We are set to have a week of glorious weather!
The hot weather is a perfect time to practise Yoga. Your body responds quickly and you have the chance to make real changes in your practice and how your body feels. You naturally feel more open and this is perfect for working into areas of tightness. Practising in the warmer weather will leave you feeling more energised. Don't be scared about sweating, it is good for you! It means you are sweating out toxins, and it's great for the skin; it also means you are keeping your body cool, meaning your body is functioning exactly as it should be.
If you are worried about it being too hot in class, don't be. We take extra care to manage the temperatures in both our hot and non hot studios and ensure there is fresh air coming into the rooms (our heating system changes the air in the hot studio 6 times an hour). It is perfectly safe and (actually good for you) to practise in the heat as long as you are prepared.
Below are some useful tips to help you get the most out of your Yoga practice this week and for the rest of the summer.
Stay hydrated
It may sound very simple but it is surprising how many of us don't hydrate well enough. This isn't just about drinking enough water it is about getting the right balance of salts and minerals in the body. Drink regularly throughout the day, rather than gulping down a litre of water right before you start class. Your sweat is more than just water, so whatever you take out you need to put back in again. Coconut water is a great source of natural electrolytes and we have a wide range available at the studio.
Eat for your practice
As with any physical activity, you’ll want to make sure you’re eating right. A snack or light meal 2 hours or so before class is recommended (fruit, fruit juice, raw vegetables, or a small handful of almonds are all viable options). Don't come to class straight after a heavy meal. The only thing worse than practising with a belly full of water is practising with a belly full of food! Read our blog post on how to eat for your Yoga practice here.
Dress for it
Light weight, dri-fit materials are much better in the hot weather and in hot Yoga classes than heavy cotton materials. We have a large selection of Yoga wear available to purchase at the studio that is made for Hot Yoga so you know it is great for all Yoga classes. Read our blog post on what to wear for your Yoga class here.
If you sweat in class make sure you use a towel or a grip mat towel. Sometimes you may need to take in more than one towel in a Hot Yoga class if you know you are a heavy sweater, this is fine, do what works best for you. No one is counting how many towels you use.
Listen to your body
Every day is a different day and what we eat, what we do and how we feel differs. Sometimes we feel full of energy and want to practise a Hot HIIT Flow class, sometimes we need to be nurtured and supported in a Restorative Yoga class.
Listen to what your body is telling you and come to the class that is right for you that day. We run a full schedule throughout the Summer with a wide variety of classes including all our Hot Yoga classes, Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, Yin Flow and Restorative Yoga. Click here for our schedule.
Try an early morning Yoga class
If you are making the most of the warmer evenings and socialising or just feel too tired or hot in the evenings, come to one of our early morning Yoga classes. It is bright and beautiful outside as well as cooler. There is nothing better than starting your work day after a Yoga class. Come try it!
Tuesday & Thursday for Hot Power and Friday Vinyasa Yoga, all 7am for 75mins. Click here to book.
Ask us for help and advice
If you aren't sure about how best to carry on your practice or don't know which classes are best for you, just ask us. We are always here to help and no question is insignificant.
By Caroline
