Hot Day, Hot Yoga?

Let's time-travel for a moment back to last week, when it felt like our lovely town had been relocated from South Central Indiana to the surface of the sun.  One might imagine that attendance would drop for the many heated yoga classes here at Vibe.  Not so.

It’s 104 degrees outside with 90% Hoosier-style humidity.  Why yes, a hot yoga class does sound like a good idea*.  Well, sometimes it does.   Year-round, the studio is heated to 95-105 degrees for Hot Fusion and 90-95 degrees for heated Vinyasa classes.  This can, without a doubt, feel great during the colder months, but during the summer we need to take extra precautions** to keep ourselves safe. 

If you do feel compelled to leave the cool waters of the pool or lake, or the air-conditioned comfort of your abode, Yoga Journal recommends that you drink at least 16 ounces of water before class, frequent small amounts during, and 20-40 ounces for each hour of practice after class.  Also, be sure to wear clothing that allows the skin to breathe and release heat.  

Finally, be willing to make accommodations for yourself.  Even if you’ve been practicing hot yoga for years, the body is different every day, so if your pulse speeds up dramatically and stays that way, or if you begin to experience dizziness, nausea, fatigue, or vision disturbances, these can be signs of heat exhaustion, so get down on your mat and elevate your legs.  Or, go into the lobby and do the same.  The front desk staff will be ready and willing to help you get situated, and will offer you a cool facecloth to help bring your body temperature down. 

*but maybe not for you pitta folks.

**A refresher course on the "regular" precautions:  practice carefully, or consider a non-heated class if you are currently experiencing blood pressure issues (high or low), dehydration, symptoms of heat exhaustion, chronic bronchitis or asthma.  Consult a doctor before beginning a heated practice if you are experiencing or have experienced the following: diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, eating disorders, sleep deprivation, a history of heat-related illness, pregnancy, blood pressure issues, dehydration, chronic bronchitis or asthma.