WHY HOT YOGA

The human body is designed to move. It is the lack of movement that leads to an endless array of aches, ailments and disease. Yoga is the science of achieving optimal health on several levels: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. The aim of yoga is to move the body through its full range of motion and to encourage relaxation by stilling the internal chatter of the mind with the goal to simply feel good.

In Hot Yoga the room is intentionally heated because of the benefits it offers the body. Heat protects the muscles as they move through their full range of motion. When practicing in the heat endorphins are released helping to reverse the negative effects of stress. Heat increases the heart rate strengthening the cardiovascular system. Higher temperatures soften collagen around the joints for more freedom of movement and improve the function of the nervous system. The process of sweating exfoliates and rejuvenates the skin, the largest organ of your body.

Not every Hot Yoga studio is the same. An uncontrolled humidified and heated room can raise humidity and reduce oxygen levels causing an unhealthy breathing environment. The Hot House Yoga system purifies the air to eliminate bacteria, viruses and odors. Hot House Yoga has the healthiest and most carefully monitored environmental air quality available. The system uses ultra violet light purification to ensure healthy air. There is also specifically engineered environmental control systems in place designed to remove excess humidity when too high or add moisture when too dry. When oxygen levels fall below normal the system pulls in fresh air to regulate.

As you continue your practice keep in mind the following yoga etiquette:

• Arrive early. Getting to class ten minutes early can help you settle in and align your attitude with the purpose of the class. While you are waiting you can practice a pose, stretch or just sit or lie quietly.
• Avoid eating two to three hours prior to class. Practicing on a full stomach may result in cramps, nausea or vomiting, especially in twists, deep forward bends or inversions. Digesting food also takes energy so you may feel lethargic before or during class.
• Communicate injuries or special needs. Let your instructor know of any health concerns or injuries and skip postures that may exacerbate your injury or try a modified version.
• Create an intention. This will help you focus. You may find it helpful to dedicate your practice to a person or cause. Your intention might be to become more aware, understanding, loving, compassionate, healthier, stronger or more skillful.
• Maintain the peace and quiet. Refrain from bringing in wireless phones or PDAs. Keep socializing outside of the studio as it is distracting to have extended or loud conversation in the yoga room. There is to be no talking in the yoga room. Arrive clean and free of scents that might distract or offend others.
• Don’t push it. Avoid comparing your practice to another’s. Do what you can without straining or injuring yourself. You will go farther faster by taking a loving attitude toward yourself and work from where you are rather than from where you think you should be.
• Pick up neatly. Put away any props and clean any water or sweat from the floor around you.
• Don’t enter class late or leave early. It is disruptive to others.
• Take time for reflection. Review the poses you practiced and note any instructions that made sense.