choose from, but as a beginner, I stick to the basics of Hot Freedom Flow and Hot Fit Flow. Maybe someday I’ll be fit enough to attempt Hot ABsolutely Burning Butts. Most classes are fusions of different fitness modalities and set to awesome playlists. This ain’t your Grandma’s yoga!
What is Far Infared Heat?
Remember I mentioned the classes are in 34C heat? That heat makes my body feel like it did pre-sepsis. It heals me because the classes are in far infrared heat. This is from their site to explain:
Far infrared is a type of radiant heat that is invisible to the naked eye. Unlike the heat from a conventional heater, which warms the air around you, far infrared heat penetrates deeper into your body’s tissues. This deep warmth creates a soothing and therapeutic experience that complements your yoga practice beautifully.
Here’s what sets far infrared apart:
- Gentle Warmth: Far infrared provides a comfortable, radiant heat that gently warms your body from the inside out. It’s not the intense, sometimes stifling heat you might find in a traditional hot yoga class.
- Deep Penetration: The longer wavelengths of far infrared allow it to penetrate deeper into your muscles and joints, promoting a profound sense of relaxation and release.
- Therapeutic Benefits: Far infrared heat offers a range of potential benefits, from detoxification and pain relief to improved circulation and stress reduction.
This is the part that I love the most! The class ends in Shavasana, with a cold tea tree-infused towel on your face. Make a heart shape with your hands and repeat after me..
I love my body! I love my life! Namaste!
What Do I Need To Get Started?
Let’s start with a yoga mat. It is essential to keep these clean. Oxygen Fitness Yoga supplies bottles of tea tree-infused water to cleanse your mat after each class.
It’s essential to bring a water bottle! Can you guess which one I have?
EXTRAS
There are so many cute yoga clothes, but due to the sweaty nature of these classes, I found full-length leggings were needed. I couldn’t grasp my legs in biker shorts, but it’s your preference. Also, I like the darker colors so you can’t see the sweat marks.
Starting yoga with very little muscle mass, I found these helpful to hold my poses.
There’s nothing more annoying than slipping due to sweat, so try these:
I’m also a transit user, so I find this bag essential to carry my gear around.
- Suitable Size with Full Zipper Closure: The yoga mat bag features a full zipper closure for easy access yoga mat and yog…
- Waterproof Wet Compartment: It comes with a separate bottom wet compartment to pack up your wet towels, yoga tank top an…
- Water Bottle Pocket and Side Zippered Pocket: The yoga bag features a drawstring pocket for holding water bottles, provi…
Hot yoga has changed my body and my outlook on life. Because we all have different health histories, please consult your doctor to inquire if hot yoga is safe for you.
