What is Hot Yoga?
Hot Yoga is the practice of yoga postures in a room that is heated between 85-105 degrees and is one of the fastest growing styles of yoga in the world. Hot yoga is a broad term referring to any form of yoga that is practiced in a heated room. Many methods of Hot Yoga have been branded based on the name of their founder or brand, such as Barkan, Bikram, Baptiste, Moksha and Core Power Hot Yoga. The differences between these styles lie in their approach to the heat, beliefs, and posture choices.
Our approach to Hot Yoga is as varied as our student base. It is our belief that all yoga practices can be beneficial when practiced with mindfulness and compassion for the needs of each individual. We offer a large variety of over 40 signature hot yoga classes weekly to meet the needs of all practitioners from beginner to advanced students, as well as those with specific physical limitations. Please enjoy our videos below discussing the variety of hot yoga classes that we offer. Some of our hot yoga classes are “set” classes which offer the same sequence that you can count on every time, while our other hot yoga classes are “mix” classes which are open, creative sequences. We encourage all students to explore the variety of approaches, methods and philosophies within the growing world of yoga to find what works for you!
Our Warm and Hot Yoga classes are practiced in a room heated at 90-95 degrees ("Warm") or 100-105 degrees ("HOT") with optimal 40%-50% humidity. All of our Warm and Hot yoga classes are held in our new radiant heat state-of-the-art Hot Yoga studio with infrared heating. This studio is the first of it's kind in the southeastern United States. It has been custom built for hot yoga with optimal cleanliness technologies and climate controls. Features of the hot yoga studio include hospital grade filtration, anti-microbial sealed flooring, carbon dioxide monitor and fresh air circulation, warmed flooring, humidity and temperature controls, and radiant panel heating. Unlike forced, blown hot air systems, radiant panel heating heats the occupants and objects in the room first, rather than the air, which uses less energy and noise, and helps promote a healthier environment. Students enjoy the benefits of a mildew free environment with silent heating during class and no interruptions of noise, stirring of dust, germs, or odor. The hot yoga studio is housed within our newly expanded and renovated 5,000 square foot yoga training center which includes three studios, showers, lockers, yoga teacher training facilities and retail boutique. The renovation expansion project began in July of 2011, with completion in September of 2012, and includes many green building principles such as recycled flooring, non-toxic paints, waterless urinals, filtered water bottle filling station, and energy efficient lighting and heat sources. Please check out our expansion updates for more details!
Watch videos describing our various Hot Yoga Classes
Click on “About Our Signature Hot Yoga Classes” below
- Benefits of Hot Yoga
Benefits of Hot Yoga:
Weight Loss
Hot yoga increases the pulse rate, as the body thermo-regulates and escalates calorie expenditure without the force on joints of regimens such as running or jumping. A typical hot yoga class will burn about 500-1000 calories, depending on your sex, and expenditure, etc. It is also very common for hot yoga practitioners to crave fresh, healthier foods.
**Below our center is the Tidal Creek Health Foods Cooperative ( www.tidalcreek.coop ) and you will find a giant selection of local, organic foods and fresh juices in this grocery and cafe-Hot Yoga and Mango smoothies go hand-in-hand!
Increased Vitality
Many Hot Yoga practitioners feel that, with continued practice, increased vitality is a regular by-product. Hot Yoga can reverse the effects of aging, helping us to look and feel younger through detoxifying exercises, deep breathing, and deep relaxation.
Stress Reduction
Hot Yoga greatly reduces anxiety through deep breathing techniques and postures. The focus required to concentrate on the poses within the heated environment requires the mind to put other stressors aside for the task at hand. Decreased stress levels allows for deeper sleep, lower blood pressure and heart rate, and overall mood improvement.
Detoxification
The body’s largest organ is the skin, and in Hot Yoga classes you will be sweating profusely, which is where most of the detoxification comes from. It is possible to lose several pounds of sweat (including water, salt, oil) in one Hot Yoga class. We encourage you to bring lots of water with you to class, or fill your bottle at our water station!
**Due to the detoxification process that happens in the room, we do NOT use carpeted flooring. In July, 2012, we will be opening our new state-of-the-art Hot studio which incorporates strict antimicrobial flooring and cleaning practices. **
Decreased Muscle and Joint Pain
Hot Yoga promotes joint lubrication of the joints and vertebrae, especially as we age. Hot Yoga can help to deepen your yoga practice and alleviate common feelings of stiffness.
Increased Flexibility
Hot Yoga warms the muscles of the body, and therefore supports the practitioner in going deeper into postures. By increasing our flexibility, we increase our range of motion, which helps to prevent injuries within exercise.
Increased Athletic Performance
Hot Yoga supports aligned joints and flexible muscle tissue, which increases one’s range of motion and therefore reduces the risk of injury. Additionally, the deep breathing performed in Hot Yoga can increase one’s lung capacity and improves execution in cardiovascular and anaerobic activities.
- About Our Signature Hot Yoga Classes
About Our Signature Hot Yoga Classes
We have two primary models for our hot yoga classes: set sequence classes and open blended classes, each with their own unique benefits. If you enjoy structure, we encourage the “Set” sequence classes. If you enjoy variety, we encourage the “Mix” classes. With 80+ classes per week, we encourage all students to choose the type of hot yoga class that they feel is most needed on that particular day.
“Set” Sequence Classes
These classes offer the same consistent set of postures completed in the same order every time so that the student may measure their progress, and will know exactly what to expect every time. Our “Set” Sequence Classes include:
- Hot Detox & Hold 1-Set. 20 Postures are held 1-2 minutes, no flowing. Perfect for Beginners interested in Hot yoga. Class is silent (no music) with detailed instructions.
- Hot Detox & Hold 2-Set. 30 Postures are held 1-2 minutes each, no flowing. Perfect for Beginners/Intermediate students wishing to build on HD&H 1. Class is silent (no music) with detailed instructions.
- Warm or Hot 5 Elements Fire Flow-Set. Powerful and Rapid Vinyasa flow sequence for Intermediate/Advanced students wishing to WORK! Warm=90-95 degrees, Hot=105 degrees
- Warm or Hot 5 Elements Earth Flow-Set. Strong and Slow Vinyasa flow sequence for All Levels. Warm=90-95 degrees, Hot=105 degrees
“Mix” Classes
These classes offer an open vinyasa flow format with variations so that the student may grow beyond the set sequence classes by being challenged with new and exciting postures. This format also encourages “muscle confusion” which stimulates growth and improved results in the body.
- Hot Slow Flow-Mix
- Hot Power-Mix
HOT Slow Flow:
These classes are purifying, heat-building vinyasa yoga classes that stretch and strengthen the body safely and slowly while detoxifying and releasing impurities in a room heated to 105 degrees with infrared heat and 50% humidity. The emphasis within Hot Slow Flow yoga classes is on precision, alignment, and mindful transitions. Participants can slow down and heat up at the same time in Hot Slow Flow yoga classes, and the slower pace makes these classes accessible to those that are new to practicing in the heat. Learn more about our Hot Slow Flow yoga class by watching the video below:
HOT Power Flow
Hot Yoga and Power Vinyasa Flow rolled into one scrumptious hot yoga class! Practicing power flow in a room heated to 105 degrees with infrared heat will give you purifying, heat building practice that will stretch and strengthen as you release impurities from your body. Flow classes fuse teachings from various methods/styles of yoga for a new experience every time! Learn more about our Hot Power Flow yoga class by watching the video below:
HOT 5Elements Fire Flow
This yoga class focused on strong powerful movements, purification, and building motivation! This energetic practice can help with digestion and detoxification, and helps the mind to break through habitual patterns. Fire represents metabolism, heat, and the practice of “tapas” or discipline. This is an intermediate to advanced practice, and is a set sequence class which means it is the same practice every time. Be prepared to build heat in a room heated to 105 degrees with infrared heat and sweat and detox as we move through core work, heat building salutations, and arm balancing. This yoga class is rapid, expansive and strong! Learn more about our 5Elements Hot Fire Flow yoga class by watching the video below:
HOT Detox & Hold 1 & 2
This is a quiet, yet strong and steady hot yoga class for students wishing to strengthen and detoxify the body. The room is heated to 105 degrees with infrared heat and 50% humidity. Hot Detox & Hold 1 & 2 is a series of postures that work every major muscle group in the body, and are held for a period of one to two minutes each. Hot Detox & Hold is not a vinyasa flow practice; the emphasis within Hot Detox & Hold is on sustaining the series of postures. The Hot Detox & Hold sequence is a set sequence of postures and breathing techniques based on ayurveda and the seasons. The same set sequence of postures is taught each time, so that the practitioner may note their progress. Hot Detox & Hold 2 builds on the sequence from Hot Detox & Hold 1. Due to the amount of time spent holding the postures and working on alignment, Hot Detox & Hold classes are perfect for beginner and intermediate practitioners easing their way into a hot practice. Learn more about our Hot Detox & Hold classes by watching the video below:
Our Warm Yoga classes are practiced in a room heated with infrared heat to 90-95 degrees with 50% humidity. Our Hot Yoga classes are practiced in a room heated with infrared heat to 105 degrees and 50% humidity. August, 2012 will be our Grand Re-Opening, including our new state-of-the-art Hot Yoga studio with 40+ Warm and Hot Yoga Classes, and 40+ Non-Hot Yoga Classes. Please check out our expansion updates for more details!
- Tips for Your First Hot Yoga Class
Tips for Your First Hot Yoga Class
1. Show up!
If you are not very flexible, show up!
If you are not very athletic, show up!
If you are overweight, show up!
ALL are welcome!
*Our recommendation for Hot Yoga Beginners is the Hot Detox & Hold class.
2. Hydrate!
Drink lots of water before, during, and after your Hot Yoga class.
3. Eat Lightly/Show up with an empty stomach.
You will be doing lots of twisting, and detoxifying, so you do not want your body focused on digestion.
4. Bring two towels!
We highly recommend a hand towel, and our Yogitoes brand yoga rugs to go on top of your yoga mat. The yogitoes rug prevents slipping, and are available for rent or purchase. A bath towel will work as well, however towels often bunch up on the yoga mat during practice. Large beach towels are not allowed as your towel must fit on your yoga mat. Be prepared to sweat!
5. Pace yourself and rest ANYTIME.
If your body is not used to the heat, it is very important, and encouraged, to take rest when needed.