Trying Something New in the Workout World

Without a doubt, Ohio winters can be relatively unpleasant and disruptive to a workout routine. When it snows every week and with dropping temperatures it makes it difficult to get to the gym or to be able to run outside.

If you’re looking for something new to try that gets you out of the entrapment of winter weather and doubles as a workout, consider hot yoga.

Hot yoga is yoga that is performed in a room reaching 105 degrees fahrenheit with roughly 45% humidity. Bikram yoga is the most common style of hot yoga in the United States and originated in India but was introduced here in the late 1970s.

Bikram Yoga classes typically last for ninety minutes in order for participants to gain the best benefits. The program consists of a series of twenty six postures, some done while standing, and others done while lying on the ground.

The different postures range a variety of difficulty levels and incorporate flexibility, strength, and balance. In order to complete the postures, one has to exhibit immense control over all muscle groups in the body as they contract.

By the end of the ninety minute class, one will feel hot (no doubt), but probably relaxed and tired at the same time. Being in the heat for those extended periods of time will make you leave feeling somewhat like a cooked spaghetti noodle.

Hot yoga participant Kelsey Kadow said, “I just started hot yoga and so far I really like it. It’s extremely relaxing, and you will sweat more than you ever have before in your life. It can be challenging to breathe at first as well.”

Although sweating excessively for ninety minutes does not sound pleasureable, it has its health benefits and helps to flush toxins out of the skin. The heat also helps to relax the muscles and helps you reach the full potential of each posture. Working out in a heated atmosphere helps to increase the heart rate which in turn, makes the body work harder.

Senior Megan Phillips said, “Hot yoga was definitely difficult at first because after a little while you want to escape the heat, but you just have to remember the benefit of the heat.”

Hot yoga is something new and fun to work into your weekly schedule and can be found at Twinsburg Hot Yoga and several other location in northeast Ohio. Although it is designed to be done every day, many people do it about three times a week. If you’re ready to implement a challenging workout into your weekly routine, while also being able to experience tropical temperatures, hot yoga is something worth considering.