Why I Love Hot Yoga
I love to sweat!
The end…
Okay, not the end, but it’s seriously a big part of why I love hot yoga. The detoxification feels amazing to me. I love the idea that in a hot yoga class I’m detoxing my body AND my mind!
Healium Hot Yoga in Bay View, Wisconsin
The first time I took a hot yoga class I honestly had no idea what I was getting myself into. To make that point abundantly clear I’ll tell you that I didn’t have a towel for my mat. Anyone that has taken hot yoga is shaking their head right now. If you are going to stand and move around on a rubber mat for an hour while you drip sweat, it’s best to have something under your feet to help absorb all that sweat. This was probably five years ago, maybe more. I can’t say I fell in love with hot yoga that day, but I liked it and did take a few more classes over the years at various studios in the area and when I traveled. I enjoyed it but never 100% connected to the practice.
That is until I was introduced to Healium Hot Yoga in Bay View, WI. I love the vibe of their second floor hot studio. The room is humid and reminds me of being back in Florida. My favorite spot is in the back corner by all the plants and the window, not because it’s cooler. It’s actually the hottest part of the studio, but I love practicing in that spot. I have this wonderful feeling like I’m outside while I’m inside and working my butt off.
This studio is also home to two of my favorite yoga instructors. They challenge me mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually and are a big part of my yoga journey(more to come on that later). I try to get to one class each week, which I know doesn’t sound like a lot, but with my Barre schedule and life, I’m thrilled to fit in one a week. Plus even though I shouldn’t play favorites, I totally prefer to go to certain classes and that factors into my schedule as well.
That time I yoga’d in a Mexican airport for a chance to win free Healium classes.
If you’ve been thinking about trying hot yoga I strongly recommend it and if you live in the area I highly recommend Healium.
I’m giving you my top tips for a new hot yoga go-er here and some gear suggestions for your next class.
Bring your own mat and mat towel. A hand towel for quick face wipes is also helpful.
WATER. Bring water, drink water, stay hydrated before, during and after class.
Don’t compare. Every yoga class has participants that are at different points in their yoga journey and at different levels. You only need to focus on what is happening on your mat.
Rest when you need to. The heat can be surprising for some people when they first start, it was for me. Don’t be afraid to take breaks.
Stay open to the possibilities. I have found that yoga has opened my mind and heart in new ways and I’m learning to lean into that, it’s part of what keeps me coming back for more.
There are lots of great studios, I’m just talking about my personal favorite here. I’d love to hear if you’ve tried hot yoga, how you like it or if you have been curious about it, what questions do you have?
