May be dumb questions - Hot Yoga?

There is a fairly new hot yoga studio near my house, and I was considering giving it a try.
Besides being Hot, any other differences between regular yoga and hot yoga?
What is the best time of day to do hot yoga? (I know when I run or do cardio at night I have trouble falling asleep.)
Is it useless to only go once a week?

Message edited 8/7/2011 10:22:36 AM.

Re: May be dumb questions - Hot Yoga?

I don't think there is any right or wrong time of the day or night.

Honestly, a big part of how well you will do in class depends on how hydrated you are.

So you really need to start drinking a lot of water all day from the day before if you plan on going to an early morning class.

I know people have complained of getting sick if they tried to guzzle down water an hour or two before class.

I can't really compare it to regular yoga in non-heated environments because I don't do other styles.

I can say that it is an extremely intensive workout that really tones up your body.

I feel you need to go at least 3x a week to notice any kind of difference in your mind and body.

I also think cost wise, it ends up being cheaper the more you go. (i.e. It's like $20.00 for an invidual class at my studio, $160.00 for 10 classes and $145.00 for monthly unlimited. I do the monthly package).

I have seen numerous athletic looking men (and women!) leave the room and never come back after the warm-up because they felt it was just going to be stretching, and they could not handle it.

You will have good days and bad days and it could take you years to master many postures.

Some of that also depends on your natural ability as well. I don't have a dancer's body so I know there will be some postures I will never fully be able to get into.

What I LOVE about hot yoga though (AKA Bikram) is that so many different people go: different ages, different body types, short, fat, men, women, teenagers, old people, different races and backgrounds..........and there is absolutely no judgement.

I always tell people to check it out with the studio specials and to try to attend at least 10 classes before they make up their mind if they like it or not.

It is a long class and because of that, a committment, but it definitely is a lifestyle change and one for the better IMHO.

I do have issues with sleep at least a couple of nights a week, but honestly, I think that has more to do with stress and what is going on around me then with the hot yoga.


ETA: DO NOT FORGET TO BREATHE!

You learn how to perfect this the more you go, but this is another huge reason people struggle in class: They are holding their breathe.

Message edited 8/7/2011 12:45:31 PM.

Re: May be dumb questions - Hot Yoga?

Where is it located?

Re: May be dumb questions - Hot Yoga?

Hmmm, I don't really have time to go more than once a week due to my other activities. I am familiar with vinyasa poses, does anyone know if they are similar?

Re: May be dumb questions - Hot Yoga?

I have tried many different yoga classes. Some of the benefits Ive gotten from hot yoga specifically is
better skin
better sleep
stress management
better mind/body connection
Overall good feeling
I have to say though that the regular yoga classes Ive gone to were at a gym... and the hot yoga I go to is at a yoga studio. Somehow I think there is a big difference between the 2 locations and that may be why I like hot yoga so much better.
Im in no way a "yogi" but Ive gotten through all the classes. If it's too hard, you can just sit in childs pose until you can back into it.
I agree with the pp in that the best part of it is "no judgement" and its just such a positive place to be for 90 mins. If I dont go, I dont make that time for myself so I definitely thing it's worth the time.
Also, try not to eat at least 2 hours before you go.

Re: May be dumb questions - Hot Yoga?

I would say that one day a week is better than no days a week.

You may find you really like it and want to trade off other activities to allow yourself more time to go.

You can google hot yoga or Bikram yoga to see what the poses are.

It's always the same 26 for every class, in always the same order with the same opening and closing breathing exercises.

Even though the class is the same, which makes it easy to catch on the more you go, every teacher has a different style in the way they teach, I have found. I look forward to certain teachers classes more than others, although I got to say, everyone for the most part is really good.

I think some hot yoga teachers also teach at multiple studios here on LI.

And yeah, I also echo what the PP said about not eating at least a few hours before class.

Maybe have a piece of fruit or a couple of crackers if you are totally starving.

Re: May be dumb questions - Hot Yoga?

bikram is 26 postures and two breathing exercises, with everything repeated twice. Half the class is standing and half on the floor. you'll experience postures that are meant to bring your heart rate up (cardio), a balancing series (standing on one leg), spine strengthening series and so on. bikram is all about active listening - the teacher's voice and your body. Instructors do not demonstrate. I find that people either love it or hate it (as you can tell from my username I love it! :) I say try it!

Re: May be dumb questions - Hot Yoga?

Re: May be dumb questions - Hot Yoga?

Thanks for all of the info. Running is my main thing, and with limited time for exercise due to the kids I really can't do more than once a week. It won't hurt to try it out though. I think I'll wait til winter when I am not doing so many outdoor activities. Thanks!!

Re: May be dumb questions - Hot Yoga?

Re: May be dumb questions - Hot Yoga?

If you have other physical activities you are involved in, yeah, the one week is fine then.

Plus, hot yoga is something you can always get into and increase your classes. I am having a very rough couple of weeks due to cold and allergies.

I haven't gone since Sunday, and before that, hadn't been in a week.

I don't want to go again until I am feeling a little better because I feel like if I have a coughing fit or something, I will take away from the other students' practice.

Re: May be dumb questions - Hot Yoga?

I am bumping this back up because someone asked about it in my weather thread on FHF.

Don't want to create drama about posting on the wrong board so here you go!