What is Yoga? What is Original Hot Yoga?

Yoga literally means union and balance. It is a union of the body, mind, and life. You connect your mind and body through your breath (pranayama), which is why we place a big emphasis on breathing throughout the classes. The body is the vehicle to access your emotions. Based on a foundation of ethical standards (yamas) and self-discipline (niyamas), yoga postures and breathing help you to heal both physically and emotionally. When you get to know your body better, you can live a more fulfilled life, making better choices on how you treat yourself. Everyone’s yoga journey is different, but in general as we teach the mind to approach the body with kind, compassionate, and non-judgmental thoughts, the body responds favorably.

Yoga is a challenging and non-competitive form of exercise. As you practice more and more, you will learn how to work within your boundaries. It is important to take it easy in the beginning and remember straining will not expedite your practice but will only impede it. If you cannot breathe normally, you are pushing too hard and need to back off. Remember, breathing is your best friend in yoga and in life.

Original Hot Yoga (Bikram) was developed years ago by Bikram Choudary. It is a series of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises (Hot 26/2) designed to work systematically through your body to build strength, stamina and flexibility. You perform 2 sets of the postures, always in the same order. This allows you to get to know the postures, the sequence and over time you will be able to feel the benefits of this healing practice more deeply. It allows you to calm your mind and just feel the postures in your body, thus deepening your understanding of your mind/body connection. The more you practice, the more you explore your body, the better you are prepared to recognize and listen to the signals your body tells you and the better you will feel.

What Are the Benefits of Infrared Heat?

At Destin Hot Yoga, we have radiant infrared heat panels for efficient and healing heat. The heat mimics the radiation from the sun and warms your body from the inside out. This helps to warm your muscles for greater flexibility and safe stretching. The heat provides a more cardiovascular workout and promotes sweating as your body reacts to the heat, you sweat and detoxify your body. Since the skin is the body’s largest organ, sweating helps eliminate toxins and impurities through the pores. It also speeds up the breakdown of glucose and fatty acids, which can assist in weight loss. Hot yoga increases blood flow bringing oxygen and nutrients to every cell and removing waste products. Many people have reported that hot yoga has lowered their blood pressure, stress levels and increases energy levels and restful sleep.

Our heat panels are controlled by zones in the room, so if you think you may be sensitive to the heat, please let the teacher know and set up your mat by the door or in the back row. We will be offering some warm and non-heated classes and workshops for those individuals who like it less hot. Please check our schedule for the most up to date information on classes.

What If I Have Limitation Due to Past Injuries?

Yoga has been around for over 5,000 years and many eastern doctors recommend yoga to heal particular injuries and health conditions. It has proven therapeutic benefits when carefully practiced. Speak to your instructor before class if you have an injury or other on-going physical concerns. He or she will then be able to modify or avoid certain postures based on your injury.

How Do I Best Prepare for Class?

Please don’t eat a big meal at least 2 hours before class. Its best to practice on an empty or nearly empty stomach. If it’s been many hours since your last meal, a light snack such as fruit, or energy shake is suggested.

Please, please, please be well hydrated. Especially when the weather is hot and humid, you will naturally sweat a lot and need to drink plenty of water, coconut juice or electrolyte enhanced beverages in the hours leading up to class. Monitor your level of hydration by the light, almost clear color of your urine.