Booking A Morning Class Did Not Miraculously Make Me A Morning Person
On my second day of this “challenge”, I quickly realised that I needed to be realistic about my schedule and what works for me. By that, I mean… accepting that I’m not a morning person. As much as I wanted to be the person who woke up early and got a sweat session in before the day started, it just wasn’t meant to be.
I slept through the 6:30 AM class I’d booked in an effort toward a new, zen, yogi version of myself. Fortunately the pass offers unlimited access to classes, so I was able to book a class after work at a time I knew I’d be able to attend.
Yoga is a personal practice. I often heard instructors suggest variations of postures through which participants could simplify or advance poses, all the while stressing to only do this, “if it is in your practice”. This enforced the idea that yoga is a personal journey, and what works for one person may not for another. That also goes for when you practice. Some people may find morning sessions energising, I prefer to use it as a calm practice to end my day.
Tips For Those Who Want To Transform Their Bodies With Hot Yoga
Overall, I’ve found hot yoga to be an exercise I enjoy and one that has surprised me with its swiftness in helping me reach my body goals. While I cannot say how effective it will be for everyone in terms of weight loss, with consistent practice I think it would be hard not to undergo at least some kind of body transformation and to experience many of the positive benefits I’ve listed in this post.
Have you tried hot yoga? What has your experience been like? Do/have you struggled with your weight and/or body image? What has helped you?
Class I Hotpod Nurturing Flow The Perfect End For The Weekend
The first class I attended was pretty much the perfect end for Sunday. I attended the 5.30pm Hotpod Nurturing Flow. The instructor checked in with everyone prior the class started. In addition to the mat, we were encouraged to take a block and trap with us to the pod. I encourage to go to the class well in time – it is such a great feeling to just lie in the warmth and wait the class to start.
Unlike classic yoga classes, hot pod yoga uses music on the background. I approve – nice addition to the relaxing athmosphere. As I can not remember anything more related to the music, it was absolutely not disturbing.
The air is very moist. In addition to that, there is an aroma diffuser, which spices up the otherwise slightly sweaty scent of the pod.
The class flies past. We really utilize the block and strap, and muscles get a niiiice stretch. We stay a good moment in each position, so, that we can actually really work on and deepen the strethces. After the class I don’t feel just relaxed, but two centimeters taller.
What Postures Should Runners Focus On When Practising Yoga
Whether it’s hot yoga, or just your own practise at home, we asked Higgins to share the postures runners should be focusing on:
Downward dog: This will stretch your calves, hamstrings and arches in your feet, lengthening the muscle and making you less prone to muscle injuries.
Upward dog: Will strengthen your core and other, usually neglected, muscles in your upper body.
Legs on the wall: This will relieve stiffness in your legs and back as well as elongating your hamstrings and calves.
Bound angle pose: This will stretch out your lower back and you should feel a light stretch on your inner thigh/groin region. The stretch should become deeper with each outward breath.
Bridge: The Bridge pose is a great way to strengthen your hamstrings as well as opening up the vertebrae in your back
Seated spinal twist: This pose is great for lengthening your spine as well as loosening your glutes, which are often a neglected muscle
Pigeon pose: This is a great way to stretch out the glutes which typically get tight when training.
Chaturanga Is Meant To Build Heat And Connect The Breath
Chaturanga is a pose that follows plank and leads to Downward Dog. Like most of the postures which required even minimal coordination, I struggled with the flow of this one. It’s a point instructors would try to help me correct in almost every class I attended.
The instructor of my fourth Hotpod session had a little booklet of diagrams and postures which he referred to at times throughout the class. I always marvel at how yoga instructors somehow have class flows practically choreographed and memorised to perfection, so I admit it was refreshing to see that wasn’t always the case.
He explained the purpose of Chaturanga was to connect the breath with movement. The repetition of this posture builds heat in muscles. He suggested that for beginners, a simple way to remember the flow of the postures is, “knees, chest, chin”. This is how he referred to pose for the remainder of the class. It’s a memory hack I continued to use for the rest of my Hotpod experience.
Whats The Difference Between Hotpod Yoga And Bikram Yoga
An easy mistake to make, but Hotpod Yoga and Bikram Yoga are very different from one another. Bikram for starters is a bit hotter than Hotpod , and Hotpod tends to be more humid – creating a slightly cooler, but sweatier environment.
In terms of the physical practice, Bikram Yoga uses a set sequence of 26 postures, whereas Hotpod Yoga offers Vinyasa Yoga classes. Vinyasa essentially means flow, resulting in classes in which positions are strung together through a variety of means. At Hotpod this means that whilst the postures themselves are often replicated from class to class, and the sequence of the class becomes recognisable, enabling you to move out of your head and into your body.
Things To Remember Before Attending Hot Pod Yoga Class :
- Try not to eat before yoga class, being in empty stomach is ideal way to come to a yoga session.But eat if needed and too much hunger.
- Drink appropriate amount of water before the yoga class , because proper hydration is essential for hot yoga flow.
- Avoid drinking water in between yoga session, because it may affect the gain and disrupt the class.But drink water if needed with severe dehydration may lead to various health issues.
- You can also check my post on the similar Buti Yoga flow , which is built especially for women with cardio and yoga dance fusion.
Experience New Heights With Hotpod Yogas New Rooftop Pod
Hotpod yoga. Being a self-confessed yoga convert who has recently jumped on the Bikram band-wagon, I certainly appreciate the transformative benefits of yoga and the health benefits of yoga in high temperatures. But yoga in a hot roofpod? Excited as I was to enjoy a class in the new rooftop pod in London Fields, Hackney, I was full of ardent questions: was this a new, futuristic, Bikram-esque yoga craze? Why the roof? Would I be at risk of being blown away, pod and all, mid yoga class? Would a combination of heat, height and Hackney really help restore my inner tranquillity? There was only one way to find out, and that was to experience it first-hand.
I entered the unassuming Netil House and ascended the stairs to the very top. Walking out onto the roof, I found a little oasis of heaven. With 360 degree views of London, a panorama stretching from Canary Wharf to the Shard, from Westminster to Hampstead Heath, the vista was liberating. The roof, decked with cool seating areas and a funky rooftop bar, exuded coolness, calmness and composure. If it wasn’t for the unavoidable glass pod erected in the centre of the roof, I would have mistaken my location for a trendy, post-work drinks refuge.
So I survived the class. Yet, I was curious to get a fuller understanding behind the science of the practice. Nick Higgins and Max Henderson, the directors and founders of hotpod yoga came to my aid.
Book your HotPod Yoga Rooftop experience here!
words by Olivia Murphy
Synchronising Ujjayi Breath Really Does Take Practice
“Ujjayi breath” is a form of breathing that helps restore and energise the body. The technique involves inhaling through the nose, slightly constricting the throat, and filling the diaphragm and lower belly with air before a controlled exhale. Tightening the throat muscles, creates a sound akin to that of rushing water, which is why this technique is sometimes called “ocean breath”.
Connecting breath to postures is the basis of Vinyasa yoga, as it deepens focus and builds awareness. I found practicing just this technique took a conscious effort, let alone synchronising it to poses.
Hotpod Yoga Faqs: What You Need To Know Before You Go
If you read this post, you’ll know how much I’m currently loving hot yoga.
The type of hot yoga I’m doing is a specific “brand” called Hotpod Yoga. It’s not regular yoga, and it’s not Bikram. You might not have a hotpod in your town. But, if you do, and you fancy giving it a try, scroll down for my handy guide. Let’s om shanti this shiz.
PS If you’re in/near Folkestone and want to try a free class at Hotpod Folkestone, just . Select “single class pass” and enter code THEFITWRITER in the discount box – and your class with be totally free. You don’t have to have membership.
Hotpod Yoga: WTF Even Is That?
What is it?
Hot yoga is yoga in a heated room. I’ve been doing something called “Hotpod Yoga”, though, which is a specific style. If you want to actually do hotpod , you’ll need to find your local “pod” .
So… it’s yoga in a hot room?
No. It’s yoga, inside a heated up “pod”, which is itself inside a room. Basically: you go into the building from outside, get changed/hang your stuff up/check in, then enter the pod before the class.
How big are the pods?
Much as it would tickle me to tell you that they’re individual – like in the film Cocoon – this is not true. The pod is a big inflatable – room sized, really – but slightly dome shaped. It’s large enough for about 20 people to stand up straight, lay down flat, and stretch their limbs out without getting overly familiar.
How hot it is? And is the temperature consistent throughout the class?
Is it the same as Bikram?
Is it stinky?
Have You Attended This Class Or A Similar One Before
I have attended this class before, yes. My friend heard about it when her local Hotpod Yoga site first opened, so we thought we would give it a try together as it’s nothing like the kind of exercise we had done before and there were first-time/new starter trial options available, which made it really worthwhile.
What Is Hotpod Yoga Is It Different From Bikram Yoga
Hotpod Yogais a chain of studios offering classes in a heated, enclosed, inflatable purple pod. If you’re picturing a bounce house lined in yoga mats, your imagination is serving you reasonably well. The intention behind the pods is sound: it’s methodically designed to be an immersive yoga environment, it also works to retain the heat and humidity meaning you sweat more throughout the class.
As someone fairly unfamiliar with yoga, I briefly looked into the difference between hot yoga and another popular heated practice I’d heard about, Bikram yoga. So what is the difference between hot yoga and Bikram yoga? In short, Bikram yoga is heated to 40C with at least 40% humidity, where instructors lead classes through a specific sequence of 26 designated postures. Hot yoga is heated to 37C , and can be a little more humid than Bikram, especially when zipped up in a bubble. Hot yoga classes consist of a Vinyasa flow, wherein the poses vary in order and duration.
What Were Your Expectations Before Your First Class
I expected it to be a bit claustrophobic and humid but this wasn’t the case at all! The pod is warmed with Dyson heated fans and there’s a pod at the front which pumps out a holistic sort of aroma meaning the temperature and humidity is in no way unpleasant. Don’t get me wrong, you sweat from every pore in your body, but that’s what your towel is for!
I Tried Hotpod Yoga For A Week Heres What I Learned
Hey there, my name is Michelle and I’m an avid runner. I usually run three times a week, ranging from 5km to 22km per session. For me, running creates a very cathartic headspace; testing my perceived limits, training for a consistent pace, and constantly trying to improve on whatever I’ve done the week before. In addition to the physical benefits I’ve found through running, I have also noticed that it helps to balance my emotional and psychological equilibrium. It’s no secret exercise increases serotonin – a chemical and neurotransmitter which contributes to the feeling of happiness and well-being. Basically, running’s my jam. It’s my outlet, my happy place.
This year has kind of been one injury after another, and at times it’s been pretty disappointing. Bouncing from a splash of anaemia , to stubborn plantar fasciitis, and recently a strained hip flexor, I haven’t been able to enjoy the sport that is usually a pillar of my week .
Its Okay To Wobble Even Instructors Do It Sometimes
Remember that instructor I mentioned earlier who suggested a modified Chaturanga pose for beginners? Well, he continued to assure the class that yoga instructors are people too, and sometimes even they wobble.
At one point in the class we were holding “Vrikshasana”, or tree pose, a standing pose where one foot is planted on the mat, the other nestled in the thigh or calf of the standing leg, and arms raised straight above the head.
Many people in the class were a bit wobbly in the pose . He suggested to focus the gaze on something still, but to not worry should we lose balance. As he was saying this, he ended up wobbling a bit and dropped the pose. He insisted that yoga is not about being perfect, but practice and repetition. So if you do drop a pose, simply take a breath, adjust, and try it again.
Class Ii Hotpod Flow Basic Yoga In A Lovely Warmth
I wish I could fit a class to the middle of the week. Despite of the good intentions and Notthing Hill location’s massive offering , it is not until Saturday I am lying in the pod again. This time I attend the 9am session, Hotpod Flow.
We are instructed to take a block with us, so no strap this time. As the class is the second of the day, the pod feels much more fresh than on the previous Sunday. The class feels fine, and the instructor is good again. We do a lot same as in any basic hatha/astanga class, benefitting from the lovely warmth. The instrcutor is different than on the first class, but good again. She clearly paid attention to the class, and once a vinyasa was not flowing as supposed, she paused everything, led by example and let us continue after that.
The class is singificantly lighter than the bikram classes I had attended previously. That could be also duet to the time, 60 minutes instead of the 90 minutes I got previously used to.
Still – a very pleasant experience. With furthe practice I would for sure learn to challenge myself and push my limits so, that I could get even more out of the classes.
I would sincerely recommend hotpod yoga for anyone, who seeks a bit rehabilation to their weekly schedule. It truly helps to stretch the muscles, and calm the mind.
What Were My Results After Three Months Of Hot Yoga
I only measured and weighed myself twice during this three-month experiment – on day 1 and on day 90. The reason being that I didn’t want to obsess over numbers, but focus on my physical and mental transformation as I was experiencing it.
My goal was to feel better about the way I looked and improve my own self-confidence, and this was never tied to a number for me. However, I did want to be able to track my progress in some way, and to be able to share my results with you in a measurable way.
The numbers ended up telling a very dramatic story.
Waist
In 3 months, I lost 4.3cm off the widest part of my waist and 6.2cm off the smallest part of my waist.
Hips
I lost 1.7cm off the widest part of my hips and a whopping 8.4cm off the smallest part.
Arms
My arms stayed exactly the same numerically, but they look totally different. They are more toned and muscular, and I feel so much stronger.
Weight
To tell the truth, I am actually no lighter now than I was when I started. However, my shape has completely changed.
I have burned a lot of fat into muscle and its distribution is now more flattering and in proportion to the rest of my body. As muscle is heavier than fat and I’m still the same weight as when I started, we can conclude that I actually did “lose weight” in the process.
I have also observed a number of other benefits from doing hot yoga:
• Overall strength – not just in my arms• Better balance• No pain or stiffness the day after
Diet
What It Takes To Build A Successful Yoga Franchise
Learn how Hotpod grew their successful yoga franchise and how their TeamUp studio management software contributed.
The Hotpod approachWhy franchise?A balanced approach
Hotpod Yoga has developed a successful business with a very modern approach to yoga. The company aims to make yoga accessible to anyone and provides hot yoga classes in its own inflatable, heated studios, which it can locate in any free space. Hotpod has also built a franchise operation that helps instructors and entrepreneurs who are passionate about yoga to build their own business. As managing director and co-founder Max Henderson explains, franchisees can draw on the experience Hotpod has gained to get their business off to a fast start and avoid the mistakes many start-ups encounter.
He also points out that, to be successful, franchisees must be clear what they want to achieve and remember they are responsible for running a business, not just offering yoga classes. They must be prepared for pressure and understand all sides of the business.
For people with those characteristics, franchising can be a great choice. They have the opportunity to teach great yoga and earn good rewards that have already provided others in the business with a six-figure income.
We interviewed Max recently to understand the driving factors behind success, and what the key benefits of this type of franchise are for a yoga instructor looking to start their own business.
Get More Bookings With The Right Tool For The Job
Staying organized has never been easier.
You can now manage your business and grow your brand with a single, powerful WordPress booking plugin that keeps all of your appointments in line, your clients organized and your business booming.
Amelia is perfect for business owners who need to streamline their booking experience both for their staff and their clients.
The Amelia WordPress booking plugin adapts to different industries for a blissful online booking experience and employee management.
Want to know more? Check out Amelia’s awesome features to see what you are missing.
If you enjoyed reading this article on yoga franchises, you should check out this one on how to start a yoga business.
My Weight Loss Results After 3 Months Of Hot Yoga
Posted on Published:
Categories Health & Lifestyle, Personal Musings
Hot yoga has without a doubt changed my body, health and entire outlook on exercise for the better.
I came to hot yoga with low self-esteem, deflated about my body image and desperate to have an exercise regimen that gave me results, while also crucially working within my lifestyle.
I was struggling with:• Bulging belly and flabby, undefined arms• Slowing metabolism in my 30s• A work and travel schedule that threw my eating and exercise schedule for a loop• Finding an exercise routine that was effective, fit into my schedule and, most importantly, that I enjoyed and could continue doing
I had tried going to a regular gym, doing dance and aerobics classes, running, and doing yoga, aerobics and stretching with YouTube videos on my own at home.
What I realized through these exercise endeavors was that I don’t enjoy running or long sessions on a threadmill or bike, and that I dislike anything that involves a lot of jumping, as is the case with some aerobics and dance routines . I enjoyed exercising more and was also more likely to follow through when I scheduled a set group class. This counteracted the loneliness and demotivation I had often felt when trying to exercise home alone at night, and the set time and place pushed me to make room for exercise in my schedule.
So, before I dive in about my experience and results with hot yoga, I want to clarify what it is and what you can expect from a hot yoga class.
How Soon Did I Start Seeing Results With Hot Yoga
I started seeing noticeable results, including a significant decrease in my belly bulge, more toned arms and general improved strength, within 1-2 weeks of starting hot yoga. This was at a pace of 5 lessons a week and doing no other exercise or making any dietary changes.
Motivated by my quick results and how much better I felt about myself, I started to crave hot yoga. I found myself checking the time just to see if it was time for class yet.
The results just got better from there – my husband noticed it and my instructors noticed it – my recently purchased yoga tops already fitting more loosely around my middle.
Towards the end of my three-month experiment, I felt that changes to the naked eye had plateaued or at least slowed down, but I think this is only natural in any weight loss or body transformation journey. And despite my belly looking basically the same for a few weeks, it felt very different. When I touched it, I could feel the hardening muscles underneath and I knew they would show themselves with some more time and hard work.
In 12 weeks, I did a total of 45 lessons . That’s an average of 3.75 lessons a week.
What Do You Need To Bring To A Hotpod Yoga Class
Wear something you feel happy wearing and that will allow you to move comfortably – something stretchy is best! You’ll also need a big towel that can cover your mat as this will stop those Bambi legs making an appearance in the pod.
Be sure to stay hydrated throughout the day, both before and after the session. Bring a bottle of water to class as staying hydrated throughout will help you enjoy the class to its full potential. But don’t worry if you forget these, there are towels to rent and filtered water on site! And no worries if you have a hot date after class – showers and hair dryers are also available so you can leave in style.
Hot Yoga: The Dangers And Myths You Need To Know
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Gymnastics, CrossFit, Health, Biology
In the town that I currently live in, I really can’t walk down the street without seeing at least one yoga studio. On top of that, every single yoga studio is a heated studio, meaning that all classes are done in a heated room with a temperature range from around 90 degrees to 117 degrees. I will not lie to any of you, I was a hot yoga junkie for a long time. That is, until I learned more about the effects of heat on the body when doing any sort of movement, albeit yoga or working out in external, extreme heat.
Hot yoga is a huge craze at the moment. It’s getting more difficult to find a studio that isn’t heated, and all modalities are taught in a heated environment from the standard Bikram to Vinyasa. I was a yoga teacher, having taught in heated and unheated environments, but having some other education has helped me learn more about what I was teaching. Hopefully the facts can help you make the decision yourself, whether yoga in external heat is your friend or your enemy.
